Chief Finance Officer (CFO)

Job Description

Uganda Railways Corporation is hiring a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) responsible for overseeing the financial strategy, management, and sustainability of the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC). This role ensures efficient financial operations, compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, and supports the corporation’s mandate to provide affordable, efficient, and reliable railway transport services in Uganda. The CFO will play a key role in driving financial performance, managing resources, and supporting URC’s strategic objectives.

Organization: Uganda Railways Corporation (URC)
Reports to: Managing Director
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Employment Type: Full-time, Contract Basis (3 years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Financial Strategy and Planning
   • Develop and implement URC’s financial strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and alignment with organizational goals.
   • Lead the preparation of annual budgets, financial plans, and forecasts, ensuring they support operational and strategic priorities.
   • Advise the Managing Director and Board of Directors on financial implications of business decisions and investment opportunities.
2. Financial Management and Oversight
   • Oversee the management of URC’s financial resources, including revenue collection, expenditure control, and cash flow management.
   • Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, reports, and audits in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Ugandan laws.
   • Monitor financial performance against budgets and key performance indicators, recommending corrective actions where necessary.
3. Risk Management and Compliance
   • Identify and mitigate financial risks through robust internal controls and risk management frameworks.
   • Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements, including tax obligations, financial regulations, and government policies.
   • Coordinate internal and external audits, addressing findings and implementing recommendations promptly.
4. Resource Mobilization and Investment
   • Develop strategies to mobilize financial resources, including partnerships with government, development partners, and private investors.
   • Evaluate and recommend investment opportunities to optimize URC’s financial returns and asset utilization.
   • Manage relationships with banks, financial institutions, and donors to secure funding and favorable terms.
5. Team Leadership and Capacity Building
   • Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
   • Build the capacity of staff through training and development to enhance financial management capabilities across the organization.
   • Conduct performance appraisals and ensure the team meets departmental objectives.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting
   • Prepare and present financial reports to the Board of Directors, Management, and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
   • Act as the primary liaison with government ministries, regulatory bodies, and partners on financial matters.
   • Support the Managing Director in engagements with stakeholders to advance URC’s financial interests.
7. Systems and Process Improvement
   • Oversee the implementation and maintenance of financial systems and software to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
   • Review and update financial policies and procedures to align with best practices and organizational needs.
   • Ensure the adoption of technology to enhance financial reporting and decision-making processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognized university.
  • A Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration (MBA), or a similar advanced qualification is required.
  • Full professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) is mandatory.
• Experience:
  • At least ten (10) years of progressive experience in financial management, with a minimum of five (5) years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Finance Manager, CFO, or equivalent).
  • Proven experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and resource mobilization in a large organization.
  • Experience working in a public sector entity, parastatal, or transport/logistics sector in Uganda or East Africa is an added advantage.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong knowledge of financial management principles, IFRS, and Ugandan financial regulations.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Proficiency in financial software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
  • High integrity, ethical standards, and a commitment to transparency.

Working Conditions

• The CFO will be based at URC’s headquarters in Kampala, with occasional travel to project sites or regional offices as required.
• The role demands flexibility to address urgent financial matters and meet reporting deadlines.

Performance Expectations

• Deliver accurate and timely financial reports and audits.
• Achieve budget targets and improve URC’s financial sustainability.
• Enhance internal controls and compliance, reducing financial risks.
• Successfully mobilize resources to support URC’s operations and growth

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