Infrastructure & Operations Budgeting Assistant Manager

Job Purpose

The Infrastructure & Operations Budgeting Assistant Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and strategic alignment of the organization’s infrastructure and operational expenditures. This position is responsible for overseeing the financial performance of Infrastructure & Operations (I&O), evaluating results against strategic objectives, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance efficiency and profitability. The role involves developing and communicating clear financial plan guidelines, setting targets, and monitoring budget implementation through rigorous variance analysis. By aligning financial plans with long-term business objectives, the Assistant Manager ensures that I&O maintains a sustainable and forward-looking financial direction.

Key Responsibilities

This role encompasses a broad spectrum of financial and operational responsibilities, including:

• Financial and Budget Performance Monitoring: Continuously evaluate the financial and budgetary performance of Infrastructure & Operations, comparing actual results against strategic objectives and approved budgets. Provide insightful recommendations to optimize resource allocation and improve financial outcomes.
• Strategic Financial Planning and Reporting: Compile and present periodic and year-end planning and forecasting reports in compliance with corporate requirements. Develop and distribute CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and OPEX (Operational Expenditure) envelopes to guide departmental spending and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Budget Development and Consolidation: Review and consolidate budget estimates submitted by various sectors within Infrastructure & Operations to ensure compliance with strategic guidelines, expenditure policies, and cost optimization initiatives. Assess the feasibility and alignment of these estimates with approved financial plans.
• Cost Optimization and Efficiency Programs: Actively contribute to cost optimization efforts and business efficiency programs (BEP) by monitoring adherence to cost-saving measures and evaluating their impact. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improved financial performance and operational efficiency.
• Capital and Operational Expenditure Management: Develop and maintain the annual CAPEX plan, ensuring that investments are strategically aligned with business objectives. Review and analyze ad-hoc budget requests, including both CAPEX and OPEX, to determine their viability and alignment with financial guidelines. Approve Purchase Order (PO) extension requests in accordance with the defined authority matrix within the HUB system.
• Financial Analysis and KPI Reporting: Provide comprehensive analysis of financial plans, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as return on capital, profitability, growth, capital efficiency, capital structure, liquidity, and free cash flows. Deliver insights that support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
• Variance Analysis and Project Performance: Consolidate and present variance reports for all Capital Expenditure and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) projects. Assess project performance against budgeted targets and recommend corrective actions where necessary to ensure financial discipline and accountability.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Additional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) are highly preferred and will be considered a significant advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of five years of relevant experience in financial management, budgeting, or financial planning is essential. Prior experience in infrastructure budgeting, particularly within the telecommunications sector, is strongly preferred and will be given significant consideration.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong aptitude for financial analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting software, and ERP systems is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills are required to effectively convey financial insights and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization. The ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy in financial reporting is critical.