Head of Finance, Africa

Do you want to change the world Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the worlds most urgent and complex access challenges by building manufacturing and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally wherever they are. From powering Rwandas national blood delivery network and Ghanas COVID-19 vaccine distribution to providing on-demand home delivery for Walmart to enabling healthcare providers to bring care directly to U.S. homes we are transforming the way things move for businesses governments and consumers. The technology is complex but the idea is simple: a teleportation service that delivers what you need when you need it. Through our technology that includes robotics and autonomy we are decarbonizing delivery decreasing road congestion and reducing fossil fuel consumption and air pollution while providing equitable access to billions of people and building a more resilient global supply chain.

About You and The Role

As Head of Finance for Zipline Africa you will be a core member of Ziplines Africa Leadership Team responsible for driving financial strategy operational efficiency and growth initiatives across our Africa operations. Reporting into our US-based Global Head of Finance you will work closely with our local finance and accounting teams to ensure Ziplines financial health and scalability across multiple African markets.

This role requires a seasoned finance leader with international experience and expertise in managing the financial complexities of scaling a high-growth operations-intensive business. You will be instrumental in developing strategic analyses to enhance profitability and scalability for Ziplines Platform 1 business in Africa.

The location of this position is flexible: Based in Rwanda Ghana Kenya Nigeria Cote dIvoire or remote with significant travel to those countries

What Youll Do

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Act as a strategic partner to Ziplines Africa leadership team advising on financial planning investment decisions and business growth initiatives.
• Lead financial forecasting budgeting and performance analysis to optimize financial resources and ensure the sustainability of Ziplines Africa operations.
• Identify and implement cost-saving and efficiency strategies to improve profitability while maintaining operational excellence.
• Develop long-term financial models to assess different market strategies and guide expansion efforts.

Accounting & Compliance

• Partner with local accounting teams to improve financial reporting accuracy streamline processes and ensure timely financial close cycles.
• Work with Ziplines US-based finance leadership to standardize financial practices across global operations.
• Participate in audit processes and liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure transparency and compliance.
• Coordinate with local and US-based Tax advisors to ensure Tax compliance across entities

Operational Finance & Business Partnering

• Serve as a financial thought leader for Ziplines operations in Africa helping local teams navigate financial complexities and drive sustainable growth.
• Partner with engineering supply chain logistics and deployment teams to ensure cost-effective operations and strong unit economics.
• Work closely with government donor and commercial partners to structure financially viable contracts and partnerships.

Scaling & Profitability of Ziplines Business

• Conduct strategic financial analysis to enhance the scalability and profitability of Ziplines Platform 1 operations in Africa.
• Develop insights into market expansion opportunities pricing strategies and operational efficiencies to drive sustainable business growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess the financial feasibility of launching new products and services in Africa.
• Develop roadmaps and strategies for Zipline to launch Platform 2 in Africa

What Youll Bring

• 8 years of experience in finance including 2 years in a financial leadership role within a multinational or high-growth company.
• Knowledge of accounting principals and direct experience working with IFRS and local accounting regulations in African markets.
• Experience managing financial operations for an international company with African market exposure.
• Proven ability to partner with in-country finance and accounting teams while partnering with global finance leadership.
• Excellent financial modeling forecasting and strategic analysis skills.
• Experience working with operations-heavy businesses (e.g. supply chain logistics or manufacturing).
• Ability to influence executive stakeholders and work cross-functionally across finance operations and commercial teams.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to operate in fast-paced and evolving markets.

What Else You Need to Know