Chief Financial Officer at Protege Professionals

Job Summary

• The CFO will be responsible to build scalable financial systems, ensure compliance, and turn data into decisions in driving financial strategy, ensuring fiscal health, and supporting sustainable business growth.
• This position requires strong financial leadership to oversee budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and compliance while optimizing financial performance in the leasing industry.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting:

• Building scalable accounting processes, managing accounts receivable/payable, and overseeing payroll.
• Oversee preparation and consolidation of financial statements (in line with IFRS & local GAAP).
• Ensure timely reporting to management, regulators, and investors.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and liquidity management across subsidiaries.

Funding & Capital Management:

• Leading fundraising efforts, negotiating terms with investors (VCs), and managing equity dilution.
• Structure funding models for projects and working capital requirements.
• Assess M&A opportunities, partnerships, and capital raising strategies.

Taxation & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all tax regulations and optimize tax efficiency.
• Oversee internal controls, risk management frameworks, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate statutory audits and liaise with external auditors.

Strategic Leadership:

• Producing regular, transparent financial reports and presenting to the Board of Directors.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with group objectives.
• Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risk management, and investment opportunities.
• Lead group-level financial planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis.

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A):

• Creating and updating financial models, budgeting, forecasting, and tracking key business metrics.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and build capacity within the finance team across subsidiaries.
• Implement performance management frameworks for finance staff.
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellence.

KPIs
Financial Strategy & Reporting:

• Accuracy and timeliness of group financial reports (monthly, quarterly, annual).
• Implementation of financial strategies approved by the Board.

Tax & Compliance:

• Zero penalties or fines from tax/regulatory authorities.
• Timely completion of annual audits (within statutory deadlines).
• Percentage reduction in tax liabilities through efficient structuring.

Access to Finance & Capital Management:

• Amount of funding raised (equity, debt, grants) within the year.
• Cost of capital compared to industry benchmarks.
• Cash flow coverage ratio maintained above required thresholds.

Operational Efficiency:

• Reduction in financial leakages or inefficiencies (measured annually).
• Implementation of group-wide ERP or financial management systems.
• Working capital cycle improvements (receivables, payables, inventory).

Leadership & Team Development:

• Staff retention rate in the finance team.
• Percentage of finance staff achieving professional certifications.
• Employee satisfaction score within the finance department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics (Master’s / MBA preferred).
• Professional certifications: ICAN, ACCA, CFA, or CPA required.
• 12+ years’ progressive experience in finance leadership, with at least 5 years as CFO/Finance Director in a group or conglomerate structure.
• Strong knowledge of taxation, audit processes, IFRS, and financial compliance.
• Proven track record of raising capital and managing banking/investor relations.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.

Key Skills:

• Financial strategy & risk management.
• Taxation, audit, and compliance expertise.
• Capital raising & investor relations.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Leadership, communication, and negotiation.