FINANCE OFFICER

Department: Operations

Reports To: Operations Director

Direct Reports: Accountant Clerk

Duty Station: Bujumbura

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Purpose

The Finance Officer is responsible for leading the day-to-day financial management of the organization, ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, effective treasury management, accurate reporting, and sound internal controls. The role serves as a strategic business partner to management by providing financial analysis, decision-support information, and recommendations that contribute to organizational growth, sustainability, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and complete accounting records in accordance with applicable accounting standards and company policies.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes.
• Prepare management accounts, financial statements, and performance reports.
• Ensure timely bank, cash, receivable, payable, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to management.

Treasury & Cash Flow Management

• Monitor daily cash positions and liquidity requirements.
• Prepare rolling cash-flow forecasts and funding plans.
• Manage banking relationships and payment processes.
• Ensure optimal utilization and safeguarding of company funds.

Budgeting, Planning & Financial Analysis

• Coordinate annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Monitor budget performance and analyze variances.
• Support strategic planning through financial modeling and scenario analysis.
• Identify cost optimization and efficiency improvement opportunities.

Compliance, Tax & Audit Management

• Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, labor, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and submit all tax returns and statutory declarations.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Liaise with auditors, tax authorities, financial institutions, and regulators.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Implement and strengthen internal financial controls.
• Identify financial and operational risks and recommend mitigation actions.
• Ensure proper authorization, segregation of duties, and documentation standards.
• Support continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

Accounts Payable, Receivable & Payroll Oversight

• Oversee supplier payments and customer receivables management.
• Review payroll processing and statutory deductions.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of supporting documentation.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Directly supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate the Accountant Clerk.
• Allocate responsibilities and monitor performance against objectives.
• Build a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Support

• Support procurement, inventory, and operational teams with financial guidance.
• Participate in management meetings and strategic decision-making processes.
• Perform any other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.
• CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, treasury, payroll, taxation, and financial reporting.
• Experience with accounting software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel.
• Previous supervisory experience is highly desirable.

Core Competencies

• Financial leadership and business partnering
• Analytical and strategic thinking
• Financial planning and forecasting
• Risk management and internal controls
• Communication and stakeholder management
• Integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism
• People management and coaching
• Problem solving and decision making

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Monthly financial reports issued by agreed deadlines.
• 100% completion of statutory and tax filings within deadlines.
• Accuracy of reconciliations and accounting records.
• Cash flow forecasts maintained and updated monthly.
• Budget variance analysis provided monthly.
• Audit findings minimized and corrective actions closed on time.
• Reduction in overdue receivables and payment processing delays.
• Performance and development objectives achieved for Accountant Clerk.