Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Are you a qualified finance professional with a strong foundation in financial control, reporting, and governance? Do you thrive in fast-paced, multi-entity environments where accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement are critical? Are you naturally analytical, with the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify risks and opportunities, and provide meaningful insights to support strategic decision-making? Do you have experience strengthening financial controls, leading audits, managing statutory and tax compliance, and partnering with stakeholders across the business to improve financial performance? Are you excited by the opportunity to help build and scale a high-performing finance function in a mission-driven organisation operating across multiple countries? If so, this might be the role for you.

About ALX Africa

ALX Africa, a non-profit organisation under the ALX Foundation, is dedicated to unlocking the potential of Africa's digital future. Formerly part of Sand Tech Holdings, we've embarked on an independent journey to provide world-class tech skills training and career acceleration programmes. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide, upskill and re-skill talent, and create a generation of innovative leaders. By 2030, we aim to empower 2 million Africans to secure sustainable tech careers.

With hubs in 8 cities across Africa and counting, we provide safe access to quality learning and a dedicated network of expert instructors. Our innovative programmes equip learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving tech industry. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, industry partnerships, and hands-on projects, we prepare our students for in-demand roles in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.

We achieve this by:

• Providing young professionals with access to the most in-demand tech skills that will power the future.
• Empowering the next generation of technology innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders through challenging, real-world coursework.
• Building a lifelong, impactful community of tech professionals that supports them at all stages of their career journey.

Our impact thus far:

• 347k+ graduates since 2020
• 257k youth in work
• 31k youth starting own ventures
• 60k youth in jobs created by entrepreneurs

About The Role

As our Financial Controller, you will play a critical role in shaping the financial future of ALX by ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and effectiveness of our global financial operations. You will lead the organization's accounting, financial control, reporting, treasury, tax, and compliance functions while providing strategic financial insights that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Working closely with the VP of Finance, executive leadership team, and external stakeholders, you will drive financial governance, strengthen internal controls, and ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions. You will be responsible for building scalable financial processes, systems, and reporting frameworks that enable informed decision-making and support ALX's continued expansion.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical accounting expertise with strong commercial acumen, leadership capability, and a continuous improvement mindset. This is a highly visible role that will influence strategic decisions, optimize financial performance, and help build a world-class finance function.

Specific Responsibilities

Financial Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Ensure compliance with local and international accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP).
• Coordinate with external auditors to ensure smooth audits and timely completion.

Financial Control & Risk Management:

• Implement robust financial controls and risk management processes to safeguard company assets.
• Monitor financial performance and identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate financial risks.

Tax Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations.
• Manage tax filings, audits, and planning.
• Optimise tax strategies to minimise tax liabilities.

Treasury Management:

• Manage cash flow and optimise working capital.
• Oversee banking relationships and treasury operations.
• Implement effective treasury strategies to mitigate financial risks.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Develop and implement comprehensive financial plans, budgets, and forecasts.
• Conduct regular financial analysis and reporting to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Provide insightful financial insights to support strategic decision-making.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Recruit, train, and mentor finance professionals.

Skill Requirements - Essential

• Proven experience as a Group Financial Controller or equivalent role in a complex, multinational organization.
• Strong understanding of international accounting standards (IFRS, GAAP) and tax regulations.
• Experience in building finance operations and setting up financial systems and infrastructure to enable a high-growth organization.
• Advanced knowledge of financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting techniques.
• Understanding of larger and complex business structures and groups;
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems (e.g., ERP, BI tools).
• A strong analytical mind with a keen eye for detail.
• A proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• A passion for driving financial excellence and contributing to the company's growth.

Skill Requirements - Preferable

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, ACA, CPA or equivalent) with experience in a complex, multi-entity finance environment.
• Proven experience managing and developing teams and working alongside external stakeholders, including auditors, business owners, or donors, is often required.
• Additional language skills, particularly French and/or Arabic, would be an advantage.

Person Specification/Attributes

• Courage: Willingness to speak up, challenge the status quo, and embrace new challenges.
• Humility: Openness to learning, seeking help when needed, and a focus on serving others.
• Adventure: A passion for setting ambitious goals, tackling difficult tasks, and finding joy in the journey.
• Initiative: Proactive problem-solving, a sense of ownership, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through challenges, and emerge stronger.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion in safeguarding sensitive information.

Employment Type

This role is a full-time position

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