Shayashone PLC (SYS) is a leading agribusiness company in Ethiopia, boasting over a decade of experience and a remarkable trajectory of transformative impact. As an icon of progress, the company’s expertise extends beyond agriculture and agri-business services, as it continues to diversify its reach into other sectors, driven by a profound commitment to serving the unserved. SYS’s unwavering dedication has left an indelible mark, reaching and empowering over 10 million farmers across Ethiopia and neighboring countries. This has been achieved through dynamic partnerships with local, international, and governmental organizations, fostering collaborative solutions to address the evolving needs of the agricultural landscape.

Throughout its journey of success, SYS has implemented a remarkable array of impactful projects. This includes training more than 7,000 agricultural extension workers and arranging technology demonstrations in over 10,000 villages across Ethiopia. At the heart of these accomplishments lies the Hermetic Storage Technology (Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags), a pioneering solution that has gained widespread acceptance as the most successful technology in preventing post-harvest losses. 

The company’s recent expansion into the educational sector further reflects its commitment to holistic development and its unwavering focus on addressing diverse needs within the communities it serves. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Ministry of Education of the FDRE (MoE), and Arizona State University (ASU), SYS is implementing the project titled e-Learning for Strengthening Higher Education (e-SHE). This project aims to enhance the quality, accessibility, and affordability of higher education by launching a digital Learning Management System across public universities in Ethiopia.

Short Description of the Position

The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory and company policies, managing cash flow, and providing strategic financial insights to support decision-making. This role involves financial control, risk management, budgeting, reporting, and leading the finance team to optimize performance. The Finance Manager will also collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to maintain financial integrity and drive organizational growth.

Duties & Responsibilities

A. Financial Control and Compliance

• Ensure all expenditures comply with regulatory requirements and adhere to the SYS policy and procedures.

• Verify the correctness of cost/expense documents and ensure that payment requests are sufficiently supported by source documents and required authorizations.

• Oversee the timely and accurate posting of all financial transactions and ensure proper accounting controls are in place.

• Prepare and manage all financial and management reports, including reconciliations, cash flow analyses, balance sheets, and financial utilization reports (monthly, quarterly, and annually).

• Prepare annual financial statements, including the statement of financial position, profit and loss account, and statement of cash flows for external stakeholders such as shareholders, tax authorities, and financers.

• Ensure all statutory tax obligations (VAT, withholding tax, employee income tax, annual profit tax, etc.) are accurately settled on time.

• Coordinate and facilitate the annual external audit of the company.

B. Treasury and Risk Management

• Oversee the timely preparation, review, and approval of all bank account and cash reconciliations.

• Ensure compliance with advance payments, credit terms, and the use of bank payment instruments.

• Manage cash flow planning to ensure adequate liquidity, working capital, and financing requirements.

• Assess potential investment opportunities and provide management with financial insights for decision-making.

• Forecast cash requirements and manage financial obligations efficiently.

• Develop and implement strategies to minimize financial risks, including foreign exchange risks, interest rate risks, and other business risks.

• Ensure the timely collection of contractual and other receivables.

C. Strategic Financial Planning and Advisor

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior management for business strategy and growth.

• Develop financial models and scenario analysis to support decision-making.

• Align financial goals with company objectives and long-term strategy.

• Identify and advise on cost-saving opportunities, investment strategies, and efficiency improvements.

• Lead financial risk assessments to ensure business sustainability.

D. Budgeting, Cost Management, and Efficiency

• Provide accurate and timely financial data for annual budgeting and forecasting.

• Conduct budget reviews, compare actual expenditures against the budget, analyze variances, and provide insights to management.

• Develop and implement cost control mechanisms to improve operational efficiency.

• Ensure proper financial reporting, including management accounts and key performance indicators (KPIs), to support decision-making.

• Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure adherence to financial regulations and controls.

E. Internal Control and Fraud Prevention

• Develop and strengthen internal control mechanisms to ensure financial integrity.

• Conduct regular internal audits and compliance checks.

• Ensure that all financial transactions are transparent and aligned with best practices.

• Implement financial policies and procedures to enhance accountability and minimize financial risk.

• Foster a culture of ethical financial management within the organization.

F. Technology and Financial Systems

• Lead financial digital transformation initiatives, ensuring the finance function leverages technology for efficiency and accuracy.

• Oversee the implementation and optimization of ERP and financial management software.

• Ensure the finance team is trained in financial technology and digital tools.

• Utilize data analytics for financial decision-making and process improvement.

• Stay updated on emerging financial technologies and best practices 

Benefit and Compensation

• Competitive salary and benefit package

• Opportunities to work in a dynamic environment

• Supportive and collaborative team culture where one can nurture existing skills and develop new ones

Job Requirements

Qualification 

• BA or Masters in Accounting, Finance and Management Accounting and related fields. ACCA Certification is a plus.

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in accounting and finance and at least 2 years in Supervisory Position. 

• Extensive experience in working with computerized accounting systems, standard spread sheet and database programs.

• In-depth knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Tax regulation is a must.

• Proficiency in Spoken and Written English and Amharic languages is a must. 

Skills and Competencies

• Strong financial acumen and understanding of corporate finance principles.

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

• Ability to build and implement financial systems that support SYS's operations.

• Strong analytical, critical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and internal controls.

• Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks, and maintain organizational priorities.

• Leadership and people management skills, with experience in team development.

• Proficiency in financial reporting and accounting software, including ERP systems.

• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to recruitment@shayashone.com by February 28th 2025