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Job Title:        Financial
Controller

Organization: Berkeley
Energy (“BE”)

Duty Station: Kampala,
Uganda

About US:

Berkeley Energy
(“BE”) is an investment manager with dedicated private equity funds focused on
renewable energy investments in SE Asia and Africa. The funds are active in
over 7 markets in Asia and Africa, with a project portfolio that includes
solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydro assets. Uganda is a core market for
BE with investments made from its African fund AREF. To date, BE has made
significant investments into 4 projects within Uganda focused on hydro. There
is a strong pipeline of follow on projects with opportunities to acquire other
stranded assets.

Job Summary:  We are now seeking a dedicated, committed and
experienced Financial Controller to join our team to ensure tight financial
control across our current operating, construction and pipeline portfolio of
projects.

Berkeley Energy is a
hands-on investor and takes an active role in the development, construction and
operations of its investments. The key focus on the in-country finance teams is
to provide robust financial stewardship of the funds invested into those
project companies. The BE Financial Controller position is a key senior
management position that not only provides financial control, but also is a key
leadership role in supporting the Berkeley execution and vision in Uganda.

The Financial Controller
will work within our existing Berkeley team in Kampala, Uganda however the role
will support our portfolio teams to provide oversight of all financial control
& tax matters, statutory reporting, group reporting, regulatory compliance,
banking, and team management.

Berkeley Energy
currently has 1 operating project, 3 in-construction projects and a pipeline of
3 potential other projects. Our key focus for further growth is within the
hydro sector however the fund will invest in other technologies if returns are
attractive. The position holder is expected to support our Ugandan strategy
from a financial perspective but is expected to work closely with both the
development, construction and operational teams.

This is currently an
exciting time to join our organisation with an aggressive growth plan and
credible pipeline already established. This is an opportunity to come in and
make your mark and help shape the future of our platform in Uganda.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

·        
A senior
member of the local leadership team to drive financial and operational
decision-making.

·        
Responsibility
for managing the project debt providers and ensuring all debt covenants are met
on a timely basis.

·        
Assist
the investment lead with subsequent financing activities whether for
non-recourse debt financing for new projects, refinancing or equity
co-investment.

·        
Manage
the local finance team to ensure that the Project company financial records are
appropriately maintained and updated and ensure all appropriate controls and
procedures are in place.

·        
Oversee
and manage the Annual Audit process, work towards reducing cost and build
relationships with key Audit stakeholders. Manage all other required audits.

·        
Act as
internal auditor for the project companies and ensure that consistent
accounting practices and policies are implemented across the portfolio. This
will involve creating, amending and updating accounting policies.

·        
This
role will be the key contact point for all Tax related matters across the
portfolio and will work hand in hand with the chosen tax partner.

·        
Responsible
for the management of the monthly close process for all project companies to
strict deadlines, this will include distribution of monthly management packs
with detailed commentary.

·        
Responsible
for ensuring that the project companies compile robust annual business plans
(budgets) and deliver to strict deadlines. Ensure all risks and opportunities
are clearly included and communicated. Design, implement, manage and control a
quarterly forecast process to include all business units and at each stage of
the project lifecycle.

·        
Optimize
cash flow management and ensure appropriate controls are in place to ensure
funds are invested appropriately across the platform and ensure robust cash
forecasts are in place to manage operating cash flow and to ensure lender
requirements are met.

·        
Develop
effective Project accounting controls, processes and reporting to manage all
development projects at each stage of the lifecycle. All reporting must
adequately consider committed cost to date, forecast project outturns, key
risks and opportunities, etc.

·        
Provide
financial information and interpretations to other management as required. Act
as initiator for the various cost saving initiatives across the organization.
Provide robust challenge to financial and non-financial decision making and
ensure decision making is aligned to corporate goals

·        
Assist
with potential due diligence work on prospective acquisition targets and new
investments. Ensure data is fed back appropriately to the investment managers
to ensure financial models are updated with robust data. It is possible that
this role could act as interim finance managers for any potential acquisitions.

·        
Manage
the disbursement of funds from the holding companies to project companies, in
line with their drawdown requirements and ensuring that they follow the
necessary compliance requirements. Ensure these drawdown amounts are then
disbursed to the relevant project companies in a controlled manner and with
full authorisation.

·        
Responsible
for managing, developing and mentoring the finance teams. This will include the
selection and training of relevant staff, establish lines of control and
delegate responsibilities to subordinate staff. It is imperative that the
functional teams are adequately resourced and skilled to support a growing
business.

Berkeley Energy is a
lean organization. Consequently, the entire staff will occasionally be involved
in various duties outside of their usual scope of work, such as project and
development work and admin tasks.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

·        
The Financial
Controller must hold a recognised accountancy qualification and member of good
standing.

·        
Finance
or a business-related university degree (Master or Bachelor).

·        
Candidates
must be computer literate across all Microsoft Office applications.

·        
Advanced
level of English, both written and spoken.

·        
Ability
to work in a team

·        
Experienced
Financial Controller or someone wishing to take the next step up. 10+ years’
finance and accounting experience, ideally with several years working within a
large international professional services firm and commercial/industry
experience out of practice.

·        
Preference
for candidates that have acted as financial controllers for infrastructure or
construction projects.

·        
High
level of Ugandan tax knowledge and ability to assess and navigate the best
solutions.

·        
Experience
in operating and dealing with financial compliance matters within a start-up
business a distinct advantage.

·        
Extensive
experience in preparation of detailed budgets, cost control, reporting,
financial analysis, and statutory requirements.

·        
Extensive
experience in managing, coaching and building high quality finance teams.

·        
High
level proficiency in MS Excel (this will be tested) and general IT skills.

·        
Willingness
to travel and visit project sites to fully understand the complexities of the
projects.

Competences:

·        
Superior
time management, administration, planning and organisational skills.

·        
Leadership
and fast-paced team player.

·        
Proven
track record of working within small teams.

·        
Delivery
and results focused individual with a focus on meeting customer expectations.

·        
A
self-starter and has ability to work under minimal supervision.

·        
Excellent
negotiator and relationship management.

·        
Excellent
communication skills at all levels.

·        
Attention
to detail and pride in work.

How to Apply:

All candidates
should submit an updated CV with at least 2 references, and a cover letter (in
pdf format) by email to Procurement@berkeley-energy.ug, addressed to the “Human
Resources Manager”

Deadline: Friday 27th September 2019 by 5:00pm

NB: Only
successful candidates will be contacted.

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