Finance Manager

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Employment Type: Full-Time Department: Finance Reports To: Country Manager About The Role On behalf of our client, a growing company operating in the automotive distribution sector , we are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Finance Manager to lead and strengthen the finance function. The successful candidate will play a critical role in safeguarding the company's financial position while supporting profitable business growth through effective financial planning, reporting, cash-flow management, working-capital optimization, and strong internal controls. This role is particularly suited to a finance professional with experience in automotive distribution, import-intensive businesses, FMCG distribution, or other inventory-driven commercial environments . Key Responsibilities Financial Planning & Business Partnership Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes. Develop financial models and scenario analyses to support business growth and investment decisions. Partner with senior management and functional leaders to translate business plans into measurable financial targets. Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts and recommend corrective actions. Accounting & Financial Reporting Oversee accurate recording of financial transactions and ensure effective accounting procedures. Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, cash-flow reports, and performance dashboards. Ensure timely month-end and year-end closing activities. Maintain accurate balance-sheet reconciliations and financial records. Coordinate internal and external audit activities and ensure timely resolution of audit findings. Treasury, Banking & Working Capital Management Manage cash flow, liquidity planning, payment scheduling, and banking relationships. Coordinate trade finance requirements, including Letters of Credit (LCs), supplier payments, and bank guarantees. Support effective management of foreign-currency exposure in line with applicable regulations and company policies. Strengthen receivables, payables, credit control, and inventory financing practices. Maintain strong payment controls and bank reconciliation processes. Tax, Compliance & Internal Controls Ensure timely and accurate tax filings, statutory payments, and financial submissions. Ensure compliance with applicable Ethiopian financial, tax, and regulatory requirements. Strengthen internal controls, approval processes, reconciliations, and financial documentation. Coordinate with auditors, tax advisers, banks, and relevant regulatory authorities. Commercial, Inventory & Cost Management Monitor and analyze inventory values, stock aging, slow-moving items, and potential write-down exposure. Support accurate landed-cost calculations for imported products, spare parts, and other inventory. Provide financial analysis to support pricing, discounts, promotions, and commercial decisions. Monitor gross margins and profitability across products and business activities. Strengthen collection and credit-control processes. Finance Systems & Team Leadership Support the effective implementation and utilization of ERP and financial reporting systems. Develop and improve finance policies, procedures, reporting routines, and internal controls. Lead, coach, and develop the finance team. Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, or equivalent are an advantage. Minimum of 8 years of progressive finance experience, including at least 3 years in a finance management or leadership role. Experience in automotive distribution, vehicle or spare-parts importation, FMCG distribution, manufacturing, or another inventory-intensive business is strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of Ethiopian accounting, taxation, banking, foreign currency, and import-related financial practices. Strong experience in budgeting, financial reporting, cash-flow management, and working-capital management. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and hands-on experience with an ERP or accounting system. Fluency in English and Amharic. Required Skills & Competencies Financial Planning & Analysis Budgeting & Forecasting Financial Reporting Cash Flow & Treasury Management Working Capital Management Tax & Statutory Compliance Internal Controls & Risk Management Trade Finance & Import Costing Inventory & Landed-Cost Management ERP & Financial Systems Commercial & Business Acumen Leadership & Team Management Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills High Integrity and Professionalism Ideal Candidate We are looking for a hands-on and commercially driven Finance Manager who can combine strong financial discipline with practical business partnering. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working in a dynamic and growth-oriented business environment , managing financial operations, supporting commercial decisions, and establishing strong finance systems and controls. Experience in an import-intensive, inventory-driven, automotive, distribution, or similar commercial business will be a strong advantage. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their updated CV through the application portal.