CFO

Job Summary

Lead the financial planning, performance management, and strategic finance operations of the beverage business by developing the Annual Financial Budget and 3-Year Annual Operating Plan (AOP).

Partner with the Managing Director and leadership team to drive sustainable growth, profitability, operational efficiency, and shareholder value across manufacturing, distribution, sales, and supply chain operations within the beverage industry.

Ensure strong financial governance, effective risk management, compliance, and cost-efficient stewardship of company assets while supporting business expansion, product innovation, and market competitiveness.

Duties & Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Develop and manage the annual financial budget and long-term strategic business plans for the beverage group.
• Prepare and monitor the capital expenditure (CAPEX) plan, including investments in production lines, bottling equipment, warehousing, fleet, and distribution infrastructure.
• Forecast funding requirements and assess the impact on cash flow, working capital, and balance sheet performance.
• Develop financial analysis and business cases for major initiatives including:
  • New beverage product launches
  • Packaging innovations
  • Capacity expansion projects
  • Market expansion initiatives
  • Cost optimization programs
  • Equipment modernization and automation
• Prepare and present consolidated financial budgets, forecasts, and management reports to the Board of Directors and executive leadership team.
• Prepare Monthly Operating Statements (MOS) and KPI dashboards highlighting operational performance, profitability, cost efficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Deliver timely monthly financial reporting and performance analysis to shareholders and regional management teams.

Financial Control & Compliance

• Coordinate the preparation of half-year and annual statutory accounts, including external audit processes and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Ensure accurate and timely sales, inventory, and cash reconciliations in line with company SOPs.
• Oversee tax planning, VAT compliance, excise duties, import/export taxation, and regulatory requirements applicable to the beverage industry.
• Ensure the company maintains appropriate insurance coverage across manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution fleets, and operational facilities.
• Coordinate Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and support corporate governance activities.
• Monitor legal cases, financial risks, and regulatory matters affecting the business.
• Strengthen and continuously improve internal audit policies, financial controls, and compliance procedures across all business units and regions.
• Ensure regional finance and internal audit activities comply with company policies, SOPs, and governance standards.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Develop and monitor rolling cash flow forecasts to ensure sufficient liquidity for operations and growth initiatives.
• Ensure strict adherence to bank reconciliation policies and treasury controls.
• Negotiate banking facilities, working capital financing, and trade finance arrangements to support imports, raw material procurement, and capital projects.
• Ensure adequate credit lines are maintained for CAPEX projects, inventory purchases, and ongoing import payments.
• Monitor foreign exchange exposure, commodity pricing risks, and financial market fluctuations impacting the beverage business.
• Monitor accounts receivable and distributor collections to improve working capital efficiency.

Operational & Business Support

• Develop and implement systems to strengthen inventory, stock, and cash controls across production facilities, warehouses, and depots.
• Monitor compliance with internal audit recommendations and corrective action plans across all regions.
• Partner with operations, supply chain, sales, and marketing teams to improve profitability, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Support pricing strategy reviews, margin analysis, and profitability management across beverage categories and sales channels.
• Ensure cost-effective management of manufacturing, logistics, procurement, and distribution operations.
• Build a high-performance finance team through coaching, mentoring, and performance management practices.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company values, ethical standards, and corporate governance policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.

Job Requirements

Education

• Chartered Accountant qualification (ACCA, CIMA/ACMA, CPA, or equivalent).
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive finance experience across multiple finance functions.
• At least 5 years of experience in a CFO or senior finance leadership role within a multinational organization.
• Prior experience within the beverage, FMCG, manufacturing, or consumer goods industry is highly preferred.
• Strong experience in manufacturing finance, supply chain finance, treasury management, and commercial finance.
• Experience managing excise tax, importation processes, and distributor-based business models is advantageous.

Competencies

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Strong communication and active listening skills
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse environments
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent negotiation and influencing abilities
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Results-oriented with strong execution capabilities
• Ability to manage ambiguity and adapt in fast-paced environments
• Strong initiative and accountability
• Collaborative team player with excellent time management skills

Technical & Functional Competencies

• Advanced business and commercial acumen
• Strong financial planning and analytical skills
• Treasury and cash flow management expertise
• Strong risk management and internal control knowledge
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and operational finance
• Knowledge of ERP systems, financial reporting tools, and advanced Excel
• Experience in inventory management, supply chain finance, and cost optimization
• Strong understanding of pricing strategies, margin management, and profitability analysis within the beverage industry