Director of Finance

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates of Malawian origin to fill the positions of Director of Finance tenable at the Tobacco Commission’s Head Office in Kanengo, Lilongwe.

THE ORGANISATION

The Tobacco Commission (the Commission) is a Statutory Corporation established by an Act of Parliament, the Tobacco Industry Act No. 5 of 2024. The major function of the Commission is to regulate and promote the development of the tobacco industry in Malawi.

In order to fulfill its mandate effectively and efficiently, the Commission invites suitably qualified, experienced and dynamic individuals to apply for the challenging and exciting position advertised below:

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE (GRADE TC 2)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB

The Director of Finance (DOF) will be responsible for managing and accounting for financial resources including current and non-current assets. He / She will also be responsible for the provision of professional advice to promote prudent and efficient financial management and accounting practices and systems for the mobilization, allocation and proper utilization of financial assets and resources in accordance with the strategic goals and objectives of the Commission.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Finance shall be responsible for the following:

1. Developing the commission’s financial strategy to ensure the commission achieves sustainability in its operations
2. Guiding and overseeing the overall finance function in line with the Commission’s set goals and adherence to organizational and individual performance management system (PMS) requirements within all the operating areas of the finance division
3. Liaising and supporting the work of external auditors and all other authorized oversight and evaluation processes, with respect to financial performance and financial governance of the Commission
4. Formulating, scheduling and implementing work plans for the finance department
5. Timely production of monthly, quarterly and year-end financial statements with schedules
6. Preparing accounts books for external audit
7. Checking cash balances on a weekly basis
8. Preparing financial statements for the Finance, Audit and Appointments Committee and the Board
9. Preparing Annual Budget in collaboration with other Department of the Commission taking into account their input
10. Managing the Commission’s approved budget, paying special attention to budgetary expenditure control measures
11. Advising Management on a regular basis the status of the finances of the Commission
12. Investing cash surpluses where and when possible
13. Overseeing the coordination of the development and implementation of the Commission’s
    Strategic Plan and budget with particular attention to the efficient operational and financial performance of the Commission
14. Optimising the allocation and utilisation of limited resources in the most productive areas so as to create maximum value for the Commission’s shareholders
15. Preparing and pay salaries, wages and Board members
16. Making reconciliations of intermediate buyer licence fees and weight licensed
17. Maintaining fixed assets register and reconcile the ledgers’ and register’s figures
18. Making reconciliations of the Commission’s revenues – Cess, Licenses, registration fees, impounded tobacco proceeds, penalties, interest
19. Making timely payment to the Commission’s suppliers;
20. Providing dynamic and effective leadership of the department
21. Setting goals, verifiable indicators of performance and appraising staff in the department
22. Monitoring and evaluating the performance of departments and reporting systems to ensure compliance with legal instruments governing public institutions such as Public Finance Management Act, Public Procurement Act and Public Audit Act; and
23. Preparing departmental performance reports to feed into the Chief Executive Officer’s report to the board.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy/Finance/ Commerce/ Business Administration or its equivalent and a relevant Master’s Degree in Accounting/ Finance/Commerce/Business Administration or its equivalent obtained from a recognized reputable learning institution accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and should be a Chartered Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, or CAM) or any relevant accounting professional institution
2. Minimum of (8) years of work experience in Finance and Accounting, with at least six (6) years at a managerial level in a reputable organization
3. Must be a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

1. Strong leadership, integrity and professionalism
2. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
3. Strategic thinking and the ability to translate policies into effective implementation
4. Computer literacy, including strong skills in Microsoft Office applications
5. Knowledge of performance measurement systems and Government systems and procedures
6. High analytical skills and excellent report writing and presentations skills
7. Conversant with relevant accounting standards and procedures and public finance management regulatory frameworks
8. Decision making and excellent planner
9. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills

APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION

Successful candidates shall be offered a negotiable performance related fixed term employment contract, with an attractive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and the seniority of the positions.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Applications including Curriculum Vitae (CVs), with at least three (3) traceable referees and photocopies of relevant certificates and National Identity, should be sent to the following address or hand delivered not later than Friday, 20th November, 2026.

The Comptroller
Department of Statutory Corporations
P.O. Box 30061
Capital City
LILONGWE 3

The applications must be clearly marked with the relevant position applied for, as follows:

“Application for the position of Director of Finance for the Tobacco Commission”

Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged and will be invited for interviews at short notice.