Finance and Operations Director

• The Finance and Operations Director will ensure that at all times the financial position of the business units are being reported accurately and that material issues relating to financial aspects of the business are being addressed.
• The Finance and Operations Director will also play an integral role as part of a wider team, working with the Managing Director or Longman Nigeria along with other managers of the business, key staff and customers worldwide enabling them to make well supported commercial and strategic decisions and also play an integral role as part of the team. Finally there is a very non-accounting aspect to this job relating to using the knowledge of the business in order to put forward their own suggested commercial and strategic solutions for the business.  The role also carries with it line-management responsibility for a small team.

• Working closely with the Finance and Operations Director of MEAC and business partnering with both our Finance teams, operational colleagues and customers, reviewing the current business and determining what opportunities there are to work together and take advantage of current best practice;
• Play an active role as a member of the Longman Nigeria management team and Finance teams, not only responding to requests for information but also by being pro-active in supplying information and suggested solutions as appropriate;
• Being efficient in the reporting of monthly management profit and loss and balance sheet information including analytical review and comments, as well as accurate budgeting and forecasting;
• The supply and creation of accurate and timely information and analysis to aid decision-making;
• Ensuring good profit growth through Sales and GP growth while at the same time maximising efficient use of overhead resources;
• Ensuring processes and controls, providing accuracy and integrity of financial information, are in place;
• Ensuring that operational issues are addressed to ensure there is no negative impact on sales, cash or OI
• Pulling together investment appraisals on large new projects for Longman Nigeria and work in conjunction with other staff to get input for those appraisals when this is appropriate whilst taking on responsibility for monitoring those projects;
• Provide support with global data collection plans relating to sales and marketing;
• Act as point of contact with FD’s and other relevant Senior Management across the world to ensure we are adhering to key contracts.

• Strong interpersonal skills with experience of working as a business partner.
• Strong commercial awareness
• Self starter with a proactive approach to problem solving
• Solid accounting experience, including: financial reporting, control and audit. Also financial management, planning and analysis.
• As this role is within an international and multi-cultural division a global approach is essential.