Job Description:

Manager – Commercial (Finance & Accounts)

Location: Uganda

About the Role

We are hiring on behalf of our client for an experienced Manager – Commercial (Finance & Accounts) to lead the Finance, Accounts, and Commercial functions of a manufacturing operation. The role is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, cost optimization, working capital management, commercial finance, statutory compliance, and business decision support.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS and internal accounting policies.
• Review P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, and management reports.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic business decisions.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Prepare annual budgets and rolling forecasts.
• Monitor budget utilization and analyze variances.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives across operations.
• Conduct production costing, raw material cost analysis, and profitability studies.
• Develop financial models and investment appraisals.

Commercial Finance

• Partner with commercial teams on pricing and profitability analysis.
• Evaluate procurement and sales contracts from a financial perspective.
• Monitor product margins and key business performance indicators.
• Support strategic planning, expansion projects, and capital investments.

Working Capital Management

• Oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
• Strengthen credit control and debtor management.
• Optimize cash flow and working capital.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of customer and supplier accounts.

Treasury Management

• Manage banking relationships and daily cash flow.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and liquidity reports.
• Ensure effective utilization of financial resources.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and strengthen internal financial controls.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, taxation, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Identify financial and operational risks and implement mitigation measures.

Inventory & Asset Management

• Monitor inventory valuation and stock controls.
• Coordinate stock reconciliations with operations.
• Manage fixed assets and capital expenditure accounting.
• Improve inventory accuracy and asset utilization.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop Finance, Accounts, and Commercial Accounting teams.
• Establish performance standards and mentor team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate financial reporting
• Budget adherence and variance control
• Gross margin and profitability improvement
• Working capital optimization
• Debtor collection efficiency (DSO)
• Cash flow management
• Inventory accuracy and stock turnover
• Audit and compliance performance
• Cost reduction initiatives
• Statutory and tax compliance

Candidate Profile

Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent is mandatory.
• MBA/Master's in Finance or Business Administration will be an added advantage.

Experience

• 10–15 years of progressive experience in Finance, Accounts, and Commercial functions.
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role within Manufacturing, FMCG, Agribusiness, Edible Oil Processing, or a similar process industry.
• Strong expertise in budgeting, costing, financial planning, treasury, commercial finance, and working capital management.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Manufacturing costing expertise
• Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)
• Strategic thinking and business partnering
• Leadership and people management
• Negotiation and stakeholder management
• Advanced Excel and ERP proficiency
• Financial modelling and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• High integrity with strong attention to detail