Senior Finance Officer

Job Summary

The Senior Finance Officer is responsible for overseeing and strengthening financial operations and control functions of Beka Food Manufacturing. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, robust internal and external controls, effective cash flow management, reliable inventory accounting, and timely reconciliations. The position supports leadership with sound financial analysis and insights to improve financial performance and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

A. Financial Planning & Cash Flow Management

• Develop and monitor cash flow forecasts to ensure optimal liquidity.
• Manage daily cash balances, bank accounts, and payment schedules.
• Coordinate with operations and management to plan for expenditures, capital needs, and financial commitments.
• Provide monthly cash flow reports with analysis of variances and recommendations.

B. Internal & External Financial Controls

• Implement and enforce strong internal financial controls across all finance functions.
• Review and update Finance Policies & Procedures to reflect best practices and compliance with local regulations.
• Coordinate external audits and compliance reviews; prepare audit schedules and respond to audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with tax laws, labor regulations, and corporate policies.

C. Accounting & Reconciliations

• Oversee accurate recording of all financial transactions using Beka Food’s accounting system.
• Perform periodic bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies timely.
• Lead reconciliation of supplier accounts, customer accounts, and intercompany balances.
• Prepare and review trial balances, profit & loss statements, and balance sheets monthly.

D. Inventory & Cost Control

• Supervise inventory accounting processes including stock tagging, tracking, and valuation.
• Collaborate with Operations to ensure accurate recording of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Monitor variances between physical counts and book balances; implement corrective actions.
• Analyze product cost components to support pricing decisions and reduce waste.

E. Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Analyze key financial metrics (e.g., gross margins, operating expenses, overhead variances).
• Present financial results to senior management with insights and recommendations.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes with detailed analysis.
• Develop and maintain dashboards to track performance indicators.

F. Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Supervise finance officers, accountants, and support staff.
• Promote continuous training to improve accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Coordinate interdepartmental collaboration to support data flow and shared objectives.

About You

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification (ACCA, CPA, CFA) preferred.
• At least 5–8 years of progressive finance experience — ideally within manufacturing, FMCG, or food processing industries.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles and controls.
• Demonstrated experience with cash flow management, reconciliations, inventory accounting, and financial reporting.
• Excellent Excel skills and competency with accounting software (ERP experience preferred).

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cash Flow – % accuracy of cash forecasts
• Reporting – On-time delivery of monthly financial reports
• Controls – Number of control lapses identified and corrected
• Inventory – Variance between physical stock and book value
• Reconciliations – Timely completion of reconciliations
• Team Performance – Staff training and error rate reduction

Working Conditions

• Office based in Addis Ababa, with occasional visits to production sites.
• Interaction with multiple departments, including Production, Procurement, Sales, and HR.

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance