Finance and Business Intelligence Lead

Role: Finance and Business Intelligence Lead
Employer: Afriqia HR Solutions Limited
Application Deadline: 26th March 2026
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Application Instructions: Submit CV and Cover Letter to info@afriqia-solutions.com with “Finance and Business Intelligence Lead” in Subject Line.

Key Purpose

Afriqia HR Solutions Limited is seeking a highly analytical and hands-on Finance & Business Intelligence Lead to oversee the organisation’s financial management systems, accounting processes, and financial insights that support organisational decision-making.

The role combines financial leadership, accounting oversight, compliance management, and financial analysis. The successful candidate will ensure strong financial controls and accurate accounting while generating insights that help leadership understand organisational performance and support strategic planning.

This position plays a central role in maintaining the financial health of the organisation while also contributing to internal capacity and organisational learning. The Finance & Business Intelligence Lead will supervise the Finance Officer, coordinate with the company’s external financial management firm on statutory compliance and audits, and support leadership with financial insights drawn from operational and project data.

Given Afriqia’s work as an HR and organisational development consultancy, the role also offers opportunities to contribute to consulting work where financial systems intersect with HR functions such as payroll management, compensation structures, and employee benefits administration.

The position sits within the organisation’s leadership structure and provides an opportunity for a finance professional to move beyond traditional accounting functions and contribute to strategic and organisational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

• Maintain accurate and well-organised financial records and accounting systems.
• Oversee bookkeeping and ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Conduct bank and account reconciliations and ensure financial accuracy.
• Manage cash flow monitoring and financial planning processes.
• Maintain fixed asset registers and oversee financial documentation.
• Supervise the Finance Officer and support capacity development within the finance function.

Financial Compliance & External Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison with the organisation’s external financial management firm.
• Coordinate statutory compliance requirements including tax submissions and regulatory reporting.
• Support preparation for annual financial audits.
• Ensure financial documentation and internal records are audit-ready and compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor adherence to internal procurement and financial procedures.

Business Intelligence & Financial Analysis

• Analyse financial data to identify trends, performance patterns, and operational insights.
• Develop internal financial dashboards and analytical reports to support leadership decision-making.
• Monitor organisational financial performance and highlight areas of risk or opportunity.
• Support leadership with financial interpretation related to organisational strategy and operational planning.
• Contribute to financial sustainability planning through data-driven analysis.

Payroll, Compensation & HR-Related Financial Systems

• Manage payroll preparation and ensure accurate processing of salaries, benefits, and statutory deductions.
• Maintain records related to staff compensation and benefits administration.
• Provide technical input on financial aspects of HR systems including payroll processes, employee benefits administration, and social security contributions.
• Support consulting teams when responding to client queries related to payroll systems, benefits calculations, and compensation administration.

Project Financial Oversight

• Monitor financial aspects of organisational projects and consultancy assignments.
• Review project expenditures and ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Support internal teams in tracking financial performance of projects and activities.
• Ensure project financial documentation and advance liquidations are properly recorded.

Operational Finance & Administration

• Oversee procurement processes in line with organisational policies.
• Maintain financial oversight of office operations and administrative expenditures.
• Monitor supplier payments, contractor engagement, and service agreements.
• Support efficient management of organisational resources and assets.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in accounting, finance, or financial management.
• Experience managing financial records, compliance, and financial reporting systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse financial data and generate practical insights.
• Experience with payroll systems and statutory deductions.
• Experience coordinating tax submissions and financial audits.
• Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial data analysis tools.
• Professional certification (ACCA, CPA, or equivalent) is an advantage but not required.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret financial data and translate it into practical insights.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and financial management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with teams.
• Strong integrity and commitment to ethical financial practices.

Expected Outcomes in the First 12 months

Within the first year, the Finance & Business Intelligence Lead is expected to:

1. Strengthen financial management systems
   Review existing accounting and financial management processes and implement improvements that ensure accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in financial reporting.
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2. Establish regular financial performance reporting
   Develop a clear monthly financial reporting system that provides leadership with insight into revenue, expenditure, cash flow, and overall organizational financial performance.
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3. Introduce financial insight and analysis into leadership discussions
   Provide regular financial analysis that identifies trends, risks, and opportunities to support organisational planning and decision-making.
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4. Strengthen coordination with external financial management partners
   Establish effective working processes with the external financial management firm to ensure smooth tax compliance, statutory reporting, and audit preparation.
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5. Improve financial visibility across organisational projects
   Develop simple tools or dashboards that help project teams and leadership track project expenditures and financial performance more effectively.