Job Brief:
As the Head of Finance, you will lead the finance department, providing strategic direction, financial expertise, and leadership to drive the organization's financial performance and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and accounting standards.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and plans aligned with the organization's goals, objectives, and vision.
- Provide leadership and direction to the finance team, including financial managers, analysts, and accountants, to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.
- Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, and risk management.
- Manage the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads and senior management to develop and review budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
- Monitor financial performance against budget, forecast, and key performance indicators (KPIs), analyzing variances and trends and providing insights and recommendations to improve financial results.
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, reports, and disclosures in accordance with accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
- Coordinate and liaise with external auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with financial reporting and tax obligations.
- Develop and maintain effective internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard assets, mitigate risks, and ensure integrity and accuracy in financial reporting and operations.
- Assess and manage financial risks, including currency exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk, and implement strategies to mitigate and manage these risks effectively.
- Lead financial analysis and modeling initiatives to support strategic decision-making, investment evaluation, and business planning processes.
- Evaluate and optimize capital structure, financing options, and investment opportunities to maximize shareholder value and support growth initiatives.
- Provide financial insights and guidance to senior management and the board of directors, presenting financial performance, forecasts, and recommendations at meetings and presentations.
- Lead mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, including due diligence, valuation, negotiation, and integration efforts, to support strategic growth and expansion initiatives.
- Stay updated on industry trends, market developments, and regulatory changes affecting the organization's financial operations and performance.
- Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within the finance department, promoting teamwork, professional development, and excellence in performance.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field; master's degree in business administration (MBA) or finance is preferred.
- Professional certification, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Chartered Accountant (CA), is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in finance leadership roles, with a track record of success in financial management, strategic planning, and business performance improvement.
- Deep knowledge of financial principles, accounting standards, taxation, and regulatory requirements applicable to the organization's industry and geographic locations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends and insights, and develop actionable recommendations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate financial concepts and insights to non-financial stakeholders effectively.
- Leadership qualities, including vision, integrity, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve excellence.
- Experience in managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including senior executives and board members.
- Proficiency in financial analysis tools, modeling techniques, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
- Results-oriented mindset, with a focus on driving financial performance, maximizing profitability, and creating long-term shareholder value.
Required Skills:
- Financial management
- Strategic planning
- Financial analysis
- Leadership
- Communication skills
- Risk management
- Compliance
- Decision-making
- Team management
- Business acumen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is head of finance same as CFO?
The terms "head of finance" and "CFO (Chief Financial Officer)" are often used interchangeably, but they can have different implications depending on the organization's structure and size. In many cases, the head of finance is equivalent to the CFO, who is the highest-ranking financial officer responsible for overseeing all aspects of a company's financial operations. However, in larger organizations, there may be multiple layers of management within the finance department, and the head of finance could refer to a senior executive reporting to the CFO or serving as the CFO's deputy.
What is the head of finance level?
The head of finance typically holds a senior leadership position within an organization's finance department. They are responsible for leading and managing the finance team, overseeing financial operations, developing financial strategies, and providing financial guidance to support the organization's objectives.
What is the job title of the head of finance?
The job title of the head of finance can vary depending on the organization, but common titles include Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Finance Director, Vice President of Finance, Head of Finance and Administration, or Finance Manager. These titles may reflect differences in the organization's structure, industry norms, or specific responsibilities assigned to the role.
What is the role of the head of finance and administration?
The role of the head of finance and administration typically involves overseeing both the financial and administrative functions within an organization.
