The Department Manager - Finance & Accounts Management at East African Agri-Business PLC, a subsidiary of East African Holding SC, is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and ensuring the financial health of the company. This role involves managing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and analysis to support the company's business objectives, particularly in tea and coffee production, and modern apiculture. The Department Manager will play a critical role in developing and implementing financial policies, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The position will provide financial insights and support strategic initiatives aimed at expanding product lines, optimizing farm operations, and exploring new business opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Financial Planning and Budgeting:

   • Develop and manage the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals, especially regarding tea and coffee production and apiculture.

   • Prepare detailed financial forecasts, including revenue projections from tea, coffee, honey production, and other related businesses.

   • Monitor budget performance and recommend adjustments as necessary to meet financial targets.

2. Financial Reporting and Analysis:

   • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

   • Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement within agribusiness operations.

   • Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior management to support strategic decision-making.

3. Cash Flow and Treasury Management:

   • Manage the company’s cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for operations, including farm expansion and new product lines.

   • Oversee treasury functions, including banking relationships, investment management, and debt financing.

   • Implement strategies to optimize working capital and improve cash flow efficiency across production, processing, and marketing sectors.

4. Financial Controls and Compliance:

   • Ensure that financial controls are in place and operating effectively to safeguard company assets.

   • Maintain compliance with agricultural and financial regulations, tax laws, and corporate governance requirements.

   • Coordinate with internal and external auditors to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting.

5. Team Leadership and Development:

   • Lead and manage the finance team, including training, mentoring, and performance management.

   • Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the finance department.

   • Ensure the finance team is equipped with the necessary skills and resources to perform their duties effectively.

6. Cost Management and Efficiency:

   • Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements across tea, coffee, and apiculture production.

   • Implement cost-saving initiatives and monitor their impact on financial performance.

   • Collaborate with other departments to optimize resource allocation and reduce operational costs.

7. Strategic Support and Business Growth:

   • Support the company’s growth initiatives by providing financial analysis and insights on new business opportunities, such as expanding tea outgrower schemes and beekeeping technologies.

   • Assist in evaluating and financing investments, farm expansion, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic projects.

   • Align financial management practices with the company’s long-term agricultural goals and objectives.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration (MBA), or a related discipline is preferred.

• Professional certifications such as CFA, CPA, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in finance, with at least 3 years in a financial management role.

• Proven experience in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting within the agricultural sector, including tea, coffee, or food production.

• Strong track record of managing financial operations, optimizing financial performance, and leading finance teams.

Knowledge, Skills, Competence:

• Comprehensive understanding of financial management principles, including accounting standards (IFRS/GAAP), tax laws, and financial analysis techniques.

• Familiarity with agricultural industries, including market dynamics and financial challenges in tea, coffee, and beekeeping.

• Proficiency in financial software, ERP systems, and financial modeling tools.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and develop actionable insights.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

• Effective leadership and team management skills, with a focus on mentoring and developing finance staff.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align financial management practices with the company’s overall business objectives.

• High level of integrity, ethics, and commitment to financial transparency and accountability.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing and your relevant experience and achievements to only recruit@eastafricanholding.com