Senior Financial Controller at National Basketball Association (NBA)

Position Summary / Justification

• The Senior Financial Controller will oversee NBA Africa’s financial reporting, analysis, and internal controls, ensuring compliance with NBA standards and local regulations. This individual will play a key role in supporting financial strategy, driving performance, and providing critical insights for strategic decision-making across NBA Africa operations.

Major Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting: Oversee timely and accurate financial reporting for NBA Africa, aligning with NBA policies and local accounting standards, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports
• Performance Analysis: Analyze financial performance to identify trends, variances, and insights to support management decisions and highlight areas for improved financial outcomesBudgeting and Forecasting: Lead budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring data accuracy and that financial targets align with NBA Africa’s strategic goals
• Internal Controls: Design, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard NBA Africa’s assets, ensuring compliance with NBA and regulatory requirements
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure NBA Africa complies with local financial regulations and NBA standards, coordinating with audit teams for regular compliance checks
• Audit Management: Manage relationships with internal and external auditors, ensuring clear communication, documentation, and timely responses to audit requests
• Strategic Financial Support: Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic initiatives, guiding decisions on investments, partnerships, and project evaluations.
• Financial Modeling: Develop financial models for evaluating projects, partnerships, and other initiatives, supporting leadership in making data-driven financial decisions
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison for NBA Africa’s financial matters, coordinating with global finance teams and external financial partners
• Budget Support for Departments: Work closely with department heads to establish budgets, track expenses, and implement strategies for effective financial management and cost control
• Variance Analysis: Analyze variances between budgeted and actual performance, providing recommendations to address financial discrepancies and optimize performance
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate financial risks by monitoring cash flow, assessing credit risks, and ensuring NBA Africa’s financial resilience
• IFRS Compliance: Ensure NBA Africa’s financial practices adhere to IFRS and other relevant international accounting standards to maintain transparency and accuracy
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage the financial control team, setting performance goals and ensuring team alignment with organizational objectives

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in IFRS and GAAP, with advanced skills in financial reporting and analysisAnalytical Skills: Strong capability to interpret complex financial data, providing actionable insights for leadership
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and precision in data entry, financial reporting, and compliance
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate financial information to both finance and non-finance teams
• Project Management: Skilled in managing multiple financial projects, meeting deadlines, and coordinating cross-functional tasks
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Excel, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook); quick to learn new software
• Leadership: Proven leadership skills with experience in managing and developing a finance team

Experience Needed

• 7+ years in financial management, preferably within a multinational or sports organization
• Proven experience in financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and compliance

Educational Background Required

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• CPA, CFA, or similar certification preferred