Finance Lead

Job Title: Finance Lead

Location: Zambia, Lusaka

Please note this job location is for Zambia, Lusaka, if in case candidates willing to relocate only apply for this role

Job Title: Finance Lead – Africa Region

Location: Zambia, Lusaka

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and analytical Finance Lead to oversee the financial management, accounting, reporting, and business control activities across our African operations. This role will play a key part in supporting strategic decision-making, financial planning, budgeting, treasury management, and ensuring robust financial governance across multiple jurisdictions, primarily in Zambia, Malawi and Kenya.

The successful candidate will ensure the integrity of the accounting records, compliance with local statutory requirements, IFRS, and Group policies, while partnering closely with the CFO and business stakeholders to support growth initiatives, improve financial performance, and strengthen internal controls. The role will also coordinate local tax compliance activities, ensuring timely filing of statutory tax obligations in collaboration with external advisors and local finance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Business Partnering

• Lead the finance function for the African entities, ensuring sound financial management.
• Support commercial and operational teams with financial analysis and decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvements in financial processes, controls, and reporting.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting for all African entities and projects.
• Prepare financial models, profitability analysis and cash flow forecasts.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis with actionable recommendations.
• Work closely with local commercial and operations teams for project budgeting.

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Oversee accounting records and ensure compliance with Group accounting policies and local accounting standards.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure the integrity of financial information.
• Prepare and review financial reporting packages for Group reporting.

Treasury and Banking

• Manage relationships with local banks.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital across the region.
• Support financing arrangements, banking facilities, guarantees, and other treasury-related matters.
• Ensure adequate cash planning to support operational requirements.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Implement and maintain strong internal financial controls across all entities.

• Ensure compliance with Group financial policies and governance requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and coordinate the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and financial governance standards.

Tax Compliance

• Coordinate the timely preparation and submission of local tax filings, including corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax, and other statutory taxes.
• Liaise with external tax advisors and local tax authorities on compliance matters.
• Monitor changes in local tax legislation to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support tax audits when required, while strategic tax planning and structuring remain under Group Tax.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as ACCA,CPA, CTA, or ADIT are highly desirable.
• Atleast 5–8 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or financial management within a multinational company.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls.
• Experience managing finance activities across multiple jurisdictions, preferably within Africa.
• Experience coordinating statutory audits and working with external auditors.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced international environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) or similar ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Experience in multinational environments with cross-border operations.
• Knowledge of IFRS.
• Familiarity with local regulatory environments in Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique is an advantage.
• Fluency in English required; additional African languages are considered an asset.

Why Join Us:

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, multicultural environment with exposure to various markets and carbon projects across Africa.
• Bea key contributor to driving compliance excellence and supporting the organization’s growth in the Carbon space.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.