finance manager

OVERVIEW

The Finance Manager will oversee and manage the entire financial operations of the company, ensuring strict compliance with BIR regulations, internal policies, and industry best practices. This role will lead initiatives to strengthen financial controls, streamline processes, and implement ERP solutions, while providing strategic insights to support management decisions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Financial Operations & Compliance

Manage daily financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, payroll processing, tax filings, revolving funds, inventory accounting, and intercompany transactions.

Oversee bank account management including disbursement, payroll, tax payment, and government premium accounts, ensuring proper fund allocation and reconciliation.

Ensure accurate and timely preparation of accounting records, trial balances, and schedules in support of BIR-compliant financial statements, tax returns, and regulatory submissions.

Supervise VAT self-assessment, expanded withholding tax (EWT), final withholding tax (FWT) ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines.

Validate and process expense reimbursements, petty cash replenishments, and trade deductions from distributors and retailers with complete supporting documentation.

Monitor and reconcile sales transactions from multiple payment channels, including credit cards, bank transfers, and cash collections.

Coordinate with sales, operations, and procurement teams to ensure accurate cost allocation, and inventory valuation.

Maintain organized and up-to-date documentation for internal audits, external audits, and BIR inspections, ensuring quick retrieval and readiness for compliance checks.

2.     Internal Controls & Policy Implementation

Develop and enforce company-wide financial policies, approval matrices, and SOPs to safeguard assets and prevent unauthorized transactions.

Review, approve, and monitor all disbursements, credit memos, and adjustments to ensure proper documentation and authorization.

Implement controls for expense management, trade deductions, and distributor/retailer claims reconciliation.

3.     Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis

Conduct variance analysis on actual vs. budget performance and recommend corrective measures.

Provide cost-benefit analyses for operational and marketing initiatives, ensuring ROI and compliance with contractual terms.

4.     ERP & Process Improvement

Lead ERP system migration and integration projects (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central), including master data preparation, workflow automation, and user training.

Identify and implement process enhancements to improve reporting accuracy, speed, and efficiency.

5.     Contract & Vendor Management

Review and negotiate supplier, service provider, and marketing agency agreements to ensure favorable financial terms, risk mitigation, and tax compliance.

Manage accreditation and disengagement processes for manpower service providers, ensuring smooth transitions.

6.     Dispute Resolution & Risk Management

Address and resolve financial disputes with distributors, retailers, and vendors by validating claims and ensuring proper supporting documents.

Implement risk management strategies, including insurance coverage for company assets and operations.

7.     Leadership & Team Development

Supervise and mentor finance team members, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and adherence to policies.

Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
2. Minimum of 7 years' progressive experience in finance, with at least 4 years in a managerial role.
3. Background in FMCG industry is a plus.
4. Strong background in BIR compliance, Philippine tax laws, and financial reporting standards.
5. Experience in ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
6. Proven expertise in policy creation, contract review, and process improvement.
7. Experience in the financial sector with previous possible roles such as financial analyst
8. Extensive understanding of financial trends both within the company and general market patterns
9. Proficient user of finance software
10. Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
11. Able to manage, guide, and lead employees to ensure appropriate financial processes are being used
12. A solid understanding of financial statistics and accounting principles
13. BS/MA degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics
14. Professional qualifications such as CPA/CFA/CMA or similar will be considered a plus

Key Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

BIR compliance and tax planning (VAT, EWT, FWT)

ERP migration & system implementation (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central)

Budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management

Financial analysis & variance reporting

Internal controls and audit preparation

Contract negotiation and risk mitigation

Soft Skills

1.     Strategic thinking and problem-solving

2.     High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive financial data

3.     Strong leadership and mentoring abilities

4.     Effective communication with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders

5.     Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines

Performance Indicators

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reports
• Reduction of unresolved trade deductions and claim disputes
• Successful ERP integration with minimal disruptions
• Positive audit outcomes and improved internal controls

MANDATORY SKILLS/PROCESS ABILITIES

§   Proficient in Microsoft Office, and Projects, Familiar with Operating Systems (Windows OS), Knowledge of Microsoft Suite - Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.

§   Proven Research and Development Skills

§   Strong Financial knowledge and technical know-how

§   Strong negotiation skills.

§   Excellent organizational skills.

§   Persuasive and resilient

§   Effective communication skills.