Finance Specialist Full-time Job

Company: Apex Confectionery PLCJob Title: Finance SpecialistReports To: Finance ManagerLocation: Kaliti Industrial Zone, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Employment Type: Full-TimePosition SummaryApex Confectionery PLC is a light manufacturing firm engaged in the production of sweet foods such as chewing gum, candies, toffees and lollipops. The company is seeking to hire a PROACTIVE, ORGANIZED, COMPETANT and EXPERIENCED Finance Specialist to support Apex’s finance department in a way that combines day-to-day financial discipline with systems development and technology integration. The Finance Specialist will safeguard the company’s finances, strengthen internal controls, systemize reporting, and act as a trusted, loyal partner to the Finance Manager and CEO.

Key Responsibilities1. Systems, Technology & Controls· Develop and implement finance manuals, strategies, policies, and ERP/digital systems aligned with Apex’s mission.· Digitize inventory, receivables, payables, and cash-flow tracking for real-time visibility.· Build dashboards and automated reporting for management and Board-level oversight.· Implement fraud-prevention and risk-control frameworks.2. Financial Management & Reporting· Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.· Provide decision support to management through financial analysis and scenario planning.· Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis; monitor execution across departments.· Constantly monitor costs and pricing to determine real-time profitability.3.

Cash-flow & Working Capital· Manage daily cash position; ensuring payments are met while balancing distributor collection cycles.· Optimize use of credit, loans and overdraft facilities.· Develop strategies to minimize financial risk and strengthen working capital cycles.4. Tax, Compliance & Audits· Prepare and submit all tax filings: excise, withholding, salary tax, pension, VAT, and annual returns.· Represent Apex effectively at the ERCA.· Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure accuracy of financial records.5. Banking & External Relations· Manage loan applications, collateral reporting, and bank relationships.· Handle all import-related documentation and follow-up on FOREX applications.· Engage with suppliers, regulators, and external stakeholders to ensure financial compliance.6.

Costing, Pricing & Strategic Advisory· Maintain and update product costing models.· Support pricing and margin analysis for existing SKUs· Conduct reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.· Provide insights and recommendations for investment and scaling strategies.7. Leadership & Collaboration· Supervise Apex’s junior accountant and stock accountant, while coordinating with finance teams in sister companies.· Foster collaboration with Sales, HR and Production teams in drafting and executing action plans.· Develop staff capacity to ensure redundancy and reduce dependency on single individuals.Candidate Profile· Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance (Master’s or CPA/ACCA preferred).· 5+ years in FMCG/manufacturing finance with proven experience in systemization and scaling.· Proficiency in QuickBooks/ERP and Excel; experience designing dashboards and automating processes.· Excellent record keeping, organization, and attention to detail.· Strong negotiation, presentation, and financial analysis skills.· Ability to develop strategies, minimize risks, and support investment decisions.· Dedicated, honest, and loyal — committed to Apex’s long-term success.· Competence to manage and grow a small but expanding finance team, and build strong cross-departmental relationships.Compensation & BenefitsBase Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience and proven capabilityGrowth Opportunities: Clear path for long-term career advancement and increased rewards based on performance, loyalty, and impact.Other Benefits: Airtime allowance.