Chief Financial Officer

Job description

Job Details
Minimum experienceMid-Senior
Company primary industryFinancial Services
Job functional areaFinance
Contract term12
Job Description

About Unifi

Unifi is redefining credit in Africa with simple, fast personal loans delivered through online, mobile and branch channels. We make life easy for thousands of clients across Zambia, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Unifi has conviction in the African continent and its people, and our products enable our clients to achieve even more. As one of the fastest-growing lenders in East Africa, we combine exceptional client service with the very best tech and data analytics.

Learn more about Unifi at:

www.unifi.credit/about

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl32BzxAHfA&t=26s

Role Purpose

Unifi Zambia is hiring a Chief Financial Officer to lead the financial strategy and operations of its Zambian business. The CFO will take full ownership of Unifi Zambia’s financial function, overseeing financial reporting, regulatory compliance, budgeting, cash flow, and long-term planning. The incumbent will drive financial analysis and scenario modelling, provide strategic guidance to the CEO on corporate finance, and lead capital structuring, tax planning, fundraising efforts, and corporate governance initiatives.

This role calls for more than technical expertise—it requires someone with the vision to see opportunities where others see obstacles. The right candidate will blend financial discipline with innovative thinking and a genuine enthusiasm for contributing to Africa’s growth story. Curiosity, resilience, and a sense of humour will serve them well. Willingness to travel is essential.

Responsibilities

Strategy, Leadership & Management

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the business to drive financial and strategic decisions.
Lead, motivate, and monitor a high-performance finance team, fostering operational excellence.
Champion best practices in recruitment, training, and performance management.
Contribute to executive management and leadership initiatives.
Execute the group’s finance strategy and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

Operational Process Improvement

Evaluate and enhance finance workflows to ensure compliance with group standards.
Continuously develop and document the financial control environment.

Business Development, Financial Performance & Analysis

Generate financial analysis, reports, and insights to support decision-making at all levels of the company.
Provide strategic financial insight to guide business decisions and drive performance.
Take ownership of corporate finance, cash flow planning, and treasury management.
Advise the CEO and group on optimal capital and entity structures.
Manage tax optimisation strategies, including transfer pricing policies.

Financial Reporting & Control

Lead timely month-end close, management accounts, and balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring alignment with group standards.
Drive cost control initiatives across the business and provide regular reporting to leadership.
Ensure full compliance with tax, exchange control, corporate governance, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee the preparation of accurate, audited annual financial statements.
Maintain strong internal financial controls and manage all aspects of bank account access and maintenance.
Own the annual budgeting process and monthly cash flow forecasting.

Financial Operations

Streamline and systematise core financial processes, including journal entries, bookkeeping, and management of clearing and suspense accounts.
Enhance procurement, expense approvals, and accounts payable workflows for greater efficiency and control.
Oversee cash management to ensure optimal liquidity and timely funding across all branches.

Requirements

Postgraduate degree in Accounting (CA) or equivalent professional qualification.
Active ZICA Associate or Fellow membership.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience as a CFO or in a comparable senior financial leadership role.
Experience in the lending or financial services industry is an advantage but not required.
Strong passion for Africa and readiness to work effectively within a developing market context.