Finance Manager

Job Description : FINANCE MANAGER MALAWI Finance Manager – Cost Control & Inventory Management Location: Malawi Reports To: Chief Financial Officer / General Manager / Director Department: Finance Job Purpose: To lead and manage the cost accounting and inventory control functions within the packaging manufacturing unit. The Finance Manager will be responsible for ensuring cost efficiency, accurate valuation of inventory, and establishing robust systems for controlling production costs, raw material consumption, wastage, and stock movement in alignment with company financial goals. Key Responsibilities: Cost Accounting & Analysis: Develop and maintain standard costing systems for products across all packaging lines (woven sacks, BOPP, flexible, plastic). Monitor actual production costs and perform variance analysis against standards. Recommend cost optimization strategies and support management in pricing decisions. Inventory Management: Oversee inventory control systems for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods. Ensure accurate stock valuation and timely reconciliations between physical and system stock. Identify and report obsolete or slow-moving inventory and implement corrective actions. Budgeting & Forecasting: Support in the preparation of operating budgets and financial forecasts. Monitor cost centre budgets and track departmental spending against targets. Process & Compliance Oversight: Develop and enforce internal controls for inventory movement, consumption tracking, and cost recording. Ensure adherence to company policies, audit standards, and statutory compliance. Reporting & MIS: Prepare timely and accurate reports on cost trends, inventory levels, material usage efficiency, and profitability analysis. Provide insight into cost drivers and support cross-functional teams with financial data for decision-making. Team Management & Coordination: Lead and train the costing and inventory team to maintain best practices and accurate reporting. Collaborate with production, procurement, warehousing, and sales departments for end-to-end cost and inventory control. Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (M.Com, Inter-CA/CMA/MBA preferred). 8–12 years of experience in finance roles, specifically in cost control and inventory management within the packaging industry. 5 Years’ Experience working in Africa in the same industry is mandatory. Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar). Key Competencies: Expertise in cost accounting for manufacturing environments In-depth understanding of inventory valuation, controls, and reconciliation processes Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination abilities High integrity and a commitment to accuracy and compliance

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