Finance Manager – Agricultural

I'm currently supporting a client in Brazil with the search for an experienced Finance Manager to join their agricultural commodities trading business. (it's start up company)

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional with a strong background in commodity trading, particularly within agricultural markets.

The successful candidate will lead the company's financial operations, with responsibility for financial reporting, treasury, trade finance, risk management, compliance, and business partnering, while supporting commercial growth and operational excellence.

We're looking for someone with proven experience in commodity trading, strong financial controls and working capital management expertise, and a solid understanding of international trade.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management

• Manage the company's accounting and finance operations.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to management.
• Ensure timely month-end and year-end closing activities.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Manage cash flow planning and liquidity.
• Maintain relationships with banks and financial institutions.
• Optimize working capital and funding requirements.
• Monitor foreign exchange exposure and financing costs.

Trade Finance

• Manage trade finance activities including Letters of Credit (LCs), Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs), bank guarantees, export financing, import financing, and documentary collections.
• Coordinate with banks, traders, and logistics teams to ensure smooth execution of commodity transactions.
• Monitor financing limits and credit facilities.

Commodity Trading Support

• Support traders with financial analysis on commodity transactions.
• Monitor inventory valuation and commodity margins.
• Prepare profitability analysis by commodity, customer, and region.
• Assist in pricing and commercial decision-making.

Compliance & Tax

• Ensure compliance with Brazilian accounting standards, IFRS, and local tax regulations.
• Coordinate statutory audits and tax filings.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial governance.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities.

Reporting & Business Partnering

• Develop management reports and financial dashboards.
• Present financial performance to senior leadership.
• Support strategic planning and investment analysis.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

Qualifications for recruitment

·      Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.

·      Professional qualification (CPA, CMA, ACCA, CFA, or MBA) is preferred.

·      Minimum 8 years of finance experience, with at least 5 years in agricultural commodity trading or commodity trading.

·      Strong knowledge of trade finance, treasury, and financial reporting.

·      Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.

·      Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modeling skills.

·      Strong understanding of IFRS and Brazilian tax regulations.

·      Fluent in English and Portuguese. Spanish is an advantage.

·      Preferred experience in wheat, corn, barley, and soy. (Origination background Only)