Finance Manager

About the role

A leading pharmaceutical company is looking for a fully qualified Finance Manager in Colombo. The role oversees financial accounting, management accounting, banking operations, financial planning and compliance, and leads the finance team. It offers the chance to take ownership of the finance department, strengthen financial processes and give strategic financial advice to senior management.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day financial accounting and general ledger management, ensure accurate financial statements, reconciliations and month-end and year-end reports, and maintain compliance with accounting standards.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning; monitor performance, costs and cash flow; run variance analysis and support cost control and resource allocation.
• Manage banking operations including letters of credit, bank negotiations and bank guarantees/bonds, and maintain relationships with banks and financial institutions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and tax requirements, coordinate internal and external audits, and set up financial controls and risk measures.
• Lead a finance department of two finance professionals and eight junior staff, allocate responsibilities, monitor performance and support employee development.
• Oversee the move of finance activities from external consultants to an in-house function.
• Report to the Deputy Chairman and advise on financial risks, cost optimisation and business planning.

Required profile

• Fully qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent.
• Proven ability to lead a finance department and manage a team.
• Previous experience in an audit firm is highly preferred but not mandatory.

Required skills

• Strong expertise in financial accounting and sound knowledge of management accounting.
• Hands-on experience with letters of credit, bank negotiations and bank guarantees/bonds.
• Knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management and internal controls.
• Analytical, problem-solving, leadership and communication skills.