Our client is one of East Africa’s leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, known for manufacturing and marketing a diverse portfolio across food, beverages, edible oils and fats, personal care, home care, and animal feeds. They are seeking a Finance Head (Beverages Value Stream) to oversee and optimize the financial performance of the Beverages Value Stream. The role involves planning, implementing, managing, and overseeing all financial activities related to the Beverages division, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting, cost optimization, and financial analysis to support decision-making and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare detailed cost-benefit analyses for new capital expenditure (Capex) proposals in collaboration with the Head of Operations and ensure that all investment submissions to the Board of Directors are supported with comprehensive analyses.
Develop and update product and SKU costing sheets on a weekly basis, ensuring accuracy and timely communication.
Analyze management accounts line by line, identify key variances, and provide actionable observations and recommendations to the Board of Directors and Heads of Department.
Monitor input costs associated with manufacturing and provide data-driven insights to the Head of Operations to help reduce the total cost of production.
Participate in procurement decisions related to the purchase of raw materials within the Beverages Value Stream.
Review the Bill of Materials (BOM) daily, identify discrepancies, and liaise with production leads to clarify and correct anomalies.
Oversee all financial activities of the Value Stream, including planning, budgeting, forecasting, and negotiation processes.
Work closely with the Sales and Audit teams to ensure the timely issuance of credit notes and contribute to reducing the debtor cycle.
Collaborate with the Sales Head to focus on creditworthy customer segments and develop customer incentive programs that promote timely payments.
Conduct financial impact analyses for marketing expenses, pricing changes, and promotional campaigns.
Ensure all supplier and sales channel contracts and agreements comply with company policy, including the maintenance of proper records such as bank guarantees from customers.
Manage cash flow effectively by ensuring timely collections and disbursements in coordination with the Sales and Production teams.
Liaise with the Treasury and Finance teams to ensure smooth cash flow management across the business.
Develop payment priority lists based on debt collection reports and procurement requirements.
Prepare financial forecasts and budgets (both annual and rolling 13-week forecasts) for the Value Stream in alignment with group-level financial goals and under the guidance of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Prepare and review Profit and Loss (P&L) statements for the Value Stream, specific brands, customers, and channels, and provide financial insights to support operational and strategic decisions.
Requirements
A minimum of 10–12 years of experience in finance, with at least 8 years in the non-alcoholic beverage industry.
Proven experience in product costing, including detailed cost sheet preparation and variance analysis between standard and actual costs.
Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with SAP (HANA) is highly desirable.
Practical experience reviewing Bills of Materials (BOM) and working with SAP CO and PP modules.