Chief Accounting Officer

The Role: Chief Accounting Officer/Global Controller

Salary: $300-$350K Base + Bonus

Location: Remote ***Must be in Eastern Time Zone***

We are in search of a CAO/Global Controller responsible for overseeing all aspects of our financial records, including accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, accounts payables and receivables, and procurement. This position involves critical engagement with external stakeholders, particularly in the US, and collaboration with regional CFOs to manage regional controller activities. Given our origins and substantial presence in Africa, the CFO based in Africa will be a significant partner for the CAO/Global Controller. This leadership role provides an opportunity to transform the Finance function (People, Processes, and Infrastructure) as we progress towards an IPO and post-IPO phase.

Reporting Structure:

This role reports directly to the Group CFO and works closely with the CEO and other key company leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Alignment: Develop and align financial performance management and planning activities with the organization’s strategic objectives, ensuring financial planning supports overall corporate goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Create engagement models with departments such as sales, product, engineering, marketing, operations, and HR to incorporate financial insights into organizational decision-making processes.
• Data Integration: Develop processes and infrastructure to utilize advanced data analytics, integrating data from various sources to provide comprehensive financial performance, risk, and opportunity insights.
• Proactive Decision Support: Structure and align teams to proactively support business and support units with scenario analysis, forecasting, and performance monitoring, using data and analytics to inform decision-making.

First-Year Expectations:

• Build a high-impact team capable of growing with the company on a global scale, starting with leads aligned to business units and functions.
• Enhance the financial performance management process to be scalable and granular, providing timely and actionable insights to keep teams aligned with objectives.
• Revamp the budgeting process and related infrastructure to be a practical decision-making tool that accurately models business dynamics.
• Foster a data-driven culture by elevating the significance of financial performance management and budgets.

Qualifications:

• 15-20 years of experience in accounting and finance, with a significant portion in a leadership role managing global or multinational finance operations, preferably in the fintech, payments, or technology sectors.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Expertise in international accounting standards (IFRS or GAAP), tax regulations, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with accounting software and ERP systems.
• Proven track record in leading and managing global finance teams.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements, automation, and operational efficiencies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of synthesizing complex financial data and presenting insights to senior leadership.
• Experience in leading finance professionals.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel as needed (10-25%).

Additional Desired Qualities:

• Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth financial technology company, especially in payments, is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and technologies, such as SQL, Python, or other programming languages.
• Ability to maintain a sense of humor in various situations.
• A problem-solving mindset with a strong bias towards action.
• Passion for new technology and the potential of emerging markets.