Head of Finance

Industry: Renewable Energy

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Reporting to: CEO / Board of Directors

Company Profile: Our client is a premier provider of solar energy solutions in Sri Lanka, backed by a prestigious group of global investors. They are committed to driving the transition to sustainable energy through large-scale commercial, industrial, and utility projects.

Role Purpose

The Head of Finance will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the company. This role demands a blend of strategic financial planning, rigorous operational control, and the ability to manage complex relationships with international investors and financial institutions. You will lead the financial strategy to support the company’s aggressive growth phase in the renewable energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

Investor Relations: Act as the primary financial liaison for global investors, providing detailed reporting, performance analytics, and managing equity/debt drawdowns.
Capital Structuring: Lead project financing initiatives, including negotiating terms with local and international banks for solar project debt.
Strategic Planning: Develop long-term financial models and forecasts to support business expansion and evaluate the ROI of new solar installations.
Project Viability: Conduct rigorous financial modeling for solar projects (EPCC and PPA models), assessing IRR, NPV, and payback periods.
Contract Management: Review and provide financial oversight for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and large-scale procurement contracts.
Risk Management: Mitigate risks related to foreign exchange fluctuations, interest rates, and regulatory changes in the Sri Lankan energy sector.
Financial Reporting: Ensure the timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with SLFRS/IFRS.
Taxation & Compliance: Oversee corporate tax planning and ensure strict compliance with BOI regulations, Inland Revenue requirements, and industry-specific levies.
Internal Controls: Implement and maintain robust internal control systems and SOPs to safeguard company assets and ensure audit readiness.
Working Capital Management: Optimize cash flow management, particularly regarding long-term project cycles and inventory procurement.
Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
Oversee the implementation or optimization of ERP systems to enhance data-driven decision-making.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics.
Experience: * Minimum of 10–12 years of post-qualifying experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Head of Finance, CFO, or Senior Manager).
Professional Qualification: Fully qualified member of ICASL, CIMA, ACCA, or CPA Preferred. An MBA or CFA designation is highly desirable.
Proven experience in Project Financing or Infrastructure Finance is mandatory.
Experience working within a company backed by Private Equity or Global Investors is a distinct advantage.

Skills & Competencies

Financial Modeling: Expert-level proficiency in complex financial modeling and valuation.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Sri Lankan regulatory landscape, including BOI and CEB/LECO financial frameworks.
Language: Professional fluency in English is essential for global investor reporting.

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to lead the financial function of a high-growth company that is at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s green energy revolution. You will work directly with world-class investors and have a tangible impact on the country's sustainable development goals.