POSITION OVERVIEW
The Finance Manager will lead and manage the finance function for a newspaper printing & distribution company. You will be responsible for ensuring robust financial control, accurate accounting, timely reporting, and efficient cash flow management. You will also supervise a team including cashiers, accounting clerks, and a purchasing officer. Your work will enable informed business decisions, safeguard assets, ensure compliance, and support growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Management & Reporting:

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet, cash flow) in accordance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., IFRS or local GAAP).
• Analyze financial results versus budget/forecast; explain variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Produce management reports and KPIs to support decision‑making by Head of Business and senior management.
• Lead and coordinate the annual budgeting and forecasting process.

Cash & Treasury Management:

• Oversee daily cash operations, ensure adequate liquidity for operations, manage bank relationships.
• Monitor cash flow forecasts; ensure timely collections and payment cycles.
• Ensure proper controls over cash handling (especially via cashiers in the field or at distribution points).

Supervision & Team Leadership:

• Supervise and mentor finance team members: cashiers, accounting clerks, purchasing officer.
• Set performance goals, deliver feedback, ensure training and development.
• Define and enforce standard operating procedures for financial and purchasing functions.

Accounting & Internal Controls:

• Maintain general ledger, ensure accurate and timely posting of transactions.
• Ensure reconciliations (bank, creditors, debtors, fixed assets, inventories) are completed regularly.
• Implement and monitor internal controls to minimize risk and prevent fraud/errors.
• Oversee the work of cashiers: reconcile cash receipts, ensure adherence to cash handling/invoicing procedures.

Purchasing & Cost Management:

• Work with the Purchasing Officer to oversee procurement of materials (e.g. paper, ink), equipment, supplies; ensure competitive pricing and vendor management.
• Monitor costs of printing and distribution; seek efficiencies and cost savings.
• Ensure purchasing complies with company policies and budgeting.

Compliance, Audit & Regulatory Requirements:

• Ensure compliance with tax laws, payroll, statutory deductions, and other local regulations.
• Prepare all required filings and returns on time.
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors; ensure audit schedules, documentation and responses are prepared and in order.

Strategic Support:

• Participate in strategy discussions with senior management to shape financial implications of expansion, pricing, investments (e.g., new printing equipment, new distribution routes).
• Advise on financial risks and opportunities (e.g., foreign exchange, inflation, supply chain disruptions).

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; professional qualification preferred (e.g. ACCA, CPA, CA).
• Minimum of 5‑7 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting / finance roles, including supervision of staff.
• Experience in manufacturing/production/distribution environment is an asset (printing industry is a plus).
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards (IFRS or local equivalent), financial reporting, budgeting, treasury.
• Solid skills in financial analysis, variance analysis, cost accounting.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail, high level of integrity, ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with accounting software / ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Analytical thinking – ability to interpret financial data and draw actionable conclusions.
• Integrity & Ethics – ensure transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct.
• Team Leadership & Development – motivate, develop and hold accountable team members.
• Problem‑solving & Decision Making – good judgment, ability to make sound decisions especially under uncertainty.
• Communication – must be able to explain complex financial information clearly to non‑finance colleagues.
• Adaptability & Resilience – printing & distribution environments are often subject to volatile costs (fuel, paper, shipping); ability to manage change.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full‑time salaried position.
• May require occasional overtime especially around month‑ends, audit periods, or when deadlines for tax/filings fall.
• Must work closely with operations, production, purchasing and distribution teams.