Job Title: Chief Finance Officer
Job Description
Pearl Microfinance Ltd (PEARL) is a fast growing microfinance company limited by shares. It is rated as a category A by the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Uganda (AMFIU). The mission of PEARL is to be a leading financial institution in providing suitable financial services to the economically active population of Uganda. PEARL currently serves over 25,000 clients with 14 branches spread in 14 districts of Uganda.
With the backing of its international and local partners, PEARL is undergoing tremendous growth and transformation. To support this growth on a sustainable basis, Pearl invites applications from suitably qualified applicants for position of Chief Finance Officer. The position is based at the Head Office in Kampala.
PEARL provides excellent career opportunities and is an equal opportunities employer.
Purpose of the job
The Chief Finance Officer is a member of the Senior Management Team of PEARL Microfinance Ltd and is responsible for all long-range financial matters and establishment of company-wide financial, accounting and administrative objectives, policies, procedures, and practices that ensure that the company’s financial structure continuously remains sound with minimum risk and maximum efficiency at all times. S/he shares responsibility for overall business performance and provides timely, accurate and reliable information for decision-making.
Main responsibilities
• Take a leading role in annual budgeting process, developing and managing systems of internal planning and control and production of monthly management reports;
• Ensure preparation of accurate and timely periodic statements,monthly reconciliation of balance sheet items, tax planning, general ledger management and maintenance of a proper payments system
• Prepare, examine and analyze financial statements of the company, and other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards;
• Assess and implement improvements in the company’s accounting and management information system. Update tables of accounts, and assign entries to proper accounts,
• Develop, implement, modify, and document record keeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology;
• Prepare and file annual tax returns, ensuring compliance with payment, reporting and other tax requirements;
• Examine the corporate expenditure structure and suggest areas where cost reduction can be made without affecting operations adversely;
• Ensure that all legally mandated reports, including the annual financial statements,annual reports, monthl financial re-ports, business activity reports, financial position forecasts,annual budgets, and/or reports required byregulatory agencies, are produced on time and are following international accounting standards;
• Approving payments up to authorised limits;
• Develop, implement and review finance policies and procedures including the accounting manual and ensuring that they are complied with;
Prepare and continuously update the accounting and treasury manuals. Prepare forms and manuals for accounting and bookkeeping personnel, and direct their work activities;
• Financial analysis and short, medium and long term financial planning;
• Ensuring good internal liquidity management and sufficient fund management;
• Provide effective support to fundraising of operational and loan funds;
• Structuring and managing the performance of staff in the finance department, training, coaching ,mentoring and ensuring effective utilisation of staff;
• Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and non-organizational accounting personnel in order to facilitate financial activities;
• Review all agreements concerning financial obligations,such as contract for products or services and other actions requiring a commitment of financial resources;
• Any other duties as may be assigned .
Minimum requirements
• Degree in accounting, business administration, commerce or equivalent or comparable qualification. A Masters degree will be an added advantage;
• A professional accounting or finance qualification like ACCA, CPA, CPA is a mandatory requirement;
• At least 3 years of professional experience working in a similar position in a banking or financial institution or 5-8 years of increasingly responsible experience in financial management capacities within a
• Thorough understanding of operational risk of a financial in stitution;
• Proficient in MS Office suite,good understanding of IT issues and the role and possibilities of IT in financial management,familiarity with implementing and working with complex integrated management information and accounting systems (including database management);
• Evidence of effective leadership of employees and service providers;
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and with self confidence;
• Ability to organize work independently in an effective, goal oriented manner.
How to Apply
Applications including a motivation letter, Curriculum Vitae (with names and addresses of three referees), copies of academic/ professional certificates and testimonials should be sent in sealed envelopes indicating position applied for or email by 31st January 2012 to :
The HR Department
Pearl Microfinance Ltd
Plot 220, Kalerwe ,Gayaza Road,
P.O Box 36257, Kampala, Uganda.
Email: recruitment@pearlmicrofinance.co.ug
