Puma Energy: Regional Controller-Africa Region

Puma Energy is a global integrated midstream and downstream oil company active in close to 45 countries. Formed in 1997 in Central America, Puma Energy has since expanded its activities worldwide, achieving rapid growth, diversification and product line development. The company directly manages over 7,500 employees. Headquartered in Singapore, it has regional hubs in Johannesburg (South Africa), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Brisbane (Australia) and Tallinn (Estonia).

Puma Energy’s core activities in the midstream sector include the supply, storage and transportation of petroleum products. Puma Energy’s activities are underpinned by investment in infrastructure which optimises supply chain systems, capturing value as both asset owner and marketer of product. Puma Energy’s downstream activities include the distribution, retail sales and wholesale of a wide range of refined products, with additional product offerings in the lubricants, bitumen, LPG and marine bunkering sectors. Puma Energy currently has a global network of over 2,000 retail service stations. Puma Energy also provides a robust platform for independent entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, by providing a viable alternative to traditional market supply sources.

Main Purpose

Provide support to the Regional Finance Manager and COO to ensure that all controlling and reporting requirements set by Head Office and Regional Office are complied with in regards to all affiliates within the Africa region by working with and through the established sub-regional finance structure primarily. Link the sub-region and all the elements to bring a consolidated view of Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure that weekly, monthly and annual reporting requirements as laid out by Puma Group are adhered to for all affiliates within the Africa region. At all times ensure reporting is in compliance with IFRS. Take an active role in the preparation of the monthly Business Presentation pack and ensure we have valid reasons for all variances between budget and actual performance.

Through the use of Navision and Qlikview ensure that the Sub-regions and Affiliates are managing daily controls in order to manage their business. Ensure that day to day monitoring and follow up takes place by the sub-regional controllers including daily review of Mass Balance, Inventory Costing, Margin, Credit and Cash.
Provide relevant guidance and direction as required.

Financial analysis, planning and reporting. Monitor and evaluate the financial performance of the Region and ensure that relevant policies, procedures, processes and systems are in place to achieve objectives set.

Ensure that all entities within the region are audited annually and within statutory timelines. Together with the sub-regional FM’s, ensure that communication from local audit forms to head office is managed and controlled.

Manage the annual budgeting process and ensure the required supporting documentation and information is accurately reported for Group purposes.

Coordinate training requirements for the local Finance teams on reporting tools and requirements, together with the sub-regional finance team. Develop existing reporting processes and ensure that best practices and most efficient procedures are followed.

Through the management of regular Balance Sheet reviews, ensure that assets & liabilities are accurately disclosed in terms of accepted reporting requirements. Monthly Balance Sheet reviews of each Affiliate to be managed by the sub-regional finance teams.

Full implementation of Navision with effective and uniform use of available functionalities. This includes the management and control of any processes and procedures that cannot be managed or maintained within Navision (and that these are kept to an absolute minimum) as well as the coordination of any open issues in Navision.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Experience:
•At least 5 years’ experience in a similar position within a multinational company at regional or head office level.
•Downstream experience is essential.
•Stock Costing Management is mandatory, candidates needs to know FIFO, LIFO, Average, stock revaluation.
•CPA/CA/ACCA Certification mandatory.
•Extensive exposure to IFRS and any related standards.
•Management Accounting and Costing exposure is essential.
•Willing to travel up to 40% of time.

Skills:
•Advanced understanding of Excel.
•Experienced with HFM and have ability to train others on this.
•Exposure to Navision an advantage
•Fluent in English (French, Portuguese is an advantage)

Competencies:
•Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills required.
•Organizational skills.
•Strong financial, technical and analytical skills.
•Critical thinking abilities and team orientation.
•Excellent attention to detail
•Ability to effectively interface with all levels of organization.
•Ability to think strategically.
•Ability to handle multiple priorities in fast changing environment.
•Must be able to work under pressure and adhere to aggressive deadlines.

Key Relationships

Internal
-Commercial Development team and Head Office finance team
-Sub-regional managers, Finance Managers and Controllers
-(Affiliate General Managers, Finance Managers, Controllers, Chief Accountants & Stock Accountants)

External
– External Auditors, Tax Firms.