Financial Controller

Ready to be part of a global organization shaping the future of sustainable commodity supply chains? Join ECOM as a Financial Controller in Douala, Cameroon.

At ECOM, we go beyond commodities, we build efficient, transparent, and sustainable supply chains that create value across the agricultural ecosystem.

About the role

ECOM Cameroon is hiring its first finance leader to set up and run the finance function of a newly formed company that buys certified sustainable cocoa beans and exports them from Douala. The Financial Controller owns statutory setup, Cameroon tax, accounting and audit, supplier-financing controls, and client sustainability reporting.

This role requires an experienced Finance Controller who has the ability to manage robust accounting processes and controls that lead to the delivery of timely and accurate financial reports of all businesses in Douala, Cameroon. The ideal candidate for the role has a strong knowledge of the SAP system. The overall objective of the Financial Controller role is to manage transactional accounting, product control, and management reporting. They will be expected to proactively work to continually improve the efficiency of the accounting function.

Skills & Experience

Evidence of hands-on Cameroon tax work and of setting up a company is mandatory, not desirable.

Essential

• Degree in accounting or finance, plus a professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CPA, DEC/DESCF or equivalent).

• At least 8 years in finance, including 3 or more as Financial Controller or head of finance in Cameroon or the CEMAC region, in commodities, Agri-export, trading or processing.

• Proven command of Cameroon tax: corporate tax, VAT including export credit refunds, withholding, DSF filing, customs, and transfer pricing.

• A track record of managing DGI and customs audits and reaching settlements, with specific cases the candidate can explain.

• Direct experience forming and registering a company in Cameroon (RCCM, NIU, DGE, CNPS) and setting up its bank accounts, accounting system and policies.

• Strong working knowledge of OHADA/SYSCOHADA and IFRS, and of group reporting packs and monthly close deadlines.

• Very strong analytical skills and advanced Excel; experience with an ERP such as SAP, Sage, or Microsoft Dynamics.

• Experience with supplier pre-finance, buying-station cash and stock controls, and export documentation.

• Fluent English and French, with high-quality written English and French.

• Demonstrated integrity: has refused or escalated improper requests and can give examples.

• Demonstrated international experience working with global stakeholders and managing cross-border projects

Desirable

• Cocoa, coffee or other commodity experience in Cameroon or West Africa.

• Experience with sustainability certification (Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade) and EUDR traceability.

• Experience with FX hedging and trade finance or lender reporting.

• Experience with a start-up in a regulated sector and/or audit background in a large organisation

As an equal opportunities employer, the ECOM Group is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We promote belonging and aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join ECOM.