Finance Manager

BACK TO ALL VACANCIES

Role: Finance Manager
Employer: Reputable cocoa-sourcing company
Reports to: General Manager
Technical Supervisor: HQ Finance Department
Application Deadline: March 7th, 2026
Location: Kenema, Sierra Leone

 

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

 

Key Purpose 

The Finance Manager will provide end-to-end financial administration and support so that the day-to-day company’s finance functions run smoothly and efficiently. This role requires a hands-on Manager to manage finance/accounting procedures and internal control, reporting, budgeting and forecasting, statutory and tax compliance.  The Finance Manager will ensure systematic financial recording, accurate computation and timely preparation and submission of company tax returns and other documents, with specific options for redress if issues arise. 

 

Roles and Responsibilities:

Accounting and Cash Management 

  • Maintain complete, accurate, and timely accounting records in line with IFRS and company policy.
  • Own the month-end close (accruals, provisions, reclassifications, schedules) and deliver accounts within agreed timelines.
  • Ensure proper revenue recognition and cost allocation by activity/site (buying, warehousing, transport, export, etc.).
  • Ensure payments (invoices, bills, receipts) are processed according to approved procedures and approval limits.
  • Process electronic transfers and payments in line with payment-run cycles.
  • Follow up and track outstanding invoices/collections and report aging status.
  • Handle cash control for petty cash/mobile money/advances, cash-in-transit/security procedures, and reconciliations.
  • Ensure bank and cash reconciliations are completed on schedule; investigate and clear reconciling items promptly.

 

Financial Planning, Analysis & Strategic Management

  • Support HQ Finance Department in developing and managing the financial budget and forecasting requirements. 
  • Compare and analyse budgeted results and actual monthly results and discuss deviations with the management team to recommend corrective actions.
  • Analyse costs and expenses based on financial and processing data, identify cost bottlenecks and present data to the management team.

 

Financial Management and Compliance

  • Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial reports with strict adherence to month-end close deadlines and compliance with internal and external stakeholder requirements.
  • Ensure adherence to internal controls in cost reporting and compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations.
  • Support regular inventory counts and reconciliations (stocks and fixed assets) between operations/warehouse and ensure records are updated accurately.
  • Design, implement, and update internal control systems and SOPs, train staff on control procedures and ensure compliance.
  • Oversee payroll processing and reconciliations; ensure confidentiality, completeness, and accuracy of statutory deductions (NASSIT, PAYE).
  • Responsible for GST refund procedures and complaints if issues arise, whilst keeping the management informed about results and/or any regulation changes 
  • Prepare and follow up on outstanding and unclaimed refunds and keep all records in order.

 

Leadership & Development

  • Manage and mentor finance staff allocated and implement best practices across teams.
  • Promote a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Stay up to date with national financial laws, import/export regulations, and keep financial department informed
  • Lead annual audit, respond to auditor queries, and manage tax advisor relationships.

 

Qualification & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance. 
  • 5+ years in finance operations in a similar role, ideally in a commercial agribusiness company, preferably in cocoa.  
  • At least 2+ years of proven record of working independently and in a supervising role. 
  • Demonstrated skills in accounting, budget, financial reporting and effective compliance with procedures and control of expenses. 
  • Advanced MS Excel (spreadsheets, charts, financial functions).
  • Comfortable using accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, Tally, or ERP).
  • Added advantage: Part-qualified or qualified professional accountancy certification (e.g., ACCA/CPA/CIMA or equivalent).

 

Skills and Competencies 

  • Detail-oriented, highly organised, and analytical; able to solve problems and follow through.
  • Trustworthy and discreet; maintains confidentiality at all times.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; can build positive internal/external relationships.
  • Able to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and perform under pressure with a positive, proactive attitude.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt.
  • May require occasional travel/field coordination with cooperatives/partners (if applicable).