Manager - Finance - FMCG/Manufacturing & Distribution Industry

Description:

Finance Manager

Location: East Africa

Industry: FMCG Manufacturing & Distribution

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially driven Finance Manager to lead the overall finance function for a fast-growing FMCG organization in East Africa. The role requires a strategic finance professional capable of managing end-to-end financial operations, driving business performance, ensuring strong governance, and partnering closely with the leadership team on strategic initiatives and expansion plans.

Although designated as Finance Manager, the role carries responsibilities equivalent to a senior finance leadership position and requires strong business acumen along with hands-on operational expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Strategy:

- Lead the overall finance and accounts function across business operations.

- Drive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term business strategy.

- Partner with senior management to support decision-making, profitability improvement, and business expansion.

- Develop financial models and business plans for growth initiatives and investments.

Financial Control & Reporting:

- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

- Maintain strong internal controls, compliance frameworks, and financial governance.

- Monitor cash flow, working capital, receivables, and inventory controls.

- Oversee MIS reporting and provide actionable business insights to management.

Commercial & Operational Finance:

- Support pricing strategies, product profitability analysis, and cost optimization initiatives.

- Drive operational efficiency and margin improvement across the business.

- Work closely with procurement, supply chain, sales, and operations teams to improve financial performance.

- Analyze business risks and recommend corrective actions.

Compliance & Audit:

- Ensure compliance with local statutory, tax, audit, and regulatory requirements.

- Coordinate with external auditors, banks, financial institutions, and government authorities.

- Manage taxation, treasury, and banking relationships effectively.

Team Management:

- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounts team.

- Establish performance-driven financial processes and systems.

- Drive automation and process improvements wherever applicable.

Desired Candidate Profile:

- Qualified CA / CPA / ACCA / CMA or equivalent finance qualification.

- MBA Finance would be an added advantage.

- 12-18 years of experience in finance leadership roles within FMCG, manufacturing, or consumer-driven industries.

- Strong exposure to commercial finance, costing, budgeting, treasury, and strategic finance.

- Experience handling large-scale operations and multi-location businesses preferred.

- Prior international or African market exposure will be an advantage.

- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and analytical capabilities.

Key Competencies:

- Strategic Thinking

- Business Partnering

- Financial Planning & Analysis

- Cost & Profitability Management

- Leadership & Team Management

- Risk Management & Governance

- ERP & Financial Systems Expertise

Compensation: Compensation will be attractive and commensurate with experience and industry standards.