COMPLIANCE HEAD

About this role

Job Identity Item Description Job Title Compliance Head Department Finance and Compliance Location Head Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Job Summary The Compliance Head is responsible for overseeing the company's financial, tax, statutory, and regulatory compliance to ensure that all business transactions and financial activities are conducted in accordance with applicable Ethiopian laws, regulations, accounting standards, and internal policies. The position focuses primarily on financial compliance, tax administration, statutory reporting, financial documentation, internal controls, and regulatory risk management.The role works closely with the Finance Division, Internal Audit, Procurement, Human Resources, Logistics, and other departments to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, timely settlement of tax and statutory obligations, compliance with company procedures, and effective implementation of internal controls. The Compliance Head also monitors regulatory changes, identifies compliance risks, coordinates audits and inspections, and advises senior management on measures to strengthen financial governance, transparency, and accountability across the company. Key Responsibilities and Duties A. Financial Compliance and Internal Controls Ensure that financial transactions and business activities comply with applicable Ethiopian financial, tax, commercial, and regulatory requirements. Monitor adherence to company financial policies, accounting procedures, delegated authorities, and approval limits. Review financial processes to identify control weaknesses, irregularities, and potential compliance risks. Ensure that payments, receipts, journal entries, reconciliations, and other financial transactions are supported by appropriate documentation and approvals. Monitor compliance with procurement, expense management, cash handling, bank transaction, and payment procedures. Coordinate with the Finance Division to strengthen financial controls and prevent errors, fraud, unauthorized transactions, and financial mismanagement. Recommend corrective and preventive measures to address identified compliance gaps. B. Tax Compliance and Statutory Obligations Oversee the timely and accurate preparation, submission, and settlement of applicable tax returns and statutory payments. Monitor compliance with corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax, employment-related taxes, and other applicable tax obligations. Coordinate with the Finance Division to verify tax calculations, supporting documents, reconciliations, and tax payment records. Ensure proper documentation and retention of tax invoices, withholding certificates, tax declarations, payment receipts, and related records. Monitor changes in Ethiopian tax laws, directives, and administrative requirements and advise management on their implications. Coordinate responses to tax assessments, tax audits, official inquiries, and notices from relevant tax authorities. Track outstanding tax obligations, disputed assessments, penalties, and other tax-related exposures and recommend appropriate action. C. Accounting Standards and Financial Reporting Compliance Monitor compliance with applicable accounting standards, financial reporting requirements, and company accounting policies. Work with the Finance Division to ensure that financial statements and supporting schedules are prepared accurately and supported by reliable records. Review the completeness of financial documentation and compliance with established accounting procedures. Monitor bank reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory accounting, fixed asset records, and other critical financial controls. Ensure that financial records are properly maintained and available for internal and external audits. Follow up on financial reporting discrepancies and ensure that identified issues are corrected promptly. Support the consistent application of accounting policies and financial control procedures across the company. D. Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Documentation Monitor compliance with applicable business registration, commercial licensing, statutory filing, and other corporate regulatory requirements. Maintain a compliance calendar covering tax submissions, license renewals, statutory reports, regulatory filings, and other deadlines. Coordinate with relevant government institutions, tax authorities, auditors, banks, and professional advisers on compliance matters. Ensure that official correspondence, regulatory submissions, certificates, licenses, and compliance records are properly maintained. Track regulatory changes and communicate relevant requirements to responsible departments. Ensure timely follow-up on outstanding regulatory matters and maintain evidence of compliance. E. Audit Coordination and Follow-Up Coordinate financial compliance reviews and support internal and external audits. Prepare and organize financial, tax, accounting, and statutory documents required for audit examinations and regulatory inspections. Review audit findings and coordinate with responsible departments to develop corrective action plans. Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and ensure outstanding issues are addressed within agreed timelines. Investigate reported financial irregularities and procedural violations in coordination with authorized management and relevant control functions. Maintain an audit and compliance issues register, documenting findings, responsible parties, deadlines, and resolution status. Report significant control weaknesses, suspected irregularities, and unresolved compliance risks to senior management. F. Financial Risk Management Identify, assess, and monitor risks related to tax exposure, financial reporting, regulatory breaches, payment processes, and internal controls. Maintain a financial compliance risk register and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. Monitor overdue tax liabilities, penalties, disputed assessments, unreconciled balances, and other potential financial exposures. Assess compliance risks arising from supplier payments, customer transactions, contracts, commissions, and other business arrangements. Coordinate with Finance and Internal Audit to strengthen controls over cash, bank accounts, receivables, payables, and company assets. Escalate material financial and regulatory risks to senior management with practical recommendations. G. Policy Development and Compliance Monitoring Develop, review, and update financial compliance policies, procedures, and internal control guidelines in coordination with the Finance Division and management. Establish compliance monitoring procedures and reporting mechanisms across relevant departments. Conduct periodic reviews of financial processes, supporting documentation, and compliance practices. Ensure that employees responsible for financial and administrative transactions understand and follow applicable procedures. Promote ethical business practices, transparency, accountability, and proper use of company resources. Recommend improvements to financial systems, documentation procedures, and compliance monitoring tools. H. Reporting and Management Advisory Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual compliance reports for senior management. Report the status of tax obligations, statutory filings, audit findings, compliance risks, and corrective actions. Highlight recurring compliance issues, financial control weaknesses, and potential penalties or liabilities. Advise management on the financial and operational implications of changes in tax laws, accounting requirements, and regulatory directives. Recommend practical measures to improve financial governance, reduce compliance costs, and minimize regulatory exposure. Perform other related duties assigned by senior management.