A leading Building & Civil Engineering Contractors Company, preparing to open operations in Togo, Africa, is seeking a Financial Controller to lead and establish the finance and accounting function from inception.
This role combines strong hands-on accounting management with strategic financial oversight, supporting senior management in building a robust financial structure while ensuring effective control over construction and infrastructure projects in a start-up environment.
Responsibilities
Financial Strategy & Leadership
- Support senior management in defining and implementing the company’s financial strategy aligned with business objectives and project pipeline
- Act as a strategic financial partner, providing insights to support operational and investment decisions
- Contribute to financial planning for expansion and long-term sustainability
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Establish and manage the finance and accounting function, including structures, policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets
- Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings
- Prepare financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards
- Maintain proper documentation and robust accounting records
Project & Cost Control
- Oversee project accounting for construction and infrastructure projects
- Monitor project budgets, cost control, margin analysis, variations, claims, and profitability across multiple sites
- Analyze financial performance and recommend corrective actions
- Implement strong cost control measures across operational and project activities
Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes
- Prepare and monitor cash flow projections and working capital requirements
- Monitor actual results versus budget and analyze variances
- Support funding planning and treasury management
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with local statutory, tax, VAT, and regulatory requirements in Togo
- Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and regulatory authorities
- Implement financial governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks
- Identify financial and operational risks and implement mitigation measures
Systems & Process Development
- Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of ERP and financial reporting systems
- Establish reporting structures aligned with project accounting and construction activities
- Continuously improve accounting processes and internal controls
Team & Stakeholder Management
- Recruit, build, and supervise the finance and accounting team
- Develop team capabilities and ensure performance management
- Work closely with operations, procurement, HR, and project managers
- Act as the key financial point of contact internally and externally
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
- Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CMA, or equivalent) is highly preferred
- Minimum 8–12 years of progressive finance experience, including managerial exposure
- Strong background in construction, civil engineering, roadworks, or infrastructure projects is highly desirable
- Proven experience in setting up or restructuring finance/accounting functions
- Fluency in French is mandatory (spoken and written)
- Experience in West Africa is strongly preferred; exposure to Togo or other French-speaking African countries is a plus
- English proficiency is an advantage
- Knowledge of Visual Dolphin or similar accounting systems is a strong asset
- Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
- Knowledge in SyscoHada reporting and Dolphin software is preferable
- Advanced MS Office proficiency
Benefits
- Basic + Car + House + Medical Insurance + Life Insurance + Allowance in Local Currency + 2 Round-trip tickets
Schedule
- Monday to Friday | 08:00 AM till 05:00 PM
- Saturday | 08:00 AM till 01:00 PM
Location
- Togo, Africa