Financial Manager

Purpose of Position The Financial Manager is responsible for leading and managing the full finance function of the organisation, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and effective financial planning. Operating within a project-based SME environment, the role ensures financial sustainability by providing strategic insights, overseeing project financial performance, and supporting executive decision‑making.

This role is both strategic and hands‑on, suitable for a leader comfortable managing detail while guiding the long‑term financial direction of a growing business.

Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the finance function and provide financial insight to support organisational strategy.
• Advise the executive team on financial opportunities, risks, and business performance.
• Drive financial process optimisation and implement best‑practice financial controls.
• Oversee the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks. Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Review and approve management accounts, reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Prepare consolidated financial reports and board‑level reporting packs. Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow Management

• Lead annual budgeting and financial planning cycles.
• Prepare rolling forecasts and scenario planning to support operational decision‑making.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and liquidity, ensuring proactive risk management.
• Provide project profitability and cost‑to-complete analysis. Project Finance Management (Project‑Based Business)

• Develop project budgets and track financial performance per project.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition aligned with project milestones.
• Monitor project costs, margins, and financial risks.
• Support project managers with financial insights and variance analysis Compliance, Audit & Tax

• Ensure statutory compliance (Companies Act, Tax Act, VAT Act, etc.).
• Oversee external audits and manage relationships with auditors.
• Ensure timely submission of tax returns, VAT, PAYE, and statutory reports.
• Implement controls to mitigate financial and fraud risks. Team Leadership & Operational Management

• Manage, coach, and develop the Finance Resources.
• Establish KPIs and ensure accountability within the finance team.
• Oversee payroll accuracy and compliance (processed by the Finance Administrator).
• Ensure efficient AP, AR, invoicing, and credit control processes. Systems, Controls & Process Improvement

• Oversee financial systems (ERP/Accounting software).
• Strengthen internal controls across the finance cycle.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation of finance processes.

Education

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.
• Solid grounding in financial principles, reporting standards, and business management. Preferred

• Postgraduate qualification such as MBA, MSc Finance, MCom Accounting, or Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management.
• Specialized study in areas like corporate finance, risk management, or strategic management.
• Strong understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and local regulatory frameworks.
• Exposure to business law, taxation, and corporate governance through formal study.  Certifications (Preferred)

It will be advantageous if the candidate holds at least one of the following professional certifications:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• CA (Chartered Accountant)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant) Added Advantage

• Multiple certifications or advanced levels (e.g., CFA Level II/III, CA + MBA).
• Continuous professional development courses in taxation, risk management, or corporate governance. Experience                             

• 5–8 years of progressive finance/accounting experience, ideally with exposure to SMEs or mid-sized organizations.
• Proven ability to manage end-to-end finance functions including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and statutory compliance.
• Experience in designing and implementing internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with IFRS and local regulations.
• Track record of process improvement initiatives, such as streamlining reporting cycles, automating reconciliations, or improving cash flow management.
• Hands-on experience with financial systems integration (ERP, accounting software like Sage, QuickBooks, or SAP Business One).
• Prior involvement in audit preparation and risk management, ensuring readiness for external reviews.
• Demonstrated ability to support strategic decision-making by providing accurate, timely financial insights to leadership. Skills & Attributes

Technical Skills:

• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Strong ability to prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports; interpret financial data; and provide actionable insights.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Skilled in developing budgets, monitoring variances, and adjusting forecasts to support business growth.
• Systems Proficiency: Hands-on experience with SME-relevant ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, SAP Business One) and advanced Excel/BI tools.
• Internal Controls: Ability to design, implement, and monitor financial controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance.
• Process Improvement: Experience in streamlining reporting cycles, automating reconciliations, and improving efficiency through technology.
• Compliance & Governance: Knowledge of IFRS, tax regulations, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management: Practical expertise in managing liquidity, optimizing working capital, and supporting operational needs. Behavioural Attributes:

• Analytical Mindset: Approaches problems logically, interprets financial data accurately, and makes sound recommendations under pressure.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy in reporting and compliance, ensuring reliability of financial information even with limited resources.
• Leadership & Team Orientation: Inspires and mentors small finance teams, while collaborating effectively with operations, sales, and executive leadership.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in dynamic SME environments, adjusting quickly to shifting priorities, resource constraints, and growth challenges.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identifies inefficiencies early and takes initiative to implement improvements without waiting for direction.
• Effective Communication: Translates complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Demonstrates ethical judgment, discretion with sensitive financial information, and a commitment to compliance.
• Strategic Thinking: Balances day-to-day operational needs with long-term financial planning to support sustainable growth. Knowledge Requirements

Systems

• Strong working knowledge of SME-relevant ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, SAP Business One).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, financial modelling) and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Ability to integrate financial systems with operational platforms to improve reporting accuracy and efficiency.
• Understanding of system controls (user access, audit trails, approval workflows). Controls

• Knowledge of internal control frameworks (segregation of duties, reconciliations, authorization procedures).
• Familiarity with compliance requirements: IFRS, tax regulations, payroll legislation, and statutory reporting.
• Ability to design and monitor risk management practices to prevent fraud and financial misstatements.
• Experience in preparing for internal and external audits, ensuring readiness and compliance. Process Improvement

• Skilled in streamlining financial processes (month-end close, reporting cycles, reconciliations).
• Knowledge of automation tools to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives that reduce costs and enhance productivity.
• Understanding of change management principles to successfully embed new processes and systems.
• Experience in aligning financial processes with business strategy and growth objectives.