Senior Finance Manager – Africa Operations

Job Title: Finance Director – Africa & Asia Operations

Location: [To be specified]

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer / CEO

We are seeking an experienced and strategic finance leader to drive financial performance, governance, and growth across our African and Asian operations. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with exceptional cross-cultural skills to bridge regional and group objectives effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership
  • Lead financial strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
  • Drive financial planning, scenario modeling, and data-informed strategic decision-making.
  • Provide advisory support to executive leadership on capital allocation and growth initiatives.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
  • Lead annual budgeting processes and quarterly rolling forecasts.
  • Develop financial models to evaluate business performance and growth scenarios.
  • Establish financial dashboards linking KPIs to commercial outcomes.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance
  • Oversee preparation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS and local statutory requirements.
  • Ensure tax compliance and regulatory adherence.
  • Liaise with external auditors, regulators, and tax advisors.
• Cashflow & Working Capital Management
  • Monitor cashflow, liquidity, and working capital cycles.
  • Implement disciplined treasury and liquidity management processes.
  • Optimize receivables, payables, and cost structures to improve cash conversion efficiency.
• Risk Management & Internal Controls
  • Identify financial and operational risks and implement mitigation frameworks.
  • Design and strengthen internal control systems and governance structures.
  • Ensure proper segregation of duties and financial oversight mechanisms.
• Systems & Process Optimization
  • Oversee ERP and financial system implementations or upgrades.
  • Improve reporting efficiency, automation, and data accuracy.
  • Drive finance process transformation initiatives to enhance scalability.
• Cost Optimization & Margin Enhancement
  • Support cost optimization and margin improvement initiatives.
  • Conduct profitability analysis across business units and product lines.
  • Provide commercial insights to enhance financial performance.
• Regional Liaison & Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as the primary finance liaison between Asian-based leadership teams and African operations.
  • Coordinate regional reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and performance review processes.
  • Facilitate alignment on financial policies, governance standards, and strategic initiatives across regions.
  • Build strong relationships with regional and local stakeholders to ensure effective communication and execution of business priorities.

Candidate Profile

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related discipline.
• CPA (K), ACCA, or equivalent professional qualification required.
• Master’s degree is an added advantage.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive finance experience.
• Minimum 3 years in a senior finance leadership role.
• Proven experience in budgeting, financial modeling, and compliance oversight.
• Demonstrated experience working closely with both African and South Asian business environments.
• Strong understanding of the cultural, commercial, and business practices prevalent within East African and South Asian markets.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and facilitate collaboration between regional and group teams across different geographies.
• Experience operating within organizations where key stakeholders are based in both Africa and Asia will be a distinct advantage.
• Exceptional cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to bridge diverse business perspectives and working styles.
• Demonstrated exposure to ERP systems and financial process optimization.