Head of Finance at Zipline

About You and the Role  

• As Head of Finance for Zipline Africa, you will be a core member of Zipline’s Africa Leadership Team, responsible for driving financial strategy, operational efficiency, and growth initiatives across our Africa operations.
• Reporting into our US-based Global Head of Finance, you will work closely with our local finance and accounting teams to ensure Zipline’s financial health and scalability across multiple African markets.
• This role requires a seasoned finance leader with international experience and expertise in managing the financial complexities of scaling a high-growth, operations-intensive business. You will be instrumental in developing strategic analyses to enhance profitability and scalability for Zipline’s Platform 1 business in Africa.
• The location of this position is flexible: Based in Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire or remote with significant travel to those countries

What You'll Do
Financial Strategy & Leadership:

• Act as a strategic partner to Zipline’s Africa leadership team, advising on financial planning, investment decisions, and business growth initiatives. 
• Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis to optimize financial resources and ensure the sustainability of Zipline’s Africa operations.
• Identify and implement cost-saving and efficiency strategies to improve profitability while maintaining operational excellence.
• Develop long-term financial models to assess different market strategies and guide expansion efforts.

Accounting & Compliance:

• Partner with local accounting teams to improve financial reporting accuracy, streamline processes, and ensure timely financial close cycles.
• Work with Zipline’s US-based finance leadership to standardize financial practices across global operations.
• Participate in audit processes and liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure transparency and compliance.
• Coordinate with local and US-based Tax advisors to ensure Tax compliance across entities

Operational Finance & Business Partnering:

• Serve as a financial thought leader for Zipline’s operations in Africa, helping local teams navigate financial complexities and drive sustainable growth.
• Partner with engineering, supply chain, logistics, and deployment teams to ensure cost-effective operations and strong unit economics.
• Work closely with government, donor and commercial partners to structure financially viable contracts and partnerships.

Scaling & Profitability of Zipline’s Business:

• Conduct strategic financial analysis to enhance the scalability and profitability of Zipline’s Platform 1 operations in Africa.
• Develop insights into market expansion opportunities, pricing strategies, and operational efficiencies to drive sustainable business growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess the financial feasibility of launching new products and services in Africa.
• Develop roadmaps and strategies for Zipline to launch Platform 2 in Africa

Requirements
What You'll Bring:

• 8+ years of experience in finance, including 2+ years in a financial leadership role within a multinational or high-growth company.
• Knowledge of accounting principals and direct experience working with IFRS and local accounting regulations in African markets.
• Experience managing financial operations for an international company with African market exposure.
• Proven ability to partner with in-country finance and accounting teams while partnering with global finance leadership.
• Excellent financial modeling, forecasting, and strategic analysis skills.
• Experience working with operations-heavy businesses (e.g., supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing).
• Ability to influence executive stakeholders and work cross-functionally across finance, operations, and commercial teams.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to operate in fast-paced and evolving markets.