Assistant Manager: Commercial Finance

About the Role

British American Tobacco (BAT) Zambia is expanding rapidly as a global multi-category enterprise committed to creating a smoke-free future. We seek an Assistant Manager for Commercial Finance based in Lusaka to lead and coordinate finance activities across Zambia and Malawi. This position works in close partnership with market leadership to foster sustained growth, optimize pricing, investment decisions, and ensure accurate financial planning, forecasting, and compliance aligned with BAT policies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the commercial planning processes including Standard Operating Plans, budgeting, and latest estimates aligned with strategic goals.
• Support pricing approaches, revenue growth initiatives, and margin enhancement efforts across the markets.
• Deliver decision-making support via comprehensive financial analyses, insightful reporting, and business case evaluations.
• Ensure adherence to commercial finance governance, maintaining compliance with BAT standards and internal controls.
• Manage trade expenditures, marketing operating and capital expenses, and evaluate their return on investment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Legal, and Finance to improve commercial outcomes.
• Standardize and enhance financial tools, processes, and reporting within the Western & Southern Africa region.
• Assist in revenue assurance and oversee credit risk management in relevant markets.
• Promote operational efficiency, advance automation efforts, and encourage data-driven financial decision making.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional finance certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or CA.
• More than five years of experience in commercial finance, financial planning and analysis, or business partnering roles.
• A solid grasp of pricing strategies, market routes, and consumer behavior.
• Experience working in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or similarly dynamic environments.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling and analytics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial controls, governance frameworks, and IFRS accounting standards.
• Proficiency with SAP, Microsoft Excel, and data visualization platforms such as Power BI.
• Project management expertise and capability in developing business cases.

Benefits and Career Growth

• A competitive annual performance bonus program subject to eligibility criteria.
• Various benefits tailored by country, including health plans, work-life balance initiatives, transport assistance, and flexible holiday options with additional perks.
• Opportunities for internal career advancement supported by developmental programs and learning platforms.
• Access to personalized leadership skill enhancement through online learning and professional growth resources.
• A culture embracing continuous improvement within a transformative and evolving business environment.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

BAT prioritizes creating an inclusive environment where individuals thrive regardless of gender, orientation, marital status, identity, ethnicity, disability, age, background, or other aspects. We support professionals resuming their careers after breaks through initiatives such as the Global Returners program.

Accessibility

Applicants requiring accommodations during the recruitment process are encouraged to communicate their needs. BAT is dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to enable candidates to perform at their best.