Head of Finance at HRLeverage Africa

Background

• The responsibilities of a head of finance include managing financial tasks and ensuring that finances are used beneficially. You should also ensure that investments and finances comply with regulations.
• To be successful as a head of finance, you should demonstrate excellent leadership qualities and experience in modelling financial strategies. Ultimately, a competent Head of Finance should maintain the finances of the organisation effectively and increase profitability.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing tax compliance, optimization, planning strategies and the accounting team
• Manage treasury operations, including cash management and investment activities.
• Safeguard financial stability through effective asset and liability management.
• Handle/ Review budget planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Implement professional financial recording, reporting, cost optimization, and profitability strategies.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in Excel, including Power Queries, and Pivot Tables.
• Managing the organisation's financial reporting. This comprises all required financial reporting, monthly financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Managing and overseeing the financial systems of the organisation.
• Providing sound financial assistance and information to management in order for it to make important business decisions.
• Present financial statistics and insights to the Board of Directors.
• Perform risk analysis, profit analysis, appraisal and analysis of investments.
• Forecast daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance.
• Compare investment opportunities and make recommendations.
• Ascertain all accounting endeavours and audits comply with financial laws and rules.
• Relationship management with Investors (where applicable).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A Master’s Degree or professional certification in taxation or treasury management would be advantageous.
• Proven experience (at least 5 years) in financial management and planning, tax compliance, and treasury management roles, credit and risk control preferably within the microfinance industry or banking sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of liquidity management, cash flow forecasting, and investment strategies within a financial institution. Proficient in managing liquidity, cash flow, and investment activities to optimise the bank’s financial stability and profitability.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess financial risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Strong leadership and management abilities, with the capability to guide and motivate a team. Sound organisational and time management skills, with a focus on prioritisation and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, communicate complex tax and treasury concepts clearly and effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Ethical and trustworthy, demonstrating a high level of integrity in dealing with financial and tax-related information.
• Strong data analysis skills, capable of interpreting financial information, identifying trends, and making informed recommendations.
• Strong understanding of taxation laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, with the ability to interpret and apply complex tax rules.
• Proficiency in using accounting , finance modelling and treasury management software and tools.