Assistant Manager Business Finance (Africa Region)

1. Business Finance & Management Reporting:

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation and submission of MIS, financial statements, and management reports.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis and periodic business reviews to identify risks, opportunities, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Provide actionable insights to management for strategic decision-making.
• Monitor key business KPIs and support achievement of regional financial objectives.
• Partner with commercial and operational teams to drive profitability and business growth.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting exercises for the Africa region.
• Develop long-term financial plans aligned with business strategy and growth objectives.
• Analyze budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Support scenario planning and financial modeling to assess business opportunities and risks.
• Ensure robust financial planning processes and governance.

3. Accounting & Financial Control

• Support country finance teams in day-to-day finance operations, including sales accounting, inventory accounting, vendor management, and SAP transactions.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records in compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
• Review accounting entries, reconciliations, and month-end closing activities.
• Maintain overall account hygiene and strengthen financial controls within SAP.
• Drive process improvements and standardization across countries.

4. Accounts Payable Management

• Review and verify vendor payments across the Africa region.
• Ensure payments are processed in accordance with approved policies, contracts, and Delegation of Authority (DoA) requirements.
• Monitor vendor ageing and payment cycles to maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Strengthen payment controls and ensure appropriate documentation and approvals.

5. Working Capital Management

• Review inventory levels and monitor inventory liquidation plans to optimize stock holdings.
• Drive initiatives to minimize slow-moving and limited shelf-life (LSL) inventory.
• Review customer receivables and ensure timely collection of outstanding balances.
• Monitor debtor ageing and collaborate with business teams to improve collections.
• Prepare and review cash flow forecasts and liquidity plans.
• Manage working capital effectively to optimize cash generation and financial performance.

6. Audit, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all statutory, tax, regulatory, and internal corporate requirements.
• Coordinate and manage internal and external audits across the region.
• Track and ensure timely closure of audit observations and corrective actions.
• Ensure strict adherence to Delegation of Authority (DoA) and internal control frameworks.
• Identify compliance risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Support implementation of corporate governance and risk management initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Chartered Accountant (CA)
• 2-3 years of experience in finance, accounting, business partnering, and financial planning.
• Experience in multinational organizations and managing regional finance operations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Experience in preparation of MIS, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and working capital management.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Financial Reporting & MIS
• Budgeting