Financial Operations Manager at ENGIE

Job Purpose/Mission  

ENGIE Energy Access (EEA) is looking for an experienced, highly motivated, and skilled Global Financial Operations Manager with a passion in renewable energy, and financial inclusion to join our team. This position will be part of the Global Accounting and Reporting team that is currently based in Berlin, Germany, and Kampala, Uganda led by the Head of Accounting and Reporting and working closely with the Chief Financial Officer.

The Global Financial Operations Manager will ensure timely and accurate financial statements and reporting, manage the implementation of processes and procedures to ensure best practices and adherence to IFRS and tax laws. The Accounting and Reporting department is responsible for the set up and improving of EEA financial procedures, accounting, internal and external financial reporting. The Global Financial Operations Manager will report directly to the Global Head of Accounting and Reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

Global Financial Reporting, Financial Management and Analysis

• Manage and oversee financial reporting activities for all African subsidiaries, focusing on Eastern Region (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda).
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and management reporting, including budget vs. actual analysis and ad hoc financial reporting.
• Support monthly closing processes and review financial performance, ensuring adherence to the Chart of Accounts.
• Conduct financial analysis to assess and clarify Budget vs. Actual differences and ensure accurate Engie Group global reporting through tools such as SMART and MDT
• Prepare for and oversee annual internal and external audits for the Eastern Region, ensuring unqualified results

System and Process Improvement:

• Assist in the continued enhancement of SAP ERP systems, including the rollout of new modules, reporting tools, and dashboards.
• Implement and manage API integrations to ensure accurate data capture between Inventory and Sales management systems, SAP, and develop Tableau reports for validation.

Inventory Management:

• Leverage your experience as an Inventory Accountant and or Manager within an FMCG setting to ensure effective inventory management across all countries of operations.
• Collaborate with Global Operations and local teams to maintain accurate inventory records, perform monthly/quarterly counts, and reconcile differences within SAP and Inventory and sales management systems.
• Develop and implement inventory management strategies that align with financial reporting requirements and operational needs ( Bill of Materials Management, Inventory Audit report management), in liaison with Africa Operations
• Develop and implement Power BI  dashboard reporting for interactive key Inventory KPIs , Inventory cover, turnover , sales/COGS and ,and landed cost estimates, materials planning analysis in liaison with Africa Operation

Team Leadership and Support:

• Manage Global Accountants who will assist with finance systems setup and process management in new expansion markets.
• Coordinate with finance teams across Eastern Africa, providing guidance on reporting, reconciliations, and audit preparations.

At EEA, we have high expectations for our managers. Each manager plays a key role in creating an exceptional experience not only for our customers but for every person on our team. Our managers help EEA realize our ambitious goals while developing their own leadership skills and facilitating growth for their direct reports.  

We believe that great managers: 

• Deliver ambitious results: As a high-performing and accountable leader, you create an enabling environment for effective action and bold decision which contribute to successful delivery of results. 
• Act with integrity: As an ethical leader you are honest, respectful, objective, and transparent. You create and build upon a foundation of trust and openness. 
• Inspire and mentor the team: As an inspirational leader you walk the talk. You empower and coach your team with trust and humility. 
• Are accessible: as an accessible leader, you develop and maintain deep connections with stakeholders through approachability and active listening. 
• Ensure diversity and inclusion: as an inclusive leader, you ensure diversity and foster a sense of belonging. 

Required Skills & Experience:

Educational Background:

• B.A. or B.S. in Accounting, Finance, or any other related field
• Professional qualification/ certification e.g. ACCA, CPA, CFA etc is required
• Master’s degree in a related field is a plus

Professional Experience:

• Significant leadership and management experience in operational finance, ideally as a Controller or Finance Manager.
• Proven experience as an Inventory Accountant within an FMCG environment, with a strong grasp of inventory management practices as applied in SAP B1
• Extensive experience with enterprise resource planning systems (SAP B1 mandatory) and advanced proficiency in accounting software tools.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills with proficiency in Excel and Business Intelligence Reporting tools.
• Experience managing multi-cultural teams and working in a multinational company or financial institution, particularly in Africa.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced understanding of IFRS and tax regulations (a plus).
• Experience with financial reporting tools such as Tableau and Power BI.
• Experience with inventory management modules in SAP B1

Language Proficiency:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English; French language skills are a plus.

Highly Desired Skills:

• Higher-level certifications in accounting or finance.
• Experience with inventory management modules in SAP B1
• Understanding of rural BOP markets, microfinance, mobile telecom, and/or renewable energy industries in East Africa.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a collaborative nature.
• Detail-oriented, strategic thinker with a passion for EEA ‘s mission