Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Description:

Job Description: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Industry: Edible Oil Manufacturing
Location: Malawi, East Africa
Reports to: Managing Director / Board of Directors

Role Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for leading the company’s overall financial strategy, ensuring strong financial governance, compliance, and profitability. The role requires hands-on leadership across manufacturing finance, cost controls, working capital, treasury, and statutory compliance, with a strong focus on Africa-region business operations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with business growth and expansion plans.

• Advise the MD/Board on financial performance, risks, and strategic decisions.

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.

Manufacturing & Cost Control

• Oversee product costing, margin analysis, and variance control for edible oil manufacturing.

• Implement strong cost control systems across procurement, production, logistics, and utilities.

• Monitor yield, wastage, and process efficiencies in crushing, refining, and packing operations.

Accounting, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

• Maintain compliance with Malawi statutory requirements, tax laws, and local regulations.

• Coordinate with external auditors, tax consultants, and regulatory authorities.

Treasury & Working Capital Management

• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and funding requirements.

• Handle forex exposure related to import of raw materials (oil seeds / crude oil) and exports.

• Optimize working capital through inventory, receivables, and payables management.

Taxation & Regulatory Matters

• Oversee corporate tax, VAT, customs, excise, and transfer pricing matters (if applicable).

• Ensure compliance with local labor, corporate, and financial regulations.

• Liaise with government bodies and financial institutions.

Risk Management & Controls

• Establish strong internal controls, SOPs, and risk management frameworks.

• Ensure compliance with internal policies and governance standards.

• Support ERP / accounting system implementation and improvements.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounts team.

• Build a performance-driven finance function aligned with business objectives.

Key Requirements

• Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA) / CPA / ACCA / equivalent.

• Experience: Minimum 10–15 years of experience, preferably in edible oil, FMCG, food processing, or manufacturing.

• Strong exposure to plant finance, costing, treasury, and forex management.

• Experience working in Africa or emerging markets is highly preferred.

• Sound knowledge of import/export documentation and customs processes.

• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Manufacturing finance & cost accounting

• Budgeting & financial planning

• Cash flow & working capital management

• Forex & treasury management

• Statutory & tax compliance

• ERP / SAP / Tally / Oracle exposure

• Strategic thinking & execution

Compensation

• Salary: As per experience (Budget approx. USD 5,000 per month)

• Other benefits: Accommodation / transport / local benefits (as applicable)