The Role:
As the Head of Finance at Shikho, you will play a crucial role in shaping the financial strategy of the company, driving financial performance, and ensuring financial stability. The crucial position should possess a robust financial background, demonstrate exceptional leadership capabilities, and exhibit enthusiasm for actively contributing to the achievements of the dynamic startup within the EdTech sector of Bangladesh.
Key Roles & Responsibilities:
1. Financial Strategy and Planning:
- Develop and implement the overall financial strategy which is aligned with the company's goals and objectives
- Conduct comprehensive financial analyses to identify key drivers influencing the company's financial performance.
- Formulate a strategic financial plan that optimizes resources, aligning with the long-term goals and objectives of the organization.
- Regularly reassess and refine the financial strategy in response to changes in the business environment or organizational priorities.
- Provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision-making issues affecting the organization
- Act as a key advisor, offering financial insights and analysis to inform strategic decision-making
- Play a pivotal role in shaping major decisions that have financial implications, ensuring alignment with the overall organizational strategy.
2. Financial Management & Budgeting:
- Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
- Lead the development and execution of annual and quarterly budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and strategic goals.
- Implement robust forecasting processes to provide accurate and timely financial projections.
- Monitor cash flow to maintain financial liquidity and support day-to-day operational needs.
- Monitor financial performance and provide insights to optimize profitability and efficiency:
- Conduct detailed financial analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement in profitability.
- Collaborate with department heads to develop strategies for cost optimization and revenue enhancement.
- Provide actionable insights to senior management for continuous improvement.
3. Financial Reporting:
- Prepare and present timely and accurate financial reports for the leadership team, investors, and other stakeholders
- Develop and deliver clear and concise financial reports that highlight key performance indicators and financial health.
- Ensure timely delivery of reports to various stakeholders, fostering transparency and accountability.
- Establish and maintain financial policies and procedures that adhere to accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
4. Risk Management:
- Identify and assess potential financial risks, proposing strategies to mitigate these risks
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, ensuring the organization is prepared for various scenarios.
- Regularly reassess risks and refine strategies to align with the evolving business landscape.
- Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets.
5. Leadership:
- Lead the overall financial operations, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Promote collaboration between finance and other departments to ensure a holistic approach to organizational improvement.
- Encourage a mindset of continuous improvement, supporting initiatives that enhance financial processes and overall efficiency.
6. Investor Relations:
- Act as the primary point of contact for investors, providing financial updates and addressing inquiries
- Cultivate strong relationships with investors through transparent and timely communication on financial performance.
- Collaborate with the leadership team in fundraising activities and due diligence processes
- Work closely with the leadership team to develop and execute fundraising strategies aligned with financial goals.
7. Financial Systems and Technology:
- Evaluate and implement financial systems and technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial operations
- Assess the current financial systems landscape, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
- Lead the evaluation and selection of advanced financial technologies that align with organizational needs and goals.
- Oversee the seamless integration of selected technologies into existing financial processes, ensuring enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
- CA or ACCA qualification is a plus
- Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Business Controller, or similar role, preferably in the technology sector.
- Strong understanding of financial principles, accounting standards, and financial reporting.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
- Experience with fundraising, venture capital will be a plus.
- Proficiency in financial software, Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
The Important Bits:
- Job type: Full Time
- Department: Finance
- Location: Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Reporting to: CEO
- Salary: Competitive and Negotiable Based on Experience
- Working Days: 5 days a week, from Sunday to Thursday
About Shikho:
Shikho is a Bangladeshi education technology start-up with a mission to democratise access to high-quality education. It has so far raised $6.5 million USD of international funding from global venture capitalists in Singapore and America, the highest for a Bangladeshi seed-stage startup and the highest in education technology for the country. Investors include education technology investment specialists Learn Capital from Silicon Valley, regional experts Wavemaker Partners from Singapore along with the Family Office of Singtel Chairman and local partner SAJIDA Foundation. Shikho aims to build a holistic learning ecosystem for a digitally enabled Bangladeshi student population, across primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Shikho in the News:
Bangladeshi edtech Shikho closes seed investment of USD 5.3 million
Shikho: Transforming lives, one student at a time
Shikho making its mark on Forbes list
Shikho and its Founder, Shahir Chowdhury featured in Bloomberg New Economy 2023 Catalysts