Position Overview

The New Markets Finance Specialist is responsible for leading the successful implementation of Finance workstreams for all new market launches.
The role coordinates finance readiness activities, including entity setup, banking, accounting systems, statutory registrations, payroll implementation and operational finance processes, ensuring every new market launches with a fully operational finance function.
Working closely with the Financial Controller and cross-functional teams, the role will manage multiple market launches simultaneously, coordinate external advisors and support the transition of finance responsibilities to newly recruited in-country finance teams.

Roles And Responsibilities

New Market Expansion:

Lead all finance workstreams required for the successful launch of new Jaza markets, ensuring finance activities are completed ahead of operational go-live.
Develop detailed finance implementation plans, monitor progress against milestones and proactively manage risks that could impact launch timelines.
Continuously improve the finance market launch framework by documenting lessons learned and standardising implementation across future expansions.

Entity Setup & Regulatory Compliance:

Coordinate the finance aspects of establishing new legal entities, including banking, tax registrations, accounting system setup and statutory compliance requirements.
Work closely with Legal, Tax, People, Operations and external advisors to ensure all regulatory and finance obligations are completed within project timelines.
Ensure finance processes are designed to meet both Group standards and local regulatory requirements from day one.

Finance Systems & Process Improvement:

Implement accounting systems, finance policies, approval workflows and reporting templates for each new market before operational launch.
Develop scalable finance operating procedures that enable consistent execution across both Anglophone and Francophone markets.
Establish robust internal controls and finance governance processes that support accurate financial reporting from market launch.
Develop standardized finance implementation toolkits, templates and checklists that can be reused across future market launches.

Team Support & Stakeholder Management:

Act as the interim Country Accountant for newly established markets until permanent country finance resources are recruited and fully onboarded.
Support the first month-end close, treasury activities and operational finance processes during the initial stages of market operations.
Train and mentor newly recruited finance personnel, ensuring responsibilities are effectively transitioned with minimal operational disruption.
Provide ongoing post-launch support to ensure finance operations remain stable during the transition period.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

New Market Readiness: Finance workstreams (banking, accounting systems, statutory registrations, finance processes and controls) completed on schedule to support successful market launches.
Finance operational processes are standardized and continuously improved across all markets, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced manual effort and consistent execution.
Stakeholder Support & Service Delivery: Country teams and cross-functional stakeholders receive timely, high-quality finance operational support, enabling efficient execution of business initiatives.
Successful Transition of New Markets: Finance operations are successfully established and transitioned to in-country finance teams with minimal disruption as markets mature.

Key Working Relationships

Internal: Country MD, Financial Controller and Group Finance, Operations Teams, Supply Chain, Legal.
External: Auditors & Tax Consultants, Tax Authorities, Banks, Service Providers.

Why You Should Apply

Be part of the most exciting growth phase of a company. We've proven our model and are focused on expansion. This position entails high impact, visibility, and opportunities to advance quickly.
Work with great teammates in an international environment. Our team is spread across Canada, China, Tanzania, and Nigeria. You'll be interfacing with our CEO, CTO, and Chief of Staff on a daily basis.
Gain hands-on business building experience. Although we are a startup, we don't expect you to just figure it out on your own. You'll be given lots of responsibility but also lots of support to help you succeed.

Qualifications

Experience & Competencies:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
6 to 8+ years of progressive finance experience, with exposure to multi-entity or multi-country operations.
Strong understanding of IFRS, financial reporting, internal controls, and finance operations.
Demonstrated experience managing month-end close, treasury, AP/AR, and cash management processes.
Experience supporting finance projects such as new market setup, ERP implementation, process improvement, or finance transformation initiatives.
Proficiency in QuickBooks Online (QBO) or other ERP/accounting systems, with strong Excel and financial analysis skills.
Excellent stakeholder management, project coordination, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Fluent in both English and French, with the ability to support finance operations across Anglophone and Francophone African markets.

Must have skills

Good to have skills:

New market setup, entity registration, statutory compliance, tax setup, banking setup.

New Markets Finance Specialist (bi-lingual) At Jaza Energy

Key skills