Apex Confectionery PLC is a light manufacturing firm engaged in the production of sweet foods such as chewing gum, candies, toffees and lollipops. The company is seeking to hire a PROACTIVE, ORGANIZED, COMPETANT and EXPERIENCED Finance Manager to lead and build Apex’s finance department. The Finance Manager will be responsible for driving financial strategy, safeguard the company’s finances, strengthening internal controls, systemizing operations, managing the finance team and act as a trusted, loyal partner to the CEO in scaling the business. The role requires a leader who combines day‐to‐day financial discipline with systems development, technology integration, and strong team leadership.

Required Number: 1

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Systems, Technology & Controls

• Develop and implement finance manuals, strategies, policies, and ERP/digital systems aligned with Apex’s mission.

• Digitize inventory, receivables, payables, and cash‐flow tracking for real‐time visibility.

• Oversee integration of QuickBooks (finance) with ERP (inventory & production) to ensure accurate real‐time reporting.

• Build dashboards and automated reporting for management and Board‐level oversight.

• Strengthen internal controls to prevent fraud, revenue leakage, and financial risk.

2. Financial Management & Reporting

• Take ownership of Apex’s full financial reporting cycle (monthly, quarterly, annual).

• Present financial analysis and scenario planning directly to the CEO to influence strategic decisions.

·        Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across departments.

·        Monitor and improve profitability of SKUs, distribution channels, and overall operations.

3. Cash‐flow & Working Capital

• Ensure disciplined cash‐flow management with proactive forecasting.

• Optimize use of credit, loans and overdraft facilities.

• Develop strategies to strengthen liquidity and working capital efficiency.

4. Tax, Compliance & Audits

•  Oversee all tax compliance (VAT, Excise, Withholding, Salary, Pension, Profit‐Tax).

• Represent Apex with ERCA and during audits, ensuring timely and accurate filings.

• Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure accuracy of financial records.

5. Banking & External Relations

• Act as Apex’s lead contact with banks for loan applications, overdraft renewals, and collateral reporting.

• Negotiate favourable terms with banks, suppliers, and regulators to support Apex’s scaling plans.

• Ensure proper management of import‐related documentation and FOREX requests.

• Engage with suppliers, regulators, and external stakeholders to ensure financial compliance.

6. Costing, Pricing & Strategic Advisory

• Maintain accurate real‐time product costing models

• Provide profitability analysis per SKU and channel to guide pricing strategy.

• Advise CEO on investment, cost‐reduction, and scaling strategies.

• Provide insights and recommendations for investment and scaling strategies.

7. Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage Apex’s junior accountant(s) and stock accountant(s), while coordinating with finance teams in sister companies.

• Develop staff capacity to ensure redundancy and reduce dependency on single individuals.

• Foster cross‐department collaboration with Sales, HR, and Production.

Job Requirement:

• Education: Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance (Master’s or CPA/ACCA preferred).

• Experience: 7+ years in FMCG/manufacturing finance with proven experience in systemization and scaling.

• Proficiency in QuickBooks/ERP and Excel; experience designing dashboards and automating processes.

• Excellent record keeping, organization, and attention to detail.

• Excellent financial analysis, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Ability to develop strategies, minimize risks, and support investment decisions.

• Competence to manage and grow a small but expanding finance team, and build strong cross‐ departmental relationships.

• Strong knowledge of Ethiopian tax law, customs duties, and compliance.

• Leadership ability to grow and mentor a finance team.

• Values: Dedicated, honest, and loyal — committed to Apex’s long‐term growth.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience and proven capability.

• Growth Opportunities: Clear path for long‐term career advancement and increased rewards based on performance, loyalty, and impact.

• Other Benefits: Airtime allowance.

How to Appy:

• Submit your application and CV along with supporting documents Via email: info@apexsweets.com