Finance Manager - West-Africa (French-Speaking)

OBT Group; Marseille; On-site; EUR 81,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully furnished accommodation with all

Utilities included

Company vehicle

Annual return flights

Job summary

OBT Group is seeking a Finance Manager to lead and oversee financial operations across international operations, reporting, budgeting, cash flow, and compliance. The role is based in one of our West-African offices, with a focus on building a high-performing finance team and partnering with management to drive growth and profitability.

You will manage accounting, reporting, budgeting, treasury, and tax processes, collaborate with auditors and regulators, and support strategic initiatives while

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in finance or accounting, preferably within logistics, shipping, maritime, or other international/multi-entity businesses.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls (IFRS or OHADA).
• Experience managing multi-currency and cross-border operations.
• Professional qualification preferred (CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent).
• Fluency in French and English, written and spoken.
• Willingness to relocate to Africa and work on-site.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and stakeholders.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting process, including variance analysis and performance reporting.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury activities, including banking relationships and FX exposure.
• Ensure full compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal policies.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulators.
• Provide financial insights and decision support to operational and commercial teams to improve profitability and cost control.
• Strengthen internal controls, financial processes, and reporting systems, driving efficiency and accuracy.
• Build, lead, and develop the finance team, setting clear objectives and supporting professional development.
• Support strategic initiatives, business planning, and investment analysis.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• High-standard, fully furnished accommodation, with all utilities included.
• Dedicated company vehicle.
• 45 calendar days of annual leave, plus applicable national public holidays.
• Annual return flights to your home country.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within OBT.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Cross-border finance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance / Accounting / Business Administration

Job description

With over two decades of experience, OBT delivers trusted logistics and shipping solutions supported by strong partnerships across Africa and a global network of ship owners, operators, and logistics specialists.

As Finance Manager, you will be permanently based in one of our West-African offices where you will lead and oversee OBT’s financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, robust financial controls, and effective support for business decision-making. You will be responsible for accounting, reporting, budgeting, cash flow, and compliance across OBT’s international operations.

Our Finance Managers are hands-on and at the same time working closely with senior management and operational teams. You will act as a trusted finance business partner, providing insights that support growth, efficiency, and profitability in a dynamic shipping and logistics environment. You will also build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Job Requirements

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in finance or accounting, preferably within logistics, shipping, maritime, or other international/multi-entity businesses.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, accounting principles (IFRS or OHADA), budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Experience managing multi-currency and cross-border operations.
• Professional qualification preferred (CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of tax, compliance, and audit processes in an international context.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership experience, including supervising, coaching, or mentoring finance team members.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Fluency in both French and English, written and spoken, is mandatory.
• Willingness to relocate to Africa and work on-site.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and stakeholders.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting process, including variance analysis and performance reporting.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury activities, including banking relationships and FX exposure.
• Ensure full compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal policies.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulators.
• Provide financial insights and decision support to operational and commercial teams to improve profitability and cost control.
• Strengthen internal controls, financial processes, and reporting systems, driving efficiency and accuracy.
• Build, lead, and develop the finance team, setting clear objectives and supporting professional development.
• Support strategic initiatives, business planning, and investment analysis.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• High-standard, fully furnished accommodation, with all utilities included.
• Dedicated company vehicle.
• 45 calendar days of annual leave, plus applicable national public holidays.
• Annual return flights to your home country.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within OBT.