Finance Manager

The Finance Manager role at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) is responsible for overseeing financial governance, revenue assurance, and statutory compliance to ensure accurate accounting, cash security, and protection of embassy funds. This position plays a critical role in maintaining payroll integrity and profitability while supporting strategic business decisions and contract compliance. The incumbent will be accountable for financial integrity, audit readiness, cost control, and eliminating revenue leakage across all VAC operations.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead financial operations to ensure accurate revenue recognition, strict cash control, and overall financial discipline.
- Safeguard segregation and protection of Embassy funds and company revenues in compliance with contractual and audit standards.
- Oversee daily cash, POS, and bank reconciliations to guarantee zero variance and timely settlements.
- Manage monthly closing processes, financial reporting, and preparation of management dashboards.
- Control operating costs, vendor payments, and payroll expenses to maintain profitability and adhere to budgetary constraints.
- Ensure full compliance with VAT, tax regulations, and statutory reporting requirements.
- Lead and coordinate internal, Embassy, and statutory audits, ensuring audit readiness at all times.
- Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and decision support to the Country Manager and Operations team.
- Collaborate with the Group Finance unit on annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Analyze financial performance, identify variances, trends, and risks, and provide actionable insights to support executive decision-making.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
- Professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, or CMA is preferred.
- 8 to 12 years of experience in finance and accounting roles, including 3 to 5 years in a managerial capacity.
- Proven experience working in cash-intensive and regulated environments such as visa services, BPO, banking, government services, or hospitality.

Knowledge and Skills

- Expertise in cash and revenue reconciliation, financial accounting, and reporting.
- Strong skills in payroll and staff cost control.
- In-depth understanding of VAT and statutory compliance requirements.
- Proficiency in audit readiness and implementation of financial controls.
- Analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving and financial analysis capabilities.

Behavioral Competencies

- Demonstrates entrepreneurship and leadership qualities.
- Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Sensitivity to diversity and ability to work in culturally diverse environments.
- Commitment to personal and professional development.
- Strong focus on delivering results and effective communication.

Functional Competencies

- Competent in data analytics, audit and compliance processes.
- Skilled in cash management, cost and budget control.
- Knowledgeable in risk management and business financial analysis.

Additional Requirements

- Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking the local language is essential.
- Ability to thrive in a culturally diverse workplace.

This role demands a highly disciplined finance professional capable of maintaining stringent financial controls and ensuring zero revenue leakage while supporting the VAC’s strategic and operational goals. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in safeguarding financial integrity and driving profitability within a complex, regulated environment.