SUMMARY:
A leading owner, operator, developer and investor of a diversified energy portfolio in Africa, delivering tailored energy solutions and supporting the region’s energy transition.
Their team is now hiring a Finance Manager. This role is responsible for the financial reporting for all local entities and project companies, be the custodian of all financial records, external and internal reporting, construction budget and reporting, treasury management and local tax reporting and compliance. The role shall also oversee the timely filing of company secretarial returns and support the local Business Development unit in finance tax related matters. The role includes providing support in the preparation, construction, and operation phases of projects, including, but not limited to, other ad hoc finance-related tasks.
POSITION INFO:
A leading owner, operator, developer and investor of a diversified energy portfolio in Africa, delivering tailored energy solutions and supporting the region’s energy transition.
Their team is now hiring a Finance Manager. This role is responsible for the financial reporting for all local entities and project companies, be the custodian of all financial records, external and internal reporting, construction budget and reporting, treasury management and local tax reporting and compliance. The role shall also oversee the timely filing of company secretarial returns and support the local Business Development unit in finance tax related matters. The role includes providing support in the preparation, construction, and operation phases of projects, including, but not limited to, other ad hoc finance-related tasks.
Projects under the construction phase
a.
Prepare a detailed construction budget and ensure the same is updated on a monthly basis capturing all the transactions.
b.
Establish a Work Breakdown Structure to be uploaded in IFS ( ERP with all the cost elements as per the Financial Model with all the activities during the construction phase
c.
Ensure that all transactions are recorded in the IFS during the construction phase and the monthly construction report issued from the system
d.
Prepare the project report showing actual cash spent to date, cash forecasts and narrative in line with all project documents
e.
Prepare and produce lender drawdown requests, in accordance with lending document requirements, to satisfy future forecast spending, and ensure debt is disbursed in time according to project needs
f.
Manage and process all invoices due by the project company to external parties (including but not limited to the EPC contractor)
g.
Manage all tax and custom duty processes related to the construction activities
h.
Prepare all financial reporting to lenders and ensure that they are shared on time and with the required quality
i.
Take the lead in the transition period from the construction phase into the operation phase and ensure that the work-in progress has been distributed correctly to form the fixed asset register.
j.
In coordination with the construction and O&M team, ensure the project achieves project financial completion date under the financing agreements
2. Financial reporting
a.
Maintenance and responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of the books and records, including general ledgers and any other reporting
b.
Run month end closing routines as per the month end closing instructions for all the entities
c.
Maintenance of the fixed asset ledgers for all the entities
d.
Preparation and sign-off of annual audited accounts/financial statements in accordance with IFRS/appropriate accounting standards
e.
Liaison with lenders and auditors to ensure compliance with all filing requirements and assist in the resolution of new accounting issues
f.
Ensure that the Group Procurement policies are adopted and applied at the local level
g.
Take ownership of the approved AOP budget and keep track of the business performance during the year tracking down any variances.
h.
Be the custodian of the local Risk Register and ensure regular review of all the risk and mitigation strategies.
i.
Ensure accurate invoices are issued monthly to ZESCO (or any other off-taker) and the same are posted in the system.
3. Financial systems
a.
Ensure fully up to date general ledgers are maintained in the accounting system with no entries being recorded outside of the system.
b.
Regular review of chart of accounts to ensure that each entity has the relevant GL to record transaction which are in line with the Group chart of accounts
c.
Review and approve creation of new suppliers in the IFS system
d.
Be the custodian of the local procurement procedures in line with the Group policies and ensure that adequate approval matrix is designed and uploaded in IFS for each entity
4. Lender reporting
a.
Prepare all financial reporting to lenders, with the required quality, and share with lenders within the deadlines set in the financing agreements
b.
Ensure that lenders are well updated on how the business is operating, invoicing and payments by the Buyer
c.
In the instances where the project company requires waivers from the lenders, ensure that waiver letters are requested on time
d.
Prepare cash flow statements and sensitivity analysis to assess timely repayment of the debt and meeting other obligations
e.
Ensure that the project remains compliant with the requirements in the Lending documents at all times (including financial covenants). Ensure potential non-compliance is identified, remedies discussed and communicated well in advance
5. Internal Controls
6. Shareholder reporting
7. Treasury planning and operations
8. Tax Compliance
Qualified accountant with appropriate construction or project management experience:
-
Minimum experience of 7-8 years as a financial manager
-
Exposure and/or knowledge of the energy or infrastructure industry, project finance, and/or public-private partnerships is required
-
Successful understanding of detailed project documentation. Strong knowledge and familiarity with the critical aspects of major project agreements such as Power Purchase Agreements, Engineering Procurement & Construction contract, Financing Agreements and their interrelationships to each other is desirable
-
Strong network within the Zambian energy sector is a plus.
-
Treasury experience in preparing cash reports and drawdowns under facility documents
-
Detailed accounting/reporting knowledge with experience of all aspects of financial accounting and tax
-
Ability to travel internationally for short periods
-
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word and Power Point
The role is based in Lusaka, Zambia, and the salary is paid in ZMW
