Position Title : Manager - Commercial (Accounts & Finance)

Location : Uganda

Reports To : General Manager / Head of Finance & Commercial Operations

Job Purpose :

To oversee and manage the Accounts, Finance, and Commercial functions of the Oil Extraction Plant by ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective budgeting and cost control, efficient working capital management, commercial profitability analysis, statutory compliance, and strategic decision-making support. The role will drive financial performance while supporting the organization's commercial objectives and business growth.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Financial Management & Reporting :

- Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

- Ensure accurate accounting records are maintained in compliance with IFRS and company policies.

- Monitor financial performance and provide timely management reports.

- Review and analyze profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

- Provide financial insights and recommendations to management.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Cost Control :

- Prepare annual budgets and financial forecasts.

- Monitor budget utilization and investigate variances.

- Implement cost-control measures to improve profitability.

- Conduct cost analysis of production processes, raw materials, and operational expenses.

- Develop financial models and investment appraisals.

3. Commercial Finance & Business Support :

- Support commercial teams with pricing and profitability analysis.

- Evaluate procurement and sales contracts from a financial perspective.

- Monitor product margins and business performance indicators.

- Assist management in strategic planning and business expansion initiatives.

- Provide financial analysis for new projects and investments.

4. Accounts Payable & Receivable Management :

- Oversee supplier payments and ensure timely settlement of obligations.

- Monitor customer receivables and credit control processes.

- Optimize cash flow through effective working capital management.

- Ensure reconciliation of customer and supplier accounts.

5. Treasury & Cash Flow Management :

- Manage daily cash flow requirements and banking relationships.

- Monitor liquidity and funding requirements.

- Prepare cash flow projections and working capital reports.

- Ensure efficient utilization of financial resources.

6. Internal Controls & Compliance :

- Develop and maintain strong internal control systems.

- Ensure compliance with tax laws, corporate regulations, and company policies.

- Coordinate internal and external audits.

- Ensure all statutory returns, tax filings, and compliance obligations are submitted on time.

- Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.

7. Inventory & Asset Management :

- Monitor inventory valuation and stock controls.

- Conduct periodic stock reconciliations with production and warehouse teams.

- Ensure proper accounting and management of fixed assets.

- Monitor asset utilization and capital expenditure.

8. Team Leadership & Development :

- Supervise finance, accounting, and commercial accounting personnel.

- Develop team capabilities and performance standards.

- Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

- Conduct performance appraisals and provide coaching and mentorship.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) :

- Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.

- Budget compliance and variance management.

- Profitability and gross margin performance.

- Working capital optimization.

- Debtors collection period (DSO).

- Cash flow management effectiveness.

- Inventory accuracy and stock turnover.

- Audit findings and compliance performance.

- Cost savings and operational efficiency improvements.

- Tax and statutory compliance.

Qualifications :

Education :

- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.

- Professional qualification such as CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent is mandatory.

- MBA or Master's Degree in Finance or Business Administration is an added advantage.

Experience :

- Minimum 10 - 15 years of experience in finance, accounts, and commercial operations.

- At least 5 - 10 years in a managerial position within manufacturing, FMCG, agribusiness, edible oil processing, or a related industry.

- Strong experience in financial planning, budgeting, costing, treasury management, and commercial finance.

- Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, or equivalent.

Required Skills & Competencies :

- Strong financial and commercial acumen.

- Advanced knowledge of accounting standards and financial reporting.

- Cost accounting and manufacturing finance expertise.

- Analytical and strategic thinking abilities.

- Excellent leadership and people management skills.

- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.

- High level of integrity and attention to detail.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and financial modelling.

- Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Working Conditions :

- Based at the oil extraction plant in Uganda.

- Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, banks, and corporate offices.

- Ability to work under pressure and meet reporting deadlines.