Finance Manager (FMCG)

Our Client in the food, hospitality, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is looking to hire a Finance Manager. The Finance Manager will be responsible for the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of all financial reporting; the management of cash flow, budgets and controls; statutory compliance with ZRA and all relevant Zambian financial regulations; and the provision of clear, actionable financial intelligence to the CEO to support sound business decisions.

Please note that for this role, technical competence and leadership presence is essential as the right person will not just manage numbers, they will actively shape how this business performs at every level.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly management accounts — Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement — by the 10th of each month.
• Prepare weekly and monthly branch-wise Profit and loss statements for presentation to Senior Management
• Produce a monthly Budget vs. Actual Analysis Report for the CEO, with clear variance commentary on any line exceeding 10%.
• Maintain the General Ledger in QuickBooks — accurate, current and audit-ready at all times.
• Prepare quarterly and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS and Zambian financial regulations.
• Provide the CEO with clear, concise financial intelligence to support strategic and operational decisions.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process — consolidating departmental budgets into an organisational budget for CEO approval.
• Review and approve weekly departmental budget plans submitted by branch and department managers.
• Maintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast, updated weekly and presented to the CEO.
• Ensure the company maintains a minimum cash reserve equivalent to two weeks of operating costs at all times.
• Flag any projected cash shortfall to the CEO at least four weeks in advance.

Cash Management & Controls

• Oversee daily cash management across all branches — ensuring all cash is banked intact and reconciled daily.
• Review and approve all payment requisitions against budget allocations before disbursement.
• Manage the weekly payment run — cash purchases every Wednesday, account suppliers every Friday.
• Ensure petty cash across all five locations is properly managed, reconciled and replenished in line with policy.
• Review all bank charges monthly and ensure accurate recording in QuickBooks.
• Perform or supervise monthly bank reconciliations — completed and signed off by the 10th of the following month.

Procurement & Inventory Financial Oversight

• Review and approve all procurement requisitions against budget — ensuring no purchase proceeds without financial authorisation.
• Oversee the financial reconciliation between GAAP Unity (stock and procurement system) and QuickBooks monthly.
• Monitor food cost percentages by branch against budget — flagging and investigating variances.
• Review stock adjustment entries in GAAP Unity before they are posted — ensuring all adjustments are authorised.
• Produce monthly food cost and wastage analysis reports for the CEO and COO.

Statutory Compliance & Taxation

• Ensure full and timely compliance with all ZRA obligations — VAT returns by the 18th, PAYE and NAPSA by the 10th of each month.
• Manage NHIMA contributions and ensure timely submission.
• Ensure all VAT-claimable purchases are from ZRA Smart Invoicing registered suppliers — with valid VAT invoices filed.
• Liaise with external tax consultants on corporate income tax and annual returns.
• Ensure PACRA annual returns are submitted on time.
• Maintain all financial records for a minimum of seven years as required by Zambian law.

Internal Controls & Audit

• Maintain and enforce the company Finance Policy Manual across all departments and branches.
• Ensure segregation of duties is maintained — no single person controls initiation, approval and processing of financial transactions.
• Support the Internal Audit function — providing records, responding to queries within 24 hours and implementing audit recommendations.
• Manage staff advance requests — reviewing against policy, ensuring proper documentation and tracking repayments via payroll.
• Maintain the Fixed Asset Register in QuickBooks — including depreciation schedules and disposal records.

Team Leadership & Reporting

• Manage and develop the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions.
• Build a high-performing, accountable Finance team that operates to the company standard.
• Report directly to the CEO — proactively, not reactively. Bring issues before they become problems.
• Attend weekly management meetings and present financial performance with confidence and clarity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related field like ACCA/CIMA.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on financial management experience — including reporting, budgeting, cash flow management and statutory compliance. Experience in similar industry is preferred.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks is essential.
• Solid working knowledge of Zambian tax law - VAT, PAYE, NAPSA, NHIMA and ZRA Smart Invoicing for food, hospitality, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)
• Experience managing financial controls in a multi-site or multi-department business.
• Strong Excel skills - financial modelling, pivot tables and dashboard reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication - able to present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Valid Membership with ZICA
• Familiarity with GAAP Unity or similar POS and stock management systems.
• Experience reporting directly into a CEO or business owner in a fast-growing business.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit there applications before 16th October 2026. Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

TopFloor Limited is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge for placement.