We are currently recruiting for an experienced Regional Chief Financial Officer to join our client team on a 4 year fixed term contract.

Client Brief Description:

Our client goal is embrace innovations in the hospitality & tour business, with well-trained experts at providing lifetime experiences and memories for their guests, all delivered with enthusiasm and pride.

They run Lodges and hotels in some of the best Safari & Beach destinations across Tanzania. They craft authentic and memorable safari experiences, providing the highest quality of luxury and comfort where  guests are indulged with a luxurious and personalized stay.

Position Title: Regional Chief Finance Officer (Tour & Hospitality Operations)

Reporting to: Group Chief Finance Officer

Supervises: Regional Finance Manager (Tour & Hospitality Operations)

Duty station: Arusha

Salary Budget: Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience

Job Summary:

The Regional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible to lead finance position in Tanzania for all group business units & brands, heading all regional finance team(s), overseeing both hospitality & tour operations. This includes overseeing financial planning, financial reporting, risk management, and ensuring the company’s financial health. The Regional CFO is a key member of the executive leadership team and plays a strategic role in shaping the regional future direction.

Providing inspiring and strategic leadership while directing activities in support of the group mission, vision, core values, standards and policies, you will develop, achieve and exceed specific goals and plans to priorities, organise & accomplish regional financial objectives; collaborating with regional business unit management to present progress updates to finance leadership.

You will be responsible for the efficient running of the regional finance function in line with group corporate strategies and brand standards, whilst meeting team, stakeholder, guest and owner expectations. As a member of the group’s senior management committee, the regional CFO is a highly visible role with exposure to corporate leadership.

You will partner & collaborate with cross functional regional management and the corporate office on existing & evolving issues; coordinating yearly budget preparation, reviewing monthly forecasts & financial performance, directing preparation of budgets, reviewing budget proposals as well as overseeing compilation of supporting backup & justifications

Division of Other Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis

Develop and implement the financial strategy of the Region.
Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning processes.
Provide strategic recommendations to the Group Chief Financial Officer, CEO and executive team based on financial analysis and projections.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the executive team, board of directors, and regulatory bodies.
Oversee the preparation of consolidated financial statements.
Ensure compliance with local, national, and global financial regulations and standards.

Risk Management

Identify and manage financial risks, including currency, interest rate, and operational risks.
Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard the company’s assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
Develop strategies to mitigate financial risks.

Capital Management

Manage the regional capital structure and optimize funding strategies.
Oversee investment activities, including new hospitality projects, mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Maintain relationships with investors, banks, and other financial institutions.

Operational Efficiency

Monitor and manage cash flow, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
Implement financial systems and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Oversee treasury functions and working capital management.

Leadership and Team Management

Lead and mentor the regional finance team, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
Coordinate with subsidiary CFOs and Accounts/finance managers to ensure alignment with the regional financial strategy.
Foster a collaborative working environment within the finance department and across other departments.

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a primary point of contact for external auditors, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Present financial reports and strategic plans to the board of directors and other involved stakeholders.
Communicate financial performance and strategies to internal and external stakeholders.

Corporate Governance

Support the board in setting corporate governance policies.
Ensure the company adheres to the highest standards of financial governance and ethical practices.

Communication Required:

Executive Team – Strategic planning and financial reporting
Finance Department – Guidance and Leadership, Performance monitoring and problem solving within the department.
Department heads – Budget Management, Financial training by ensuring department heads understand financial implications of their decisions.
Investors and shareholders – Reporting and maintaining investor relations.
Banks and Financial institutions – Obtaining funding and credit.

Problem Solving and Analysis:

High Problem-solving capability.

Judgment and Decision Making:

Financial Strategy and Planning

Formulating and overseeing the regional financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Supports long-term strategic goals by aligning financial resources with business objectives, driving sustainable growth and profitability.

Capital Structure and Investment

Determining the optimal regional capital structure and making investment decisions, such as raising capital through debt or equity, and evaluating major capital expenditures.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

Ensuring regional accurate financial reporting, adherence to regulatory requirements, and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders, which impacts investor/owner confidence, legal compliance and operational integrity.

Innovation:

Significantly modifies the processes through strategic innovation for business growth and future planning.

Competencies / Skills:

Language

Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English.

Financial Acumen

Financial Analysis and Reporting: Interpreting financial data, creating accurate reports, and deriving actionable insights.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Preparing and managing budgets, forecasting future financial performance.
Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks.

Strategic Thinking

Long-Term Planning: Crafting and executing hospitality industry strategies aligned with long-term goals.
Business Acumen: Understanding hospitality industry market trends and the competitive landscape to inform financial decisions.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Evaluating, negotiating, and integrating acquisitions and partnerships.

Leadership and Management

Team Leadership: Leading and developing the Regional finance team.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Aligning Regional financial goals with business objectives.
Change Management: Managing organizational Regional change during growth or restructuring.

Communication Skills

Stakeholder Engagement: Communicating financial information to stakeholders.
Negotiation: Securing favorable terms with partners in the regional.
Presentation Skills: Delivering Regional compelling financial presentations.

Technical Proficiency

Financial Software: Proficient with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Payroll software or other Microsoft Dynamics.
Data Analytics: Using data analytics tools for insights and decisions.
Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding and staying updated on financial regulations.

Ethical Judgment and Integrity

Ethical Standards: Maintaining high ethical standards in regional financial practices.
Transparency: Promoting transparent in regional financial reporting.
Corporate Governance: Ensuring robust governance practices.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Analytical Thinking: Diagnosing financial problems and finding solutions.
Decisiveness: Making informed and timely decisions under pressure.
Innovative Solutions: Developing creative solutions to the regional financial challenges.

Adaptability and Resilience

Flexibility: Adapting to changing conditions and needs.
Resilience: Maintaining performance under stress or during crises.

Relationship Management

Owner/Investor Relations: Building positive relationships with Owner/ investors.
Networking: Establishing industry contacts.
Customer Focus: Aligning regional financial strategies with customer satisfaction.

Coaching

Development: Providing clear instructions, demonstrations, and challenging tasks to develop team members.

Related Experience Requirements/Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting or related professional qualification (CPA, recognized CA or equivalent).
5-10 years proven experience as a Chief Finance Officer or similar role in hospitality & tour
Proven track record of strategically driven hospitality & touring business unit finance
Ability to manage multiple projects and business unit finances in a multi-tiered group
Ability to effectively communicate & collaborate with stakeholders cross-functionally at all
Ability to work well under pressure exercising sound judgement and decision-making
Ability to effectively handle multiple concurrent demands and appropriately prioritize
Professional disposition with conflict resolution abilities; people oriented and results
Effective team leadership with ability to meet set deadlines & coach team to exceed

Working Conditions:

Mainly Office
Traveling between properties only if necessary