Financial Controller Full-Time

About Fenix

Fenix International is a next-generation energy company. Our mission is to transform our customers’ quality of life through disruptive innovation in energy and financial services. To date, Fenix has sold over 400,000 Solar Home Systems in Uganda and Zambia, bringing clean, reliable power for lights, phones, radios, TV and much more to over 2,000,000 people.

In early 2018, Fenix joined forces with ENGIE, one of the world’s largest energy companies and a leader in the move to renewable, decentralised and digital energy. This has allowed Fenix to make significant commercial investments to accelerate the path to our mission, via new markets – Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria – and innovative products. Together, Fenix and ENGIE are making universal access to modern energy a reality.

Job Description

Fenix is looking for an experienced, highly motivated and disciplined Financial Controller with a passion for entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and financial inclusion to join our team. This position is a unique leadership role on the founding leadership team as Fenix enters the Mozambican market.

The Financial Controller will work directly with the Country Lead and entry leadership team to set up the operational finance structures required to get the business off the ground and will be the key stakeholder in setting the Operational Finance department up for scale. The Financial Controller will hire, manage, and direct the Accounting Team and ensure timely and accurate reporting as well implement processes and controls to ensure best practices and adherence to global accounting standards.

Candidates should expect a fast-paced startup culture, and will work closely with the Fenix Global support team to get the Operational Finance department up and running at Fenix Mozambique.

Please note we are only considering candidates who have legal working status in Mozambique for this position at this time, given work permit constraints.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-on setup and management of all operational finance and accounting activities at the Country level:

• Implement accounting practices, purchasing guidelines, financial controls and reporting processes;
• Maintain and improve Fenix Chart of Accounts across all Country operations;
• Set up and oversee revenue and expenses booking according to IFRS compliant practices;
• Set up banking and insurance relationships and monitor accounts;
• Execute the month end close process including the preparation of monthly financials;
• Process PO’s, payments, billings, and payroll;
• Prepare year end financial statements;
• Implement operational best practices.

Manage and oversee accounting activities, including:

• With Country Lead, review revenue and expenses booking according to in country and globally compliant practices;
• Coordinate tax filings and oversee external audits and tax audits working closely with the Director of Finance and Global Controller;
• Oversee hiring and training Fenix Mozambique accounting staff members and help with training as needed;
• Maintain monthly reconciliations for all accounts;
• Assist the Country Lead in the budgeting and periodic forecasting, BvA reporting and steering committee reporting as necessary;
• Lead the recruitment and training of the Fenix Mozambique accounting team including a cashier, accounts payable associate and head accountants;
• Become an expert in SAP and use the tool effectively to manage the Accounting function;
• Support strategic improvements to Fenix’s global operation, including country-specific tax-efficient structures, transactions between parent and subsidiary, and maintenance of global inventory.

Generate both regular and ad hoc insights for action so that Fenix can maintain excellent financial health:

• Work closely with department heads to understand monthly expenses (BvA), monitor spending and drive efficiencies in cost centers;
• Create and/or coordinate with Fenix Global finance team on ad hoc reporting as necessary to analyze revenue and cost trends.

Maintain and further develop internal controls:

• Maintain accounting and procurement practices and processes, including adherence to finance and procurement manuals;
• Develop, hire for and launch an internal control process.

Evaluate and engage with advisors as needed

Required Skills & Experience

• B.A or B.S in Finance or Accounting, CPA/ACCA required;
• 10+ years of audit or controls experience preferably at a > $10M annual turnover company operating in Africa;
• Experienced in taking a multi-million dollar company through a statutory and tax audit in Mozambique;
• Well versed in the intricate details of the tax and audit processes and laws in Mozambique;
• Significant leadership and management experience in operational finance, preferably as a Controller or Accounting Lead;
• Very strong attention to detail;
• Work experience in a multinational company or financial institution, preferably with operations in Africa;
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software tools;
• Experience with enterprise resource planning systems;
• Advanced quantitative analysis skills and proficiency in excel;
• Ability to manage a multicultural team of operations and accounting staff;
• Excellent english proficiency, both written and verbal;
• Entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative nature;
• A passion for Fenix and our customers!

Highly Desired Skills

• Exceptional English;
• Understanding of rural BOP markets, microfinance, mobile telecom and/or renewable energy industries in East Africa;
• Experience using SAP.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter through the job posting at www.fenixintl.com/careers/.

Fenix offers a competitive salary, equity and a fun work environment. We recognize the value of diversity in our workforce, and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all candidates who choose to apply, however, only those selected for a further interview will be contacted.