Head of Finance at Finchglow Travels

Finchglow Travels is recruiting to fill the vacant position of:

Job Title: Head of Finance

Location: Lagos

Job Purpose

• The Finance Department has a primary responsibility to protect the assets of the organization through the maintenance and development of a systematic process for financial control and review. The Department aims to delight its customers by providing accurate, timely and meaningful financial and management information that enables the Board and Senior Management Team to make effective decisions regarding the strategic direction of the organization.
• The Head of Finance will have operational responsibility for the Finance Department, and line management responsibility for the finance team of 7 people.
• They will provide the lead in the production and development of management/financial accounting and reporting and will provide guidance and advice on all operational finance matters to colleagues across the organisation.
• This role is responsible for the creation and implementation of all financial policies, processes and procedures as required by the organisation. This includes procurement and the wider group ownership, review and development of the organization’s procurement policy and the adherence to it.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Financial/Management Accounting
Prepare the management accounts, with the assistance of the Financial Accountant, and seek to implement a best practice approach for financial accounting controls.

2. Processes
Design and implement the necessary controls to protect the organisation’s assets and prevent any potential areas of fraud.

3. Systems
Meet and exceed internal customer requirements by being the business champion for any new financial systems introduced into the business as well as driving the development of existing ones.

4. Team Management/Leadership
Develop and motivate the Finance Team to achieve its objectives and departmental purpose.

5. Financial Policies & Procedures
Ensure, that appropriate financial policies are implemented, documented and become part of the core work of the finance department.

6. Communication
Be able to influence colleagues when introducing new ideas, processes and systems that support the aims and objectives of the organization.

Principals Tasks

1. Financial/Management Accounting

• Devolve operational reporting and ownership of budgets to managers through the provision of the appropriate reporting tools which will enable budget managers to plan and review the financial performance of their departments.

2. Budgeting/Forecasting

• Assist the Finance Director with the preparation of the detailed annual budget and forecasts.
• Develop appropriate systems, to further automate the budget and forecasting processes.
• Prepare the operational budget timetable and work with customers to enable the business to meet agreed deadlines.

3. Statutory Accounting/Reporting

• Prepare and deliver the operational audit plan for inclusion in the overall audit timetable.
• Manage new and existing regulatory requirements where appropriate and incorporate them into the financial and management accounts.

4. Payroll

• Be responsible for all of the outputs of the payroll function with a view to putting in place the necessary controls and checks that ensures all employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Review and authorise the weekly payroll and put a system in place so that various managers, who should be independent of finance, review and process electronic payments to employees.
• Ensure that the payroll team reconcile the payroll and finance systems and investigate and report any differences.
• Work with the Head of HR to ensure that the establishment plan and the starters/leavers processes are taut and stand up to scrutiny from internal/external audit.

5. Systems

• Ensure the robustness of all finance systems taking into account any required enhancements and upgrades required.
• Development of the existing finance system to empower managers to exercise financial control over their areas of the business.
• Review the financial management needs of the organisation and propose new systems and processes to support these needs where appropriate.

6. Leadership/Management

• Management and development of all members of the Finance Team, ensuring their welfare, job satisfaction, competence and motivation.
• Carry out annual appraisals and ensure development plans are in place for the team.
• Lead on any changes required to processes and procedures and be able to drive and motivate the team in meeting set goals and objectives.

7. Treasury

• Be responsible for the approval of day to day treasury movements adhering to the appropriate financial policy and procedures of the organisation.

8. Raising Departmental Profile

• Continually increase the departments profile across the business.
• The role is fundamental to the delivery of a financial management framework for the business and should seek to increase awareness of the work of the department and what it can offer and also what it expects, from its internal customers.

Person specification:

Essential:

• Qualified ACCA, CIMA or ACA Accountant, including relevant post qualification experience
• Proficiency in financial accounting & reporting, including external statutory reporting and audit
• Management accounting experience including budgeting, forecasting, monthly reporting
• Proven ability for implementing and monitoring financial controls
• Staff management experience
• Knowledge of legal and personnel issues
• High degree of IT literacy

Desirable:
Systems implementation, change management experience

Skills:The successful candidate should:

• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Have strong influencing and leadership skills
• Have excellent planning, organizational and time management skills
• Be resilient and able to work well under pressure, priorities a heavy workload and work both reactively and pro-actively
• Have proven planning skills
• Have a strategic outlook with the ability to drive change where necessary
• Have experience of motivating & developing teams – including performance management & appraisals
• Be highly competent with Information Technology
• Have a high degree of integrity, tact, diplomacy and corporate spirit
• Have hands on approach and be a team player

Application Closing Date:
21st of May 2014

Method of Application
All applications should be sent to: feyisayo.awogbade@ng.fcm.travel