Finance Administrator

Position Overview

Apex Confectionery PLC is a light manufacturing business producing sweet products including chewing gum, candies, toffees, and lollipops. The company is hiring a Finance Administrator to take full ownership of financial management, costing, reporting, compliance, controls, and ongoing improvement work.

This role goes beyond conventional accounting. The organization is looking for someone who can solve problems, design systems, work independently, and support leadership with better financial decisions.

Core Duties

• Create and roll out finance manuals, policies, strategies, and ERP or digital tools that support Apex’s objectives.
• Digitize tracking for inventory, receivables, payables, and cash flow so management has timely visibility.
• Manage the connection between QuickBooks for finance and ERP tools for inventory and production to keep reporting accurate and current.
• Design dashboards and automated reports for management and board oversight.
• Strengthen controls to reduce fraud, revenue loss, and financial exposure.
• Own the full financial reporting cycle, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
• Prepare financial analysis and scenario planning for the CEO to support strategic choices.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across departments.
• Track and improve profitability by SKU, channel, and overall operations.
• Maintain tight cash-flow control through forward-looking forecasting.
• Improve the use of credit, loans, and overdraft facilities.
• Develop approaches that improve liquidity and working capital efficiency.
• Handle all tax obligations, including VAT, excise, withholding, salary, pension, and profit tax.
• Represent the company with ERCA and during audits, making sure filings are accurate and on time.
• Work with internal and external auditors to maintain accurate financial records.
• Serve as the main contact for banks on loan requests, overdraft renewals, and collateral reporting.
• Negotiate favorable terms with banks, suppliers, and regulators to support growth plans.
• Manage import documentation and foreign exchange requests properly.
• Coordinate with suppliers, regulators, and other external stakeholders to keep the business compliant.
• Maintain real-time costing models for products.
• Deliver profitability insights by SKU and channel to inform pricing decisions.
• Advise the CEO on investments, cost reduction, and scaling options.
• Lead junior accountants and stock accountants, and coordinate with finance teams in sister companies.
• Build team capability to reduce reliance on single individuals and improve continuity.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, HR, and Production teams.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. A Master’s degree or CPA/ACCA qualification is preferred. The role requires at least 4 years of experience in FMCG or manufacturing finance, with a strong background in system improvement and scaling operations.

Applicants should have strong record keeping habits, excellent organization, and careful attention to detail. They must be skilled in financial analysis, negotiation, and presenting insights clearly. The role also calls for the ability to develop practical strategies, manage risks, and support investment decisions.

Candidates should be comfortable leading a small but growing finance team, building relationships across departments, and working with accounting software and ERP systems. A solid understanding of Ethiopian tax law, customs duties, inventory management, and financial controls is essential. Strong written and verbal communication skills, analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and leadership potential are also important.

Preferred Background

Experience in manufacturing or FMCG is preferred. Prior exposure to finance transformation or systems improvement projects is an advantage, and professional certifications will be considered a plus.

Success Factors

The company is seeking someone who shows ownership, accountability, independence in problem-solving, strong attention to detail, and the ability to perform well under pressure and tight deadlines. Leadership, people management, persistence, commercial thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset are also key.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit an updated CV, their current and expected salary, and their earliest available start date.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base pay that reflects experience and demonstrated capability.
• Clear long-term growth opportunities with rewards tied to performance, loyalty, and impact.
• Airtime allowance.