Oversee the financial management, auditing, accounting and reporting, including budgeting, risk management and investments. Drive the implementation of finance frameworks, policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables:
- Manage departmental operating budgets and costs according to annual allocation to ensure efficient usage of resources.
- Oversee the financial management, accounting and reporting including implementation of finance frameworks, policies and processes in accordance with local/international accounting standards.
- Strategically plan and monitor the annual financial budget, capital expenditures, liquidity, funding, etc. to ensure optimal working capital and minimization of financial risks.
- Monitor financial performance against strategic goals by providing financial forecasts, reviews and analyses.
- Address forecast deviations and potential financial challenges (e.g. cash flows, debt levels, etc.)
- Oversee the implementation of risk management, compliance, limits of authority and internal control practices to ensure safeguarding of cash and physical assets and minimizing financial liabilities.
- Ensure corporate directives on limits of authority, budgeted costs and cost control initiatives are implemented and adhered to.
- Drive continuous improvements in accounting, reporting and internal control processes/systems to improve value given to stakeholders.
- Partner with and support the Country Senior Leadership Team and Regional Finance Leadership on all matters related to finance, corporate initiatives, and cross-Business Unit activities.
- Present the consolidated financial reports and analyses to key stakeholders for decision making, with recommendations on accounting treatment.
- Ensure implementation of global templates, coordinate timetable for reviews, consolidate plans and prepare annual budget presentation.
- Monitor and provide analysis on country monthly performance based on various data sources to derive a consistent picture of current performance, key issues, and action items.
- Manage internal interactions across Business Units/Functions on matters related to business controlling to ensure timely understanding of financial performance and adequate management of any financial issues.
- Lead the technical audit process as the primary point of contact for external auditors; draft and review technical accounting memos to resolve complex accounting issues and ensure statutory compliance.
- Present consolidated financial reports and analyses to key stakeholders for decision-making, providing clear recommendations on technical accounting treatments and audit adjustments.
- Drive continuous improvements in accounting, reporting, and internal control processes to ensure audit readiness and improve value delivered to stakeholders.
- Prepare in-depth analyses and commentaries to facilitate discussions on key financial items such as advertising and promotion spend, working capital utilization and cost development.
- Drive consistency of analytics and reporting across the region to facilitate benchmarking and standardized performance views.
Leadership
- Drive and lead diversity and an inclusive culture, where people feel safe and empowered. Create and encourage a delivery-focused organization.
- Communicate, lead and oversee delivery of team/function goals.
- Drive Smollan Values and Culture in the organization.
- Drive self-learning and improvement in responsibility area and Smollan Values as part of continuous learning.
Minimum Qualifications, Experience
- Degree or professional qualification in Accounting/Finance or a related discipline
- CPA/CA certified
- At least 8 years relevant experience, with minimum 3 years management experience
- Relevant exposure to local and global retail environment and a proven track record of managing people, operations, and clients.
- Proven hands-on experience in SAGE accounting applications is an advantage.
- Regional finance support preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO). Understanding of the end-to-end statutory audit lifecycle.
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of the business and industry.
- Broad understanding of local business operating models.
- High levels of integrity and dependability.
- Demonstrate strong analytical and forecasting skills.
- Ability to work with diverse cultures and multiple levels.
- Good communication and influencing skills with diplomacy in communicating intended messages in a manner that is respectful and positively received.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken
- Excellent proficiency in productivity tools (e.g. Excel, Google Sheets etc.)
- Familiarity with cross-border financial regulations, transfer pricing principles, and regional tax implications to support cross-business unit activities.
