Manager, Financial Reporting and Taxation

1. MARKET LEADERSHIP

• Contribute to the development of the group's long-term financial strategy in alignment with overall business strategy.

• Collaborate with other senior leaders and department heads to provide financial insights that drive strategic initiatives and contribute to the group’s business plan.

• Assists and supports the review of monthly operating unit results, including their interpretation and in developing appropriate on-going actions and business responses.

• Sufficiently ensures the integrity of the local financial information and that this is aligned with local legislation, IFRS, AKFED accounting / reporting quality, timelines, and standards.

• Ensures that insurance compliance reporting for all properties is in place and that management operations are in accordance with Serena Management Agreements where applicable.

• Ensure the financial policy Manual is up to date and it reflects current practices.

•  Availing updated financial standards and operating procedures to the business.

• Adhering and complying to all statutory requirement and company policies relating to Finance Department.

• As the group's expert on accounting policies and procedures, give advice when appropriate to managers and implement operational best practice.
• Ensure through the Head of Legal & Compliance and the Regional Finance Team that books and records are kept as required by law, and that appropriate records are maintained to comply with tax laws, treasury requirements and other statutory organisations.
• Provide all necessary relevant information to the Company Secretary for statutory returns.

• Submit information for CMA /NSE as required.
• Ensure the efficient preparation of statutory final accounts.
• Continuously identify the risk that could occur in finance and come up with possible mitigating factors.
• Ensure adherence to crisis management plan in regard to Finance operations.

• Monitor changes in local, regional, and international tax laws affecting hospitality operations.

• Support and manage tax audits and inquiries, liaising with authorities as needed.

• Provide management with regular updates on tax positions, risks, and opportunities.

2. LEADERSHIP IN PRODUCT AND SERVICE

• Supports and controls the monthly / annual reporting and quarterly forecasting activities of all units (P&L, BS, Cash flow, Annexures etc.) within the Africa Region, ensuring the production of complete, accurate and timely information, not least, e.g. year-end reporting and relevant Group consolidations, consistency of Chart of Accounts management, system development, best practice management, monthly compliance certificates, monthly accounting schedules and reconciliations etc.

• Ensures effective processes in place to adequately review the integrity of the financial records and processes at unit level, both owned, leased and / or managed properties. This will include scheduled and unscheduled visits or a structured programme of hotel visits within Africa to review the books and records where appropriate.

• Undertake best practice guidance in technical areas including: IFRS, Taxation, Audit and Governance etc. to instill uniform best practice across Africa heads of finance.

• Serve as the primary liaison during internal and external audits, addressing findings related to tax and financial reporting. 

• Provide financial analysis and insights to senior management to support decision-making and strategy development.

• Monitor financial performance against key performance indicators targets and benchmarks, highlighting trends and issues to the executive team.

• Assist in the evaluating and enhancing financial systems, processes, and reporting tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• May be appointed as a bank accounts signatory for various companies in the group

3. MANAGING, GROWING AND RETAINING MARKET SHARE

• Implement best practices in financial management and reporting across the group companies. 

• Build relationships with external auditors, tax and regulatory authorities.

4. COST MANAGEMENT AND REVENUE IMPROVEMENT

• Take initiative in supporting and developing financial processes.

• Continuously review and improve control weaknesses.
• Review monthly and periodical audit schedules.
• Assist with the annual budgeting process for the group, collaborating with department heads to establish realistic financial targets and objectives.

• Ensure that expenditure is contained within budgeted limits commensurate with levels of activity.
• Address findings highlighted by internal and external audits.

5. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT

• Supports the activities of the Group Accountants / Financial Controllers / Heads of Finance as applicable, through effective and regular communication.

• Foster a collaborative and results-driven work environment within the finance department.

• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

6. SUSTAINABILITY

• Tracking and reporting on sustainability related expenses, investments, cost saving initiatives and ensure sustainability initiatives are within budget.

• Ensure compliance with ESG disclosure requirements for stakeholders and investors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and professional accounting/finance qualification (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent certification) is preferred.

Experience

•  At least 7 years of proven experience in financial management, auditing and preparing group consolidated financials, preferably within the hospitality or hotel industry. Experience in large audit firms or international accounting environments is an advantage.

Technical Expertise

• Familiarity with hospitality-specific accounting frameworks (e.g., USALI) and proficiency in ERP systems such as Opera, Micros, SUN Financials, Dynamics365, Epicor, or SAP will be an added advantage. Proficiency in MS Excel and MS Word is mandatory.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting principles, and reporting standards.

• Microsoft Excel skills.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to contribute to overall business strategy discussions.

• Experience in working with a multicultural team of finance professionals.

• Planning and managing staff to achieve quality results.

• Proven ability to work under pressure.

• Person of resilience and patience.

• Capable of diplomatic communications with high ranking public and private sector officials.

• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Honest and of impeccable integrity.