JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Senior Principal Consultant of FP&A will play a critical role in shaping our financial outlook, reporting, and business decision-making processes. They will be responsible for providing pivotal decision support and overseeing group financial reporting. This role requires leading a geographically dispersed team and understanding diverse cultural and country dynamics, both from a people management as well as an accounting and reporting perspective.
LOCATION:
We are accepting applications from candidates based in Africa or within the GMT time zone, with a maximum deviation of two hours behind or ahead, to ensure alignment with Cellulant's operational framework and team collaboration needs.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A):
Lead the FP&A team to drive budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes.
Collaborate with senior management to understand and manage key business drivers and influence strategic planning.
Provide actionable insights and recommendations to optimize costs, enhance revenues, and drive profitability.
Decision Support:
Act as the primary financial contact for department heads and senior management, offering insights and data-driven business decisions.
Analyze market trends to identify business opportunities and risks.
Lead ad-hoc financial analyses and new business development evaluations.
Group Financial Reporting:
Oversee the consolidation of monthly financial reporting for all business entities.
Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant consolidated audit and group balance sheet reviews.
Drive standardization and improvement of financial reporting processes and systems across all regions.
Leadership and Team Management:
Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse and geographically dispersed finance team.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence.
Champion best practices in financial management, ensuring compliance with all statutory regulations and adherence to company policies.
Stakeholder Management:
Develop strong relationships with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
Communicate financial insights and updates to the board and senior management regularly.
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Must have experience:
Proficiency in financial modelling and forecasting.
Expertise in consolidating financial statements from multiple entities.
A minimum of 8 years of experience in finance roles, with at least 4 years in a leadership position.
Advanced knowledge of financial software
Qualification:
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; a Master's degree or MBA is preferred.
Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA) is desirable.
Skills:
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial data in a clear and concise manner.
Cultural sensitivity and adaptability, with the capacity to engage effectively with a diverse team.
Personal attributes:
Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing teams and major projects.
Ethical behaviour and integrity.
Ability to think strategically and execute methodically.
Strong inclination towards innovation and continuous improvement.