CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The Chief Financial Officer has primary responsibility for the planning, implementation, managing and running of all the finance activities of the company, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting and negotiations.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Job Summary: 

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has primary responsibility for the planning, implementation, managing and running of all the finance activities of the company, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting and negotiations.

As a key member of the senior management team, the CFO reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, the CFO manages the daily operations of the accounting department and provides accurate and timely management information.

The incumbent manages the staff and processes involved in the department’s key accounting and administrative functions to ensure compliance with accounting policies, chart of accounts and generally accepted accounting principles.

Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

Leadership and Management 

• Direct, plan and manage the finance and accounting function of the Group.
• Ensure accuracy of accounting systems and compliance with accounting policies, chart of accounts and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly financial statements and variance analyses. Ensure all statutory payments and legal filing obligations are completed and submitted on time.
• Develop Group accounting team members and provide support in dealing with recruitment, onboarding, training, and development.
• Drive employee engagement by personal interaction and engagement with the team to develop and coach them in their duties and responsibilities.
• Conduct regular performance appraisals, providing prompt feedback on improvements needed to improve employee effectiveness.
• Develop KPIs for finance function. Including, bank reconciliations and cash and collections management.
• Develop and implement a performance management system to monitor and measure staff and process performance.
• Together with Chief Executive Officer, develop risk register, complete monthly risk reports as required, identify residual risks, and implement a system to reduce company risks.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer and members of the executive management team. Advising on long-term business and financial planning.
• Build teams and develop relationships with senior management, external partners and stakeholders.
• Represent Company in relevant client meetings, site visits, project workgroups or project boards.

Business Process Improvements

• Manage the processes for financial forecasting and budgets (quarterly and annually).
• Review processes, workflows, resource availability and scheduling. Implement procedures and recommend policy/system changes.
• Review and improve all formal finance and accounting system related procedures within the Group.
• Lead the development of standard operating procedures for cross functional processes within the Group’s subsidiaries, divisions and departments, that affects the General Ledger, i.e., Finance, Sales, Inventory Management, Procurement and Order Processing teams.
• Ensure end of month financial cut-offs are understood and done properly i.e., Closing the month within 5 working days.
• Review and improve the end of year closing process for accounting systems and preparation of associated financial statements in accordance with established guidelines and timelines.
• Establish robust process to guide the annual audit and liaise with external audit firm to facilitate the timely completion of annual financial audits.
• Responding to financial inquiries by gathering and interpreting data and provision of ad hoc analysis.

Reports

Finance Reports to include:

• Weekly cash flow statements.
• Monthly financial statements, spend analysis and management variance reports (against plan/forecast) by department/categories.
• Annual Y/E financial statements and management accounts.
• Executive management reports and ad hoc reports as needed, i.e., Status, Exception and Monthly Project Reports.
• Ensure timely submission of all reports as requested. Supervise the preparation of all reports as requested by management and related parties.

General Expectations

• Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation and as a relationship builder.
• Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with suppliers, customers and co-workers and including the ability to communicate effectively while maintaining composure under pressure.
• Displays engaging interpersonal skills including the ability to think and act strategically, provide sound judgment, and provide a positive and energetic attitude.
• Provides systematic and dependable follow up, as well as a high level of organization and preparedness.
• Maintains workflow under pressure and in a fast-paced, high-profile work environment.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a Professional Qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, CMA or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in accounting, or relevant field would be considered an asset.
• At least seven (7) years’ experience in financial accounting, with at least five (5) of those years in a lead position.
• Experience working with SAGE accounting software is an asset.
• Experience with all software in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Good at negotiating, networking and conflict resolution.
• Planning and Organizing – Sets clear and achievable goals consistent with agreed priorities for self and others
• Professionalism – Masters subject matter related to responsibilities. Able to maintain professional composure under stressful situations.
• Teamwork – Actively contributes to an effective, collegial, and agreeable team environment.
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, risk assessment, risk management and problem-solving skills
• Sound ability to identify and assess trends and changes in the environment and to manage