Job Aid: Finance Manager
Purpose
This job aid serves as a quick reference for the Finance Manager to effectively carry out daily responsibilities, ensure compliance, and support the financial health of the organization.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required)
- Professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA) preferred
Experience:
- At least [5–8] years of progressive experience in finance or accounting
- Minimum [2–3] years in a supervisory or managerial role
- Experience in cost analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting (mandatory)
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in ERP/accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
- Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities
- Strong knowledge of financial regulations and compliance requirements
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Prepare annual budgets and rolling forecasts
- Monitor actual vs. budget performance
- Perform variance analysis and recommend corrective actions
Cost Analysis
- Analyze product and manufacturing costs to identify cost-saving opportunities
- Support pricing strategies with accurate cost data
- Conduct profitability analysis by product line, customer, or project
- Review and update standard costs periodically
Reporting
- Oversee month-end and year-end closing activities
- Prepare accurate financial statements in compliance with relevant standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP)
- Present financial reports to senior management
Cash & Treasury Management
- Manage cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity
- Oversee bank reconciliations and treasury operations
- Optimize working capital
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to tax laws and statutory requirements
- Coordinate with auditors for annual audits
- Identify financial risks and propose mitigation measures
Internal Controls
- Maintain robust financial policies and procedures
- Review and approve payments and disbursements
- Ensure segregation of duties within the finance team
Team Leadership
- Supervise and mentor finance team members
- Provide guidance on accounting principles and best practices
- Support staff development through training and coaching
Critical Deadlines
Monthly
- Close monthly accounts within [X] working days
- Submit management reports by the [Xth] of each month
Quarterly
- Prepare tax filings (e.g., GST, VAT, corporate tax estimates)
- Review quarterly forecasts and cash flow plans
Annually
- Finalize statutory accounts
- Coordinate with external auditors for audit completion
- Submit annual tax returns
Key Systems & Tools
ERP/Accounting System: [e.g., SAP, Oracle, Xero]
Reporting Tools: [e.g., Power BI, Excel, Tableau]
Document Management: [e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive]
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