Finance Manager - EcoPlanet Bamboo

We are a global company applying our successful model of landscape restoration to contribute to three of the world’s most critical environmental problems: the need for effective solutions to mitigate global climate change; holistic restoration of the world’s most degraded landscapes; and a growing population that requires sustainable alternatives for consumer products and markets that still contribute to deforestation and deforestation driven emissions. We have spent the last decade building the framework for bamboo to be a solution to achieve this through sustainable bamboo farms in Nicaragua, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda and the Philippines.

In Ghana our operations are currently developing two bamboo reforestation projects on the North Bandai and the Bandai Hills Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region, with a total project area of approximately 11,000 hectares, and current staffing teams of 650, representing 250 permanent full-time employees and 400 seasonal workers.

Our operations are run from our headquarters in proximity to the forest reserves, approximately 45 minutes from the town of Agogo.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager with a proven track record of connecting financial functions with the targeted outcomes of a business. We are looking for an individual who can pivot between strategic thinking and financial oversight of day-to-day operational activity. The position is the lead on all aspects related to finance, procurement, asset control and store management of the company’s operations.

This position reports to the General Manager in Ghana while working closely with our corporate Vice President of Finance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting & Systems

• Overall responsibility for accounting and system functions through the management of a finance team;
• Oversee general ledgers to prepare financial transaction reports and reconcile accounts;
• Oversee staff payroll and all related employee statutory tax filings;
• Ensure regulatory tax requirements are submitted on time monthly and that VAT refunds are received on a timely manner;
• Manage the payment of invoices and cost allocations;
• Maintain a filing system of documents both digital and hard copy;
• Develop systems for asset control, management of warehouse inventory and vehicle movement;
• Act as the main point of contact with contractors and suppliers;
• Ensure good practice with procurement procedures in place and adhered to.
• Assist with implementing financial management systems and adapting corporate-level systems to the local context;
• Establish a review process to improve financial accounting practices and related policies and procedures continuously.

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)

• Ownership of budget development, management and control on a growing portfolio of projects in South Africa;
• Serve as a business partner to the General Manager and on-site operations managers, ensuring budgets and finance functions against operational achievements are understood and well managed;
• Report monthly on budget vs. actual with adequate supporting commentary that integrates operational progress;
• Ensure the company’s short and long-term cash position remains healthy;
• Provide strategic financial analysis with respect to trends, operational modeling and costs;
• Support the VP of Finance for any other required analysis.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant degree (business or finance);
• A minimum 10 years of finance experience including in leadership positions;
• Proven track record in key finance areas, including business performance management, financial reporting, and business controls;
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, practices, and procedures;
• Proficient in MS Excel and accounting software;
• Can maintain strict confidentiality;
• Attention to detail, analytical skills and good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work accurately under pressure; and
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• CIMA/IPA/ICA/ACCA/MCIPS Certification will be an added advantage.
• Financial modeling experience a plus;