The Financial Manager will be responsible for the overseeing the regional financial operations of Africa, ensuring effective management of budgets, forecasting, reporting, and compliance. This role serves as a strategic partner to regional leadership, driving financial performance and supporting business objectives.

Main Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for regional leadership in line with deadlines
• Oversee the budgeting and forecasting process across all locations in the region
• Ensure compliance across African locations with corporate reporting standards and regional regulatory requirements
• Highlight financial trends and provide actionable insights to address opportunities and challenges

Operational Oversight:

• Monitor and control regional operational expenses, ensuring efficient use of resources
• Collaborate with operational teams to improve cost efficiency and profitability
• Work closely with operations to improve business performance and deliver results in line with budgets and forecasts
• Ensure optimal levels of working capital management are in place to improve the cash conversion cycle
• Oversee the implementation of financial policies, procedures, and systems across the region
• Ensure optimal repatriation of funds from locations in Africa to requested locations, minimizing tax levels and timeliness of transfers

Team Leadership:

• Supervise and mentor regional finance staff, fostering a culture of high performance
• Provide training and support to enhance the skills and expertise of the finance team
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure financial strategies are integrated into operational plans
• Set objectives and KPIs through annual performance plans for team members in line with regional goals

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with local tax, regulatory, and legal requirements by delivering returns in line with local and regional deadlines
• Ensure business functions are in line with the DOA and other control-based mechanisms
• Identify financial risks and implement strategies to mitigate them
• Ensure monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts
• Support internal and external audits, addressing any findings effectively

Business Partnering:

• Work closely with regional leadership to support business growth initiatives
• Provide financial input on new projects, investments, and expansion plans
• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, offering guidance on the financial implications of strategic decisions

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and enhance accuracy
• Design and implement robust policies and procedures to safeguard assets and smooth the running of the businesses across the region
• Roll out initiatives to improve business performance
• Support the adoption of new technologies and tools for financial management
• Drive initiatives to improve financial information provided to support businesses in their decision-making process

Recognized Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• Qualified Accountant through one of the Internationally recognized Institutes (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• 5 plus years of experience in financial management, preferably in a regional or multi-location role (Angola a preference)
• Strong knowledge of local and international financial reporting standards and regulations
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Effective leadership and team management abilities
• Proficiency in financial software and advanced MS Excel skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders
• Microsoft Dynamix that is a plus but not essential
• Candidates need to have a strong background in one of the main ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards).

Behaviour and Personal Qualities:

Essential:

• Strong Leader
• Excellent Communicator
• Problem solving
• Time oriented
• Hits deadlines
• Continuous improvement
• Honesty & Integrity
• Proactive mindset
• Builds relationships