Assistant Manager Business Finance (Africa Region)

Job description

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