CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

Industry: Microfinance / Financial Services

JOB PURPOSE

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic financial leadership and oversight of the organisation’s financial operations, ensuring financial sustainability, profitability, regulatory compliance and effective risk management. The role will be responsible for financial planning, budgeting, treasury management, financial reporting, capital management and supporting the organisation’s growth strategy within the microfinance sector.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organisation’s business objectives and growth plans.
• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, taxation and financial reporting.
• Manage liquidity, cash flow, funding requirements and capital adequacy to ensure financial stability.
• Drive profitability, cost optimisation and sustainable financial performance.
• Oversee loan portfolio financial performance, provisioning, impairment and credit risk exposure in collaboration with the credit and risk teams.
• Ensure compliance with Bank of Zambia regulations, applicable financial reporting standards, tax legislation and other statutory requirements.
• Prepare and present accurate financial statements, management accounts and financial performance reports to the CEO and Board.
• Lead financial planning, investment analysis, funding strategies and relationships with banks, investors and other financial institutions.
• Strengthen internal financial controls, corporate governance and risk management frameworks.
• Coordinate external audits and ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations.
• Provide strategic financial advice to executive management on business expansion, product profitability and investment opportunities.
• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team, ensuring high standards of performance and accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related field.
• Professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CA Zambia or equivalent is essential.
• MBA or Master’s degree in Finance will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in finance, including at least 5 years in senior financial leadership.
• Proven experience within microfinance, banking, lending institutions or regulated financial services.
• Strong knowledge of Bank of Zambia regulatory requirements, IFRS, financial controls and corporate governance.
• Demonstrated experience in treasury management, liquidity planning, financial strategy and capital management.
• Sound understanding of loan portfolio management, credit risk, impairment provisioning and financial performance analysis.
• Proven ability to lead finance teams and engage effectively with Boards, regulators, investors and senior management.