Group CFO - Packaging

Job Title: Group CFO

Salary: Substantial Offshore Salary + Benefits

Location: Africa

Reference: J7003

This is a rare opportunity to join one of Africa’s leading printing and packaging companies. We are looking for candidates who are used to the expat way of life, or have been thinking about this lifestyle, to embark on a new adventure. A substantial off shore salary in dollars is on offer, along with a package that includes fully furnished accommodation, car, driver’s salary, house helper, home security, travel safe support, children’s private education if required, and family healthcare.

OVERVIEW

The Group CFO will lead the finance team and will have sole responsibility for all financial, accounting, administrative and secretarial support within the organisation. In addition, you will provide operational and strategic input and decision making for the group’s business verticals in the country. You will focus on assessing business drivers and develop both short and long term plans to improve the effectiveness and the results of the group’s operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. ACCOUNTING, REPORTING & INTERNAL CONTROLS

• Responsible for the entire finance and accounting function across all business units, the Group CFO is the primary responsibility for all accounting transactions, financial reporting and internal control systems.

• Provision of accurate and timely financial data, reports and presentations as required by the business ensuring deadlines are met.

• Ensure the balance sheet is properly reconciled with supporting documentation. Ensure the P&L account is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue; costs are recorded in the proper accounts) and reflects the Group’s performance on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Provide relevant variance analyses against the annual budget.

• Monitoring of imports and preparation/review of import and product costing for the trading and manufacturing divisions.

• Creation of and compliance with Finance SOPs.

• Implements a system of appropriate internal controls to manage business risks across all businesses. Ensures a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability.

• Supervise the preparation of salaries and other payroll related functions.

• Manage all insurance related matters relating to the Group.

2. LEGAL & STATUTORY REPORTING

• Preparation and timely completion of the annual statutory accounts and related audits for all Group Companies.

• Ensure statutory compliance with all local and relevant authorities, submission of statutory reports in a timely manner complying with the local reporting regulations. Manages and oversees internal, external and regulatory audit processes.

• Reviews legal matters (such as on going litigation, disputes, etc) with the Head of Legal Affairs and updates the Directors and board on all key issues.

3. TREASURY

• Management and supervision of all banking activities of the organization. Establish, maintain, network and handle all banking relationships, ensuring competitiveness will all banking terms and conditions.

• Management of Forex and related risk management. Ensure the Group’s Forex needs are met as needed. This is key to the role, particularly as the business operates in a volatile Forex market. Significant experience in this area is a requirement.

• Management of bank transfers of local and foreign currency.

• Preparation of yearly cash flow forecast and regular periodic review.

• Establishment and management of a strong treasury and cash management internal control system. Support the individual business unit controllers with their respective unit’s treasury role and requirements.

• Responsible for arranging short term financing requirements as well as Project related funding.

• At all times ensure the Group’s obligations to the banks are in compliance with the Lender’s agreements and requirements.

4. TAXATION

• Responsibility for co-ordination of all tax matters for all group companies, including communication, negotiation and liason with State and Federal authorities.

• Management of all tax audits and related investigations. Ensure adequate controls are installed and that substantiating documentation is approved and available such that all purchases/expenses may pass independent and governmental audits. Reviews audit issues to ensure accuracy and minimization of tax obligations.

• Compliance with VAT, PAYE, WHT, Income and Education Taxes. Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, paid and/or accrued.

5. FINANCIAL PLANNING & FORECASTING

• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan and financial budgets, which is aligned with the company’s and various brands’ strategic direction. Provide accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.

• Analyses information, forecasts sales against expenses and creates annual budget plans. Creates the annual operating budget for the each business unit and at group consolidated level.

• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost saving and productivity opportunities for each business.

• Monitors actual sales against projected sales. Provides on-going analytical support by monitoring each business unit’s actual and projected sales.

• Analyses differences between actual budget wages and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.

6. STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING & INFLUENCE

• Communicates the group’s strategic goals & focus and board’s priorities to subordinates in a clear and precise manner. Leverages strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the executive team, the business managers and own team.

• Thinks creatively and practically to plan, develop, execute and implement new business plans and ventures. Analyses financial data and market trends to improve profits, including project viabilities, cost benefit analysis and exploring new business opportunities.

• Utilises interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.

7. EXECUTIVE TEAM SUPPORT

• Attends executive meetings and communicates with the board members, understanding the priorities, strategic focus and needs of key stakeholders (board, corporate, employees, suppliers, customers, other external bodies).

• Communicates financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviours. Facilitates critique meetings to review information with management team.

• Advises the Group Managing Director and executive committee on existing and evolving operating and financial issues.

• Manages working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand SOPs and board guidelines.

8. FINANCE TEAM & HR MANAGEMENT

• Provides excellent leadership by assigning team members and others to the job at hand. Ensures team members are cross-trained to support successful daily operations. Conducts annual performance appraisals with direct reports.

• Ensures new hires participate in the department’s orientation program and they receive appropriate training in order to successfully perform their job.

• Creates appropriate development plans for team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities.

• Ensures housing policies are administered fairly and consistently.

• Conduct performance review process for employees with Head of HR.

• Participates in hiring activities as appropriate.

• Assist in the design, implementation, and timely calculations of wage incentives, commissions, and salaries for the staff.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A fully qualified Chartered Accountant/ACCA with at least 25 years’ experience as a senior finance professional (FC, Group FC, Divisional FD).

• Experience within a manufacturing industry, ideally printing or packaging, as well managing a multiple business unit business.

• Fully conversed with managing and using intricate ERP systems – at a minimum full and extensive knowledge of Tally ERP9 and MS Excel (to Macro/Pivot table level)

• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral English) to ensure all communications across all levels of the organisation are clear, concise, transparent and easily understood.

• Must be able to command respect from the senior management team; has the maturity and the leadership skills necessary for the position.