Role Overview
The Head of Finance is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the organization and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. The role involves developing and executing financial strategies that support the company’s strategic objectives, maintaining robust financial controls, and providing accurate financial insights to guide decision-making.
The Head of Finance leads the finance team in budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance functions, ensuring that financial operations are efficient, transparent, and aligned with regulatory standards. This role also plays a key part in risk management, investment planning, and resource allocation to optimize the organization’s financial performance. Furthermore, the Head of Finance serves as a strategic advisor to senior management and the board, contributing to business growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and implement the organization’s overall financial strategy aligned with corporate goals.
- Provide financial leadership and guidance to the executive team and board of directors.
- Forecast short-term and long-term financial performance and advise on financial planning.
- Drive strategic initiatives to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
- Lead the budgeting and forecasting process across departments.
- Analyze financial performance, variances, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Provide actionable insights to support data-driven decision-making.
- Prepare and present detailed financial reports and dashboards.
Financial Management and Control
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and cash flow management.
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in compliance with accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP).
- Monitor expenditure, cost control, and efficiency of financial processes.
- Manage treasury operations and optimize liquidity.
Compliance, Risk, and Governance
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory financial requirements.
- Oversee internal controls, audits, and risk management frameworks.
- Liaise with external auditors, regulators, and tax authorities.
- Maintain corporate governance and financial integrity.
Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to achieve departmental goals.
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with other departments to align financial practices with organizational goals.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Communicate financial results and strategies to senior management, board members, and investors.
- Support fundraising, investment, and partnership initiatives.
- Build relationships with banks, auditors, and other key stakeholders.
Systems and Process Improvement
- Implement and enhance financial systems, tools, and automation to improve efficiency.
- Drive digital transformation and data accuracy in financial reporting.
- Review and optimize financial workflows and policies.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
- Financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
- Accounting and financial reporting (IFRS/GAAP)
- Cash flow and treasury management
- Taxation and compliance management
- Risk management and internal controls
- Financial systems and data analysis
Strategic Skills
- Business and commercial acumen
- Strategic financial planning and decision-making
- Investment and cost optimization
- Long-term financial sustainability planning
Leadership and Management
- Team leadership and people development
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Influencing and negotiation skills
- Change management and organizational leadership
Analytical and Problem-Solving
- Strong analytical and quantitative abilities
- Ability to interpret financial data and provide insights
- Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure
Technology and Digital Competence
- Proficiency in ERP and financial software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks)
- Advanced Excel and data visualization (Power BI, Tableau)
- Understanding of digital transformation in finance
Interpersonal and Communication
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong presentation and reporting ability
- High level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism
Education and Experience
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or related fields.
- At least 5 years in a senior management or leadership position.
- Proven track record in financial planning, budgeting, and analysis at a strategic level.
- Experience in developing and implementing financial strategies that support business growth and sustainability.
- Strong background in financial reporting, auditing, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Demonstrated experience in managing teams, mentoring finance professionals, and building high-performance departments.
- Exposure to risk management, treasury, and investment decision-making.
- Experience working with executive leadership and boards of directors to provide strategic guidance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration (MBA).
Professional certifications (Required or Highly Desired):
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
