Overview
Finance Manager Jobs in Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia at HRLeverage
Title: Finance Manager
Company: HRLeverage
Location: Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
This role is responsible for leading and overseeing the full finance function, ensuring effective financial governance, accurate reporting, and the provision of strategic financial support to the business. Reporting to the General Manager, the role contributes to business performance through financial planning, analysis, and control within a manufacturing/FMCG environment.
The role requires the application of sound commercial judgement to interpret financial information, support business strategy, and ensure optimal working capital management. It includes responsibility for the Sage X3 ERP system from a finance perspective, ensuring the integrity of financial data and the efficiency of reporting processes.
The Finance Manager is accountable for managing internal and external audit processes, maintaining effective internal controls, and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The role also serves as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders, including auditors, regulators, and financial institutions.
This role is responsible for the leadership and development of the finance team, ensuring effective performance management and alignment with organisational objectives
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Management & Reporting
• Lead the preparation and presentation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS/GAAP.
• Oversee financial reporting processes, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and completeness.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide actionable insights to management.
• Prepare quarterly commentary reports for executive leadership.
2. Strategic & Commercial Support
• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen by identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Support the General Manager with growth, sustainability, and business strategy initiatives.
• Develop financial models and ad-hoc analyses to support decision-making and business development.
3. Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting cycles.
• Monitor performance against budgets and investigate variances.
• Drive cost control initiatives across the business.
4. ERP & Systems Leadership (Sage X3)
• Act as the finance lead for Sage X3 ERP, ensuring optimal utilisation and reporting.
• Oversee integration of finance with operations, procurement, and inventory systems.
• Drive system improvements, automation, and reporting efficiencies.
5. Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls
• Lead internal audit processes and ensure implementation of audit recommendations.
• Manage year-end external audits and liaise with auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure strong internal control environment to safeguard company assets and prevent fraud.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements.
6. Working Capital & Financial Operations
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and working capital optimisation.
• Ensure effective financial oversight of all transactions and payment processes.
7. Manufacturing & Costing Oversight
• Provide financial oversight of the manufacturing facility.
• Manage costing systems, inventory control, and profitability analysis.
• Partner with operations to improve efficiencies and cost management.
8. Stakeholder Management
• Serve as the key finance contact for external stakeholders including auditors, regulators, banks, and consultants.
• Ensure effective communication of financial performance and insights to both internal and external stakeholders.
9. Leadership & Team Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.
• Drive performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
• Foster a high-performance and accountable finance culture.
Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (mandatory)
• Full Grade 12 Certificate
• Professional certification (ACCA, CIMA, CA, CPA) – mandatory
• Minimum 5–10 years of progressive finance experience
• At least 2–3 years in a senior finance leadership position
• Significant experience in successfully leading a finance function
• Strong experience in preparation of full Financial Statements and standard control procedures
• Experience with Sage X3 ERP
• Industry experience in FMCG, Retail, or Consumer Goods will be an added advantage
Key Competencies
• Strong commercial and strategic thinking ability
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of integrity and attention to detail
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management ability
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities