Finance Manager at SAO Group

Role Summary

• The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the cocoa processing plant, ensuring accurate financial reporting, cost control, budgeting, compliance, and efficient financial management to support operational and strategic business objectives.
• The role provides financial oversight across cocoa procurement, production, inventory, exports, utilities, and plant operations while ensuring compliance with company policies and statutory regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Manage daily financial operations including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, management accounts, and variance analysis.
• Ensure accuracy of financial records and compliance with accounting standards and company policies.

Cost Control & Production Finance

• Monitor and analyze production costs across cocoa processing operations including raw materials, utilities, labor, maintenance, packaging, and logistics.
• Track cost per ton of cocoa processed and support cost optimization initiatives.
• Conduct inventory valuation and monitor stock movement for cocoa beans, semi-finished products, and finished goods.
• Support operational teams with financial analysis and cost efficiency recommendations.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Coordinate annual budgeting and forecasting processes for the plant.
• Monitor budget utilization and provide financial performance analysis against approved budgets.
• Support strategic planning and investment decisions through financial modeling and analysis.

Treasury, Compliance & Audit Management

• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and payment processes.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, statutory deductions, and financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Maintain proper financial controls and risk management processes.
• Manage the payroll of all staff on the cocoa plant as well as financial statutory compliance such as tax, audits, pension and other required payments.

Procurement & Commercial Support

• Support procurement and supply chain teams with financial evaluation of suppliers, contracts, and operational expenditures.
• Monitor cocoa procurement costs, pricing trends, and payment schedules.
• Support export documentation, invoicing, and financial reconciliation for cocoa product shipments.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Supervise finance team activities and ensure effective performance management.
• Strengthen internal controls, financial systems, and reporting processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within finance and administrative operations.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 7 years finance and accounting experience in manufacturing, FMCG, or agro-processing industry.
• Experience in cost accounting and plant finance management is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of inventory management and export finance operations is an advantage
• Professional certification in ICAN, ACCA, ACA or CFA