Finance Manager

Position: Finance Manager
Department: Finance
Location: Lusaka
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

1. Detailed Role Description

Role Purpose:
The role entails the following:
The Finance Manager is responsible and accountable for the management of financial reporting and compliance with laid down company policies. This position requires strong leadership in accounting, payroll, and tax compliance, ensuring objectives and relevant deadlines are met, as directed by the CFO. The position is accountable and responsible for ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), Bank of Zambia Prudential guidelines, relevant legislation, and accepted industry practice.

2. Key Responsibilities

1. Reporting:

• Preparation of accurate and timely financial reports such as monthly management accounts, leading the month-end closing process, and conducting monthly financial forecasts.
• Accurate and timely preparation of Quarterly Board papers.
• Ensure accurate and timely delivery of Quarterly Prudential Returns to the Bank of Zambia.
• Delivery of Audited Annual Financial Statements in accordance with IFRSs.

2. Audit and Compliance:

• Lead the preparation for the annual external audit and address audit issues arising with the respective departments.
• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies, internal procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure correct mapping of the general ledger.
• Prepare and submit provisional and final income tax returns and payments on time.
• Responsible for the preparation of monthly statutory returns (PAYE, SDL, NAPSA, NHIMA, WHT) and ensure timely payment uploads.

3. Stakeholder Management:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all departments, ensuring successful business partnering.
• Support the business with analysis to support business development and mapping of new products.
• Provide support on procurement to the procuring departments.
• Provide support to the CFO in planning, organizing, and executing financial tasks and projects of the organization.

4. Financial Management:

• Manage and update the Fixed Asset Register, ensuring accuracy and adherence to the Fixed Assets policy.
• Reconcile the subledgers; bank accounts, mobile and payroll loan subledger, and supplier accounts to the general ledger.
• Process supplier payments, ensuring correct tax accounting.
• Prepare general ledger reconciliations.

5. Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and any ad-hoc reports as required.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making, including cashflow projections and ratio analysis.

6. Team Leadership & Staff Development:

• Lead, motivate, and coach finance team members.
• Conduct regular performance appraisals, provide constructive feedback, set development goals, and facilitate career growth.
• Foster a positive organizational culture that encourages teamwork, accountability, and high standards of service.

7. Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with payments and operational matters to ensure smooth business operations.
• Regularly review and ensure that internal control systems are working effectively to prevent fraud and operational errors.

3. Key Qualifications & Skills

• Education: A Chartered Accountant; CIMA / ACCA / CA Zambia or equivalent qualification and must be an Associate or Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in the microfinance, banking, or financial services industry, with at least 3 years at a managerial level.
  • Strong command of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
  • Strong grasp of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Proficient knowledge in Payroll administration.
  • Well versed in computerized accounting applications.
  • Strong understanding of microfinance products, loan management, credit risk, and portfolio management.
• Skills:
  • Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide teams.
  • Strategic thinking with a results-oriented approach to achieving business goals.
  • Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and performance management capabilities.
  • In-depth knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards in the microfinance sector.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and experience with financial management systems.
• Personal Attributes:
  • High level of integrity and professionalism.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Business mindset with a focus on results and growth.
  • Ability to foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
  • Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.

NOTE: To ensure clarity in your application, please clearly state the specific position you are applying for in the subject line of your application.

Application deadline: 7th February 2025.