Finance Controller - Manufacturing - CA

Role Purpose:

The Finance Controller will be a key member of the finance leadership team, responsible for business finance, financial controllership, MIS, budgeting, cash-flow management, banking relationships and statutory compliance. The position will work closely with the Country Finance Director and senior management and will be the No. 2 in the finance function, with the capability to take charge of the entire finance function when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead business finance activities and provide financial insights to support business performance and profitability.

• Manage overall financial controllership, ensuring accuracy, integrity and timely closure of financial statements.

• Drive MIS, budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.

• Conduct detailed variance analysis, identify key business drivers and provide logical, actionable recommendations.

• Manage cash flows, working capital and liquidity effectively.

• Develop and maintain strong banking relationships and manage credit lines with banks, DFIs and other financial institutions.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation and ERP implementation.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable statutory requirements, including direct and indirect taxation and ROC compliance.

• Support management in strategic decision-making through financial analysis, business insights and scenario evaluation.

• Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly financial presentations to the Group and Country CEO.

• Partner with business and functional teams to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.

• Act as the second-in-command within the finance function, supporting the Country Finance Director and taking leadership of the function when required.

• Liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including banks, financial institutions, auditors, regulators and Group finance teams.

Candidate Profile:

• Chartered Accountant (ICAI) - Mandatory.

• 7 - 10 years of post-qualification experience in strategic/business finance.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Manufacturing, preferably in Textile and/or FMCG.

• 4 - 5 years of Africa experience - Mandatory.

• Strong exposure to business finance, controllership, MIS, budgeting and financial planning.

• Experience in cash-flow management and handling banking relationships and credit facilities.

• Strong understanding of statutory compliance, taxation and regulatory requirements.

• Experience in ERP implementation and process improvement will be highly valued.

• Strong analytical ability with sound logical and commercial thinking.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and liaising skills.

• Should have the maturity and leadership capability to eventually lead the complete finance function.

Key Competencies:

• Business Finance & Commercial Acumen

• Financial Controllership

• MIS & Budgeting

• Financial & Variance Analysis

• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Banking & Credit Line Management

• Statutory Compliance & Taxation

• ERP & Process Improvement

• Strategic Decision Support

• Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Strong Communication & Liaising Skills