Finance Manager

The Finance Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and controlling all financial activities of the company. The position ensures effective financial management of importation operations and production activities, including budgeting, cash flow management, financial reporting, trade finance, inventory control, cost accounting, and regulatory compliance. The Finance Manager provides strategic financial support to management to maximize profitability,
optimize working capital, and support sustainable business growth.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Financial Planning and Reporting
   • Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
   • Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
   • Develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
   • Monitor actual results against budgets and investigate significant variances.
   • Develop relationships with the banking sector
   • Work with external auditors firm
2. Importation/Exportation Finance Management
   • Manage financial aspects of importation, including supplier payments, trade finance facilities, Letters of Credit (LCs), and foreign currency transactions.
   • Monitor import costs, including purchase prices, freight, insurance, customs duties, port charges, storage fees, and inland transportation costs.
   • Ensure accurate landed cost calculations and inventory valuation.
   • Analyze import margins and profitability by product, supplier, and shipment.
   • Support procurement and commercial teams in supplier negotiations through financial analysis and cost evaluations.
3. Production Cost Control
   • Oversee product-costing systems for flour production.
   • Monitor and analyze production costs, including wheat/raw materials, packaging, labor, utilities, maintenance, and manufacturing overheads.
   • Review production efficiency indicators and recommend cost-saving initiatives.
   • Ensure accurate inventory accounting for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
   • Support plant management in improving operational and financial performance.
4. Treasury and Working Capital Management
   • Manage the company’s cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for importation and production activities.
   • Optimize working capital through effective management of inventory, receivables, and payables.
   • Maintain relationships with banks and financial institutions.
   • Negotiate and manage financing arrangements, trade credit facilities, and working capital loans.
   • Monitor foreign exchange exposure and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
5. Risk Management and Compliance
   • Develop and maintain internal financial controls and risk management procedures.
   • Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, customs requirements, and company policies.
   • Coordinate external audits and tax filings.
   • Monitor commodity price fluctuations, exchange rate risks, and other financial risks impacting the business.
6. Leadership and Team Management
   • Lead, mentor, and supervise the finance and accounting team.
   • Establish departmental objectives and performance indicators.
   • Promote continuous improvement of financial processes and reporting systems.
   • Ensure timely and accurate completion of all accounting and finance activities.
7. Strategic Business Support
   • Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
   • Evaluate capital investment projects, expansion plans, and operational improvements.
   • Participate in business planning and growth initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance, minor in Business Administration and experience in the private sector.
• Professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA, CMA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in finance and accounting, including at least 5 years in a management role.
• Experience in food manufacturing, industry and commodity trading.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, trade finance, treasury, and financial analysis, financial statement and sales report.
• Preferable experience in Microsoft Dynamics and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Key Competencies

• Financial Planning and Analysis
• Cost Accounting and Manufacturing Finance
• Trade Finance and Import Cost Management
• Treasury and Cash Flow Management
• Inventory and Working Capital Optimization
• Risk Management and Internal Controls
• Leadership and Team Development
• Strategic Thinking and Business Partnership
• Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Excellent Communication and Negotiation Skills

Abbreviations:

• CPA: Certified Public Accountant in finance
• ACCA: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants or equivalent like OCPAH
• CMA: Certified Management Accountant (Finance & Business)
• FMCG: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
• ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning