Veris was founded in 2013 to develop the commercial food sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. By providing risk capital to local businesses and closely working together with its management teams, Veris pursues growth and operational excellence. Veris believes that developing the commercial food sector has a positive effect on food security in a region with a rapidly expanding population, while still being a net importer of food. They focus on accelerating multiple local companies in the food value chain, while often being on the ground in Sub-Saharan Africa. To further strengthen the future growth and the finance team, we are looking for a Controller.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional to enter Private Equity. You report to and work closely together with the Finance Director. In this broad position, you will interact with internal stakeholders, finance teams of the portfolio companies and external parties such as the external accountant, tax authorities, banks and regulators. You will be part of a small team of highly experienced investment professionals based in Amsterdam.
This role offers a unique blend of financial activities for both Veris and the portfolio companies. During the weekly update calls with the portfolio companies, you discuss the financial performance. You are closely reviewing the financial reporting, providing analyses on budget vs actuals and the forecast. You handle the monthly management reporting, providing detailed insights on budget and cashflow. Your role will involve onboarding, managing, and continuously improving the monthly reporting of the various portfolio companies.
As the Controller you are responsible for the financial administration and reporting of Veris Investments and the holding companies. You are responsible for tax returns, conducting transaction monitoring, internal control and forecasting. You will drive optimization in reporting, processes, financial control, systems and financial due diligence.
Good to know
As a Financial Controller at Veris your role is never dull, there are lots of opportunities to pick up and implement. You are encouraged to come with ideas to build and further improve the great organization of Veris. There is a variety of projects, such as the implementation of a new ERP system with one of the portfolio companies. You are also in the lead for selecting and implementing a new expense reimbursement tool. You are eager to deliver the best results possible, just as everyone else at Veris.
Who are you?
In this position, we are looking for a financial professional who is hands-on, analytical and stress-resistant. You have excellent stakeholder management skills, can handle deadlines and never compromise on quality.
- Master degree in Finance, Economics or Accountancy
- 5+ years of experience in transaction services, audit, and/or financial control and are prone to stick to a high quality of work, while spotting ways of optimizing processes or increasing efficiency in your work;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to formulate and present analysis and arguments in a clear, crisp and concise manner;
- Commitment to producing highest quality of work, with attention to detail and perseverance;
- Efficient worker with a good understanding of prioritization;
- You show high levels of accountability for your work and the accuracy of the reports and deliverables that you work on. You work precisely and pay attention to detail;
- You have strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial data, analyze trends, and develop relevant insights;
- You have an interest in deep diving into new areas, getting to the bottom of it, and making it your own;
- Good interpersonal skills, with an ability to work well within the finance team, effectively interact with the investment team where needed, and be comfortable discussing feedback on difficult findings in your work.
More about Veris Investments
Veris Investments is an independent investment company that makes equity and mezzanine investments in companies and projects with activities in the food value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa. By providing long-term capital and hands-on support to companies and projects, they aim to build successful businesses in close cooperation with management. Through investing in the development of a strong and competitive private food sector, their goal is to make a positive impact on food security in the region.
With almost a decade of investing experience in Africa, Veris can both start businesses from the ground up and invest in existing businesses. Shortly after Veris’ foundation, it started potato project Senselet, which grew to be Ethiopia’s largest crisps brand (Sun Chips) and was fully divested to PepsiCo in 2022.
With our team working from Amsterdam, we focus on accelerating multiple local companies in the food value chain, while often being on the ground in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The investment approach
Competitive businesses
Veris believes that the development of a competitive private food sector will be crucial in achieving a sustained positive impact on food security.
Long-term commitment
As an investment company, Veris Investments has the ability to make long-term equity investments in the growth and development of companies.
Focus on the food value chain
This involves activities along the whole of the food value chain, including agricultural inputs, primary production, services, infrastructure, logistics, storage, processing, wholesale and retail.
Active involvement
Veris works very closely with management and key stakeholders to identify growth opportunities, create strategic alignment, implement operational improvements and build successful teams.