Head of Finance, GardaWorld Tanzania

Role overview

GardaWorld Tanzania is looking for a senior finance leader to strengthen financial control, reporting, planning, and analysis across the business. Based in Dar es Salaam, this role is responsible for putting robust finance processes in place, ensuring reliable and timely management information, and supporting leadership with the numbers needed for sound decisions.

The position reports to the Finance Director for Africa and has a dotted reporting line to the Managing Director for Tanzania. It leads a team that includes the Chief Accountant, Payroll Accountant, Management Accountant, Credit Control Manager, and Procurement Manager.

Working relationships

Internally, the role works closely with the Africa Finance Director, business unit leaders, and heads of support functions and departments. Externally, the position interacts with suppliers, clients, the Tanzania Revenue Authority, PwC auditors, legal advisers, and government officials.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver accurate budget tracking, month-on-month variance review, and clear explanations for significant differences in performance.
• Oversee payroll processing so salaries and wages are calculated correctly, reviewed, approved, and paid on schedule.
• Prepare timely financial and trend analysis to support forecasting, annual budgeting, and business planning with department heads and business unit directors.
• Review the general ledger and chart of accounts to ensure the structure supports reliable, meaningful management reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, including management accounts and statutory financial statements.
• Validate monthly management and financial statements and coordinate with auditors on audit adjustments where required.
• Design, implement, and maintain internal controls, financial procedures, and policy documentation across the company.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations and internal company policies in all finance activities.
• Support credit control efforts to help recover outstanding debts and resolve related issues promptly.
• Manage treasury and banking activities effectively.
• Approve LPOs, payments, EFTs, and cheque signing, ensuring suppliers are paid on time.
• Lead, coach, and manage finance team members in line with HR policies, while supporting high service standards and professional growth.

Expected outcomes

• Monthly management and financial reports are produced and shared on time for decision-making.
• Supplier payments and staff salaries are approved and processed accurately.
• The annual budgeting cycle is led in line with the business plan, with guidance provided to department heads as needed.
• Financial records remain current and accurate, and business leaders receive useful management reports.
• Working capital is managed effectively.
• Internal controls protect company assets and support compliance with the Tanzania Revenue Authority and other statutory bodies.

Competencies

• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to manage teams effectively.
• Strong discretion and a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive matters.
• Energetic, target-driven, and able to build good working relationships.
• Strong planning skills, well-organized approach, and the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and analytical strength.
• Commercial mindset with strategic thinking and sound business judgment.
• Good numeracy, problem-solving, and reporting capability.
• Strong ethics and integrity.
• Ability to develop, support, and grow talent within the team.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• CPA or an equivalent professional qualification, with membership in the Institute of Certified Public Accountants or another relevant professional body.
• At least 10 years of experience in accounting and finance, including 5 years in a management role.
• Strong technical knowledge across financial management, especially budgeting, financial analysis, accounting policies, procedures, and decision support.
• Advanced IT literacy, including NAV software and Microsoft Office, particularly advanced Excel.
• Working knowledge of Tanzanian tax laws.

About the employer

GardaWorld is a global security leader that offers career opportunities in a dynamic and evolving industry. The organization values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Additional information

Business unit: Security Services. Career area: Africa. Place of work: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Accountability for this role is reviewed through mid-year and annual performance reviews, supported by KPI monitoring.