Financial Controller Job

Job Title:        Financial Controller

Organization: Berkeley Energy (“BE”)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About US:

Berkeley Energy (“BE”) is an investment manager with dedicated private equity funds focused on renewable energy investments in SE Asia and Africa. The funds are active in over 7 markets in Asia and Africa, with a project portfolio that includes solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydro assets. Uganda is a core market for BE with investments made from its African fund AREF. To date, BE has made significant investments into 4 projects within Uganda focused on hydro. There is a strong pipeline of follow on projects with opportunities to acquire other stranded assets.

Job Summary:  We are now seeking a dedicated, committed and experienced Financial Controller to join our team to ensure tight financial control across our current operating, construction and pipeline portfolio of projects.

Berkeley Energy is a hands-on investor and takes an active role in the development, construction and operations of its investments. The key focus on the in-country finance teams is to provide robust financial stewardship of the funds invested into those project companies. The BE Financial Controller position is a key senior management position that not only provides financial control, but also is a key leadership role in supporting the Berkeley execution and vision in Uganda.

The Financial Controller will work within our existing Berkeley team in Kampala, Uganda however the role will support our portfolio teams to provide oversight of all financial control & tax matters, statutory reporting, group reporting, regulatory compliance, banking, and team management.

Berkeley Energy currently has 1 operating project, 3 in-construction projects and a pipeline of 3 potential other projects. Our key focus for further growth is within the hydro sector however the fund will invest in other technologies if returns are attractive. The position holder is expected to support our Ugandan strategy from a financial perspective but is expected to work closely with both the development, construction and operational teams.

This is currently an exciting time to join our organisation with an aggressive growth plan and credible pipeline already established. This is an opportunity to come in and make your mark and help shape the future of our platform in Uganda.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

·         A senior member of the local leadership team to drive financial and operational decision-making.

·         Responsibility for managing the project debt providers and ensuring all debt covenants are met on a timely basis.

·         Assist the investment lead with subsequent financing activities whether for non-recourse debt financing for new projects, refinancing or equity co-investment.

·         Manage the local finance team to ensure that the Project company financial records are appropriately maintained and updated and ensure all appropriate controls and procedures are in place.

·         Oversee and manage the Annual Audit process, work towards reducing cost and build relationships with key Audit stakeholders. Manage all other required audits.

·         Act as internal auditor for the project companies and ensure that consistent accounting practices and policies are implemented across the portfolio. This will involve creating, amending and updating accounting policies.

·         This role will be the key contact point for all Tax related matters across the portfolio and will work hand in hand with the chosen tax partner.

·         Responsible for the management of the monthly close process for all project companies to strict deadlines, this will include distribution of monthly management packs with detailed commentary.

·         Responsible for ensuring that the project companies compile robust annual business plans (budgets) and deliver to strict deadlines. Ensure all risks and opportunities are clearly included and communicated. Design, implement, manage and control a quarterly forecast process to include all business units and at each stage of the project lifecycle.

·         Optimize cash flow management and ensure appropriate controls are in place to ensure funds are invested appropriately across the platform and ensure robust cash forecasts are in place to manage operating cash flow and to ensure lender requirements are met.

·         Develop effective Project accounting controls, processes and reporting to manage all development projects at each stage of the life cycle. All reporting must adequately consider committed cost to date, forecast project out turns, key risks and opportunities, etc.

·         Provide financial information and interpretations to other management as required. Act as initiator for the various cost saving initiatives across the organization. Provide robust challenge to financial and nonfinancial decision making and ensure decision making is aligned to corporate goals

·         Assist with potential due diligence work on prospective acquisition targets and new investments. Ensure data is fed back appropriately to the investment managers to ensure financial models are updated with robust data. It is possible that this role could act as interim finance managers for any potential acquisitions.

·         Manage the disbursement of funds from the holding companies to project companies, in line with their drawdown requirements and ensuring that they follow the necessary compliance requirements. Ensure these drawdown amounts are then disbursed to the relevant project companies in a controlled manner and with full authorisation.

·         Responsible for managing, developing and mentoring the finance teams. This will include the selection and training of relevant staff, establish lines of control and delegate responsibilities to subordinate staff. It is imperative that the functional teams are adequately resourced and skilled to support a growing business.

Berkeley Energy is a lean organization. Consequently, the entire staff will occasionally be involved in various duties outside of their usual scope of work, such as project and development work and admin tasks.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

·         The Financial Controller must hold a recognised accountancy qualification and member of good standing.

·         Finance or a business-related university degree (Master or Bachelor).

·         Candidates must be computer literate across all Microsoft Office applications.

·         Advanced level of English, both written and spoken.

·         Ability to work in a team

·         Experienced Financial Controller or someone wishing to take the next step up. 10+ years’ finance and accounting experience, ideally with several years working within a large international professional services firm and commercial/industry experience out of practice.

·         Preference for candidates that have acted as financial controllers for infrastructure or construction projects.

·         High level of Ugandan tax knowledge and ability to assess and navigate the best solutions.

·         Experience in operating and dealing with financial compliance matters within a start-up business a distinct advantage.

·         Extensive experience in preparation of detailed budgets, cost control, reporting, financial analysis, and statutory requirements.

·         Extensive experience in managing, coaching and building high quality finance teams.

·         High level proficiency in MS Excel (this will be tested) and general IT skills.

·         Willingness to travel and visit project sites to fully understand the complexities of the projects.

Competences:

·         Superior time management, administration, planning and organisational skills.

·         Leadership and fast-paced team player.

·         Proven track record of working within small teams.

·         Delivery and results focused individual with a focus on meeting customer expectations.

·         A self-starter and has ability to work under minimal supervision.

·         Excellent negotiator and relationship management.

·         Excellent communication skills at all levels.

·         Attention to detail and pride in work.

How to Apply:

All candidates should submit an updated CV with at least 2 references, and a cover letter (in pdf format) by email to Procurement@berkeley-energy.ug, addressed to the “Human Resources Manager”

Deadline: Friday 27th September 2019 by 5:00pm

NB: Only successful candidates will be contacted.