FINANCE MANAGER

Job Description

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Finance Manager to join our leadership team and establish robust financial systems for our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will be a strategic finance professional with deep knowledge of Nepal's tax and VAT laws, manufacturing accounting, and financial management. This role offers significant opportunity for career growth as you help build a financial foundation for a rapidly expanding business. The Finance Manager will work closely with all departments to implement financial controls, optimize operational costs, and drive financial planning that supports our business objectives.

Financial Management & Reporting (25%)

• Establish and maintain comprehensive financial management systems appropriate for a manufacturing business
• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with Nepal's accounting standards
• Develop and implement financial analysis tools to provide insights into business performance
• Create regular management reports with actionable insights on profitability, cost analysis, and financial KPIs
• Ensure accurate and timely financial closing processes
• Coordinate with external auditors for statutory audits and implement recommendations
• Prepare financial data for board meetings and investor reporting

Tax Compliance & Optimization (20%)

• Lead all aspects of tax compliance including VAT, income tax, and other applicable taxes in Nepal
• Implement robust VAT management systems ensuring full compliance with Nepal's electronic billing requirements
• Develop and execute tax planning strategies to legally optimize the company's tax position
• Manage tax audits and resolve issues with tax authorities
• Stay current with changes in Nepal's tax legislation and ensure timely implementation
• Advise management on tax implications of business decisions and new initiatives
• Ensure proper documentation for all tax-related matters

Manufacturing Finance & Cost Control (15%)

• Implement cost accounting systems for manufacturing operations
• Develop standard costing models for production planning and inventory valuation
• Conduct variance analysis to identify cost improvement opportunities
• Work with production teams to optimize manufacturing costs without compromising quality
• Oversee inventory accounting and controls, including physical verification processes
• Implement performance metrics to measure production efficiency from a financial perspective
• Provide financial guidance for make-or-buy decisions and production planning

Financial Planning & Analysis (15%)

• Lead the annual budgeting process and develop rolling forecasts
• Conduct scenario planning and sensitivity analysis for business initiatives
• Develop financial models for new product lines and market expansion
• Perform ROI analysis for capital expenditure decisions
• Establish KPIs and metrics to track financial and operational performance
• Partner with sales and marketing to develop pricing strategies
• Support strategic decision-making with financial analysis and recommendations

Financial Systems & Controls (10%)

• Select, implement, and optimize financial software systems suited to manufacturing operations
• Establish robust internal controls and compliance procedures
• Develop financial policies and procedures aligned with business needs and regulatory requirements
• Implement effective accounts receivable and accounts payable processes
• Create efficient procurement and payment approval workflows
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties within finance functions
• Conduct regular reviews of financial controls and implement improvements

Treasury & Working Capital Management (10%)

• Develop and implement cash flow forecasting and management systems
• Optimize working capital through effective management of receivables, payables, and inventory
• Establish banking relationships and manage credit facilities
• Implement effective credit control policies and procedures
• Develop risk management strategies for currency, interest rate, and other financial risks
• Manage insurance coverage and claims processing
• Explore and implement cost-effective financing options for business expansion

Team Leadership & Development (5%)

• Build, lead, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Provide mentoring and coaching to finance team members
• Implement training programs to enhance team capabilities
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between finance and other departments
• Conduct regular performance reviews and create development plans
• Promote a culture of integrity and ethical financial practices

Job Specification

• CA, ACCA, MBA Finance, or equivalent professional qualification
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a manufacturing environment
• In-depth knowledge of Nepal's tax laws, VAT regulations, and financial reporting requirements
• Experience implementing and optimizing financial systems and controls
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and manufacturing financial management
• Demonstrated ability to develop financial policies and procedures
• Experience managing finance teams in a growth-oriented environment
• Proficiency with financial software and ERP systems
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail
• Strong communication skills in both Nepali and English

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in building materials or related manufacturing industries
• Background in joint venture or multinational company environments
• Experience in business start-up or scale-up phases
• Knowledge of international financial reporting standards
• Experience with production planning and inventory management systems
• Background in implementing manufacturing cost optimization programs
• Experience with project finance for capital investments
• Familiarity with export documentation and international trade finance

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS:

• Technical Competencies
• Financial Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge of Nepal's financial, tax, and commercial regulations
• Manufacturing Accounting: Strong understanding of production costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing accounting
• Financial Analysis: Advanced skills in financial modeling, scenario planning, and sensitivity analysis
• Treasury Management: Experience in cash flow optimization and working capital management
• Systems Implementation: Ability to select, implement, and optimize financial software solutions
• Risk Management: Skill in identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks
• Audit & Controls: Expertise in developing robust internal control frameworks

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect financial management to business strategy
• Decision Making: Makes sound financial decisions based on data analysis and business context
• Change Management: Successfully leads finance function through periods of growth and change
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works effectively with all departments
• Problem Solving: Addresses complex financial challenges with practical solutions
• Team Development: Builds team capabilities and promotes continuous learning
• Communication: Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders

Personal Attributes:

• Initiative: Self-starter with ability to work independently in a start-up environment
• Adaptability: Flexible and resilient in a dynamic, evolving business
• Integrity: Unwavering commitment to ethical financial practices
• Attention to Detail: Maintains high accuracy while seeing the big picture
• Result Orientation: Focus on achieving financial and business objectives
• Innovation: Brings creative thinking to financial challenges
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of manufacturing business dynamics

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports To: Managing Director/CEO
• Direct Reports: Accountant, Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialists, Payroll Coordinator
• Key Interfaces: Production Head, Sales Head, HR Manager, Procurement Manager, External Auditors, Tax Authorities

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

• The Finance Manager will be evaluated based on:
• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
• Effectiveness of financial controls and compliance
• Success in optimizing manufacturing costs
• Working capital management efficiency
• Tax compliance and optimization results
• Quality of financial analysis and planning
• Implementation of effective financial systems
• Team development and performance
• Contribution to overall business objectives and profitability

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Provident fund contributions
• Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education
• Opportunity for career advancement in a growing organization

LOCATION

• Based at LA Decor Nepal Headquarters/Manufacturing Facility in [Kathmandu], Nepal