ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Agora Microfinance Zambia Limited (AMZ) is a licensed microfinance lending company that currently operates in the Western and Central provinces of the country. The mission of AMZ is to contribute to the economic well-being of the poor through effective provision of appropriate financial services. The Company currently operates from 4 branches in Mongu, Kaoma, Mumbwa, Chibombo and has a Head Office in Lusaka with total staff strength of forty-four country-wide.
ABOUT THE JOB:
The Finance Manager is part of the senior management of the Company and is specifically responsible for the finance and administration management. The responsibilities include the implementation of finance and administration management to the highest quality, meaning that finance and administration procedures outlined in the respective policies and manuals are closely followed at all times. The Finance Manager will also suggest improvements and updates to these policies, and – through CEO – these will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. As part of the senior management s/he will participate in the development of the overall institutional strategy and plans, and in their implementation.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Planning:
- Supervise the production of the annual budget for AMZ – at the whole company, head office and field operations levels;
- Lead in the development and implementation of AMZ funding strategy and financial plans, including cash flow projections in liaison with CEO, AFC Chair, and Board Chair;
- Create annual, quarterly, and monthly plans for Finance and Administration Department.
- Policy and systems development:
- Make suggestions for Audit and Finance Committee, through CEO, on the improvements of Finance Policy and administration procedures;
- Improve, and document processes and methodologies for the seamless and efficient operation of the Finance and Administration department;
- Use an appropriate system approved by AFC Chair for apportioning overhead costs to the various profit/cost centers according to services rendered;
- Ensure consistently adequate liquidity in day-to-day operations at head office and branch levels as well as maintaining daily balances, liaising with CEO and AFC Chair for any anticipated shortfalls.
- Organising and implementing:
- Head and supervise the Finance and Administration department;
- Provide insurance coverage as required.
- Monitoring, follow-up, evaluation and reporting:
- Review, refine and implement the system for the strict control of and adherence to the budget, and report on the outcome of the budget to the Board through the CEO;
- Lead the preparation of AMZ financial statements, including annual, quarterly and monthly financial reports – the company and field operations level;
- Ensure that all legally mandated reports, including the annual financial statements are produced on time and are of an acceptable standard;
- Ensure that AMZ information needs are met by creating new report templates and assuring timeliness and quality of the reports;
- Ensure all Bank of Zambia reporting requirements are met on time.
- Staff management:
- Ensure that job descriptions of the supervised managers and staff are up-to-date and address AMZ priorities;
- Manage the supervised staff performance by setting objectives and targets;
- Identify capacity gaps and support the supervised staff for them to be able to achieve their objectives and targets.
- Continuous improvement:
- Assess and implement improvements in AMZ accounting and management information system, which includes both loan-tracking and accounting);
- Review and implement improvements in the budgeting and planning process;
- Examine AMZ expenditure structure and suggest areas where cost reduction can be made without affecting operations adversely.
Qualifications:
- Degree in business, finance, accounting, economics;
- Recognised international accountancy qualification (ZICA, ICAEW, CPA or ACCA certified);
- Good knowledge and experience of microfinance operations;
- At least 5 years of experience in a management position, preferably in microfinance, banking or related industry;
- Excellent analytical skills as well as ability to design and optimise processes and procedures to achieve increased efficiency and profitability;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Willingness to travel;
- Good leadership and supervision skills;
- Good understanding of Universal Social Performance Management Standards is an advantage.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should send their cover letters and resumes to: recruitment@agoramicrofinance.co.zm
Only candidates resident in Zambia will be considered.
