The role
As a finance manager, you oversee the money side of a business: accounting, cash, budgets, tax and reporting. You close the accounts, manage relationships with banks and auditors, monitor cash flow and advise management on costs and investments. You usually lead a team of accountants.
Who is hiring
Manufacturers, distributors, hotels, NGOs, construction firms, start-ups after fundraising and subsidiaries of international groups hire finance managers. The role is usually on-site or hybrid, close to the management team, while some diaspora businesses use part-time remote finance managers.
Background and career path
Finance managers usually hold a master's in finance or accounting, often with ACCA or chartered accountant qualifications, and come up through accounting or audit. They grow into finance director or chief financial officer.