Head Of Finance Role Available

About PASSION Technologies PLC:

PASSION Technologies PLC is a dynamic and rapidly growing company at the forefront of Ethiopia's digital transformation. We are a multifaceted technology leader, operating in three core areas: mobile telecommunications services (GSM, 3G, 4G/5G), mobile financial services via M-PESA, and network infrastructure solutions. As we continue to expand our operations and impact, we are seeking a seasoned and strategic financial leader to join our team.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a highly competent and experienced Head of Finance to lead our finance and administration function. Reporting to the General Manager, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, integrity, and efficiency of all financial operations. You will ensure the company's financial health, compliance with all relevant Ethiopian laws and international standards (IFRS) and provide critical insights to support our ambitious growth trajectory. You will be the custodian of our financial policies, ensuring robust internal controls across our diverse business lines, from telecom infrastructure to mobile money float management.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Management:

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the company's business plan and growth objectives.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, working with department heads to create a consolidated, realistic, and strategic budget for Executive Committee approval.
• Conduct regular financial analysis, including variance analysis, cash flow forecasting, and profitability assessments for each business unit (Telecom, M-PESA, Infrastructure).
• Provide actionable financial insights and management reports to the General Manager and Executive Committee to support strategic decision-making.

Operational & Compliance Leadership:

• Oversee all day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, treasury, and fixed asset management, ensuring strict adherence to the company's Financial Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Ensure full compliance with all statutory requirements, including timely remittance of VAT, withholding tax, income tax, and pension contributions as per Proclamations No. 1156/2019, 286/2002, and 715/2011.
• Manage the company's ERP system, ensuring the integrity of financial data, proper system controls, and daily backups.
• Lead the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, managing the annual audit process to ensure timely and unqualified audit opinions.

Internal Control & Risk Management:

• Champion a strong internal control environment. Ensure the implementation of, and adherence to, all financial policies, including segregation of duties, authorization matrices for disbursements, and safeguarding of assets.
• Oversee cash management, including bank reconciliations, petty cash controls, and the daily depositing of collections from all sales points.
• Implement and monitor strict inventory control procedures for high-value items like SIM cards, scratch cards, and devices, ensuring regular counts and investigating discrepancies.
• Coordinate with the internal audit function (or lead quarterly reviews) to assess and strengthen internal controls.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the finance team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the team is adequately trained on company policies, procedures, and the ERP system.
• Review performance, provide feedback, and support professional development within the team.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Master’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field from a recognized university. A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA) is highly desirable.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 3 years in a senior management role (e.g., Finance Manager, Head of Finance).
  • Proven experience in a complex, multi-faceted business environment. Experience in the telecommunications, financial services (mobile money), or infrastructure sectors is a strong advantage.
  • Deep knowledge of Ethiopian tax laws, labor proclamations, and pension regulations.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) .
  • Proficiency in using and managing computerized accounting systems/ERP.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.

Core Competencies:

• Professionalism: The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to perform a broad range of financial and administrative functions, including budget management and resource oversight. You will show pride in your work and achievements, be conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments and observing deadlines. You are motivated by professional challenges, show persistence when facing difficult problems, and remain calm and effective in stressful situations.
• Communication: You must speak and write clearly and effectively, tailoring your language, tone, and style for diverse audiences—from the finance team to the Executive Committee. You will listen actively, correctly interpret messages, and ask questions to clarify. You will demonstrate openness in sharing critical financial information and keeping relevant stakeholders informed.
• Teamwork: You will work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to achieve organizational goals. You are expected to genuinely value others' ideas and expertise, and place the team's agenda before personal agendas. You will support final group decisions, share credit for team accomplishments, and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Planning and Organizing: You will develop clear goals consistent with the company's financial strategies, identify priority activities, and adjust priorities as required. You must allocate appropriate time and resources for completing work, foresee risks, and allow for contingencies when planning. You will monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary, using time efficiently to meet organizational needs.

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance