Roles and responsibilities
1. Financial Management
- Cash Flow Management: Oversee the organization’s cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity for day-to-day operations, as well as long-term financial planning.
- Bank Accounts: Manage and monitor bank accounts, ensuring the organization’s funds are appropriately distributed across accounts for operational needs and strategic purposes.
- Short-Term and Long-Term Funding: Plan and manage short-term borrowing and long-term debt to meet the organization’s financial needs and growth strategies.
- Investment Management: Oversee and advise on the organization's investment portfolio, ensuring it aligns with risk tolerance, financial goals, and compliance standards.
2. Budgeting and Forecasting
- Prepare Budgets: Lead the preparation of annual budgets, working closely with department heads and senior management to align with organizational goals.
- Financial Forecasting: Regularly forecast the organization’s financial position, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and helping to plan for the future financial requirements.
3. Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Financial Statements: Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
- Variance Analysis: Monitor financial performance against the budget and prior periods, providing detailed analysis on variances and recommending corrective actions if necessary.
- Internal Controls: Establish and enforce financial controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and prevent fraud or mismanagement.
4. Risk Management
- Risk Assessment: Identify financial risks, including liquidity, market, and operational risks, and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
- Insurance: Manage and review the organization’s insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage and protection against financial losses.
5. Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the organization complies with financial regulations and standards, including tax laws, financial reporting standards, and industry regulations.
- Audit Coordination: Act as the primary contact for auditors, preparing necessary documentation, ensuring timely audits, and addressing any findings or recommendations.
- Tax Management: Oversee tax filings, ensuring compliance with tax laws and minimizing tax liabilities, while working with external tax professionals as needed.
6. Stakeholder Communication
- Report to Senior Management/Board: Regularly update senior management and the board of directors on the financial health of the organization, key financial metrics, and strategic financial decisions.
- Liaison with External Partners: Maintain relationships with external financial stakeholders, including banks, investors, and auditors, to ensure effective financial partnerships and compliance.
Desired candidate profile
1. Education and Experience
- Educational Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is essential. A master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Finance is an advantage.
- Professional Certification: Certification such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Accountant (CA) is highly preferred.
- Experience: At least 5-10 years of experience in financial management, accounting, or treasury, with a strong background in managing corporate finance, cash flow, investments, and risk management.
- Industry-Specific Experience: Experience in the specific industry the organization operates in (e.g., retail, corporate, non-profit, etc.) is beneficial but not required.
2. Key Skills and Competencies
- Financial Management: In-depth knowledge of financial management, including cash flow management, debt management, budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies.
- Risk Management: Strong ability to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, including liquidity, market, and operational risks.
- Strategic Financial Planning: Ability to provide strategic advice on financial planning and long-term goals, guiding decision-makers in achieving organizational objectives.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis: Expertise in preparing and analyzing financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and reports for senior management and stakeholders.
- Treasury Operations: Experience managing treasury functions such as cash management, banking relationships, and financial transactions.
- Investment Management: Knowledge of investment options and portfolio management, with the ability to make informed decisions on investments and manage risks effectively.
- Taxation & Compliance: Deep understanding of tax laws and financial regulations, ensuring the organization’s compliance with all applicable laws and industry standards.
- Technology Proficiency: Skilled in financial software and systems (e.g., ERP systems, financial planning tools, Excel). Experience with automation and financial analytics tools is a plus.
3. Behavioral and Personal Attributes
- Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor a finance team, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment.
- Analytical Thinking: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and anticipate financial challenges.
- Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail in all financial processes, ensuring accuracy and integrity in financial reporting.
- Integrity and Ethics: Strong sense of ethics, transparency, and confidentiality in handling financial information, building trust within the organization and with external stakeholders.
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Ability to make sound, strategic decisions in high-pressure situations, balancing short-term needs with long-term goals.