Finance Head

Company: Countrywide Water Services Inc.

Work Location: Makati, onsite reporting

Job Summary: The Finance Head is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and governance for the water utilities business. The role oversees financial planning, reporting, treasury, and compliance while supporting project development, tariff setting, and investment decisions. The position partners closely with operations, engineering, business development, and regulators to ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and value creation across water supply and wastewater operations.

KEY FUNCTIONS/DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Strategy, Planning, and Performance Management

• Lead financial strategy aligned with corporate objectives and regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning, including CAPEX and OPEX for water and wastewater operations.
• Monitor financial performance against targets and recommend corrective actions.

Financial Reporting, Controls, and Governance

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong internal controls, audit readiness, and compliance with corporate governance policies.
• Manage external audits, regulatory submissions, and coordination with auditors and regulators.

Tariff, Regulatory, and Cost Management

• Support tariff setting, rebasing, and regulatory submissions in coordination with regulatory and operations teams.
• Conduct cost analysis, rate impact studies, and financial modeling to support regulatory approvals.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives while maintaining service quality and compliance.

Treasury, Funding, and Capital Management

• Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity requirements.
• Oversee funding strategies, including debt financing, project finance, and coordination with banks and lenders.
• Support financial structuring for new projecs, concessions, and PPP arrangements.

Business and Project Finance Support

• Provide financial due diligence and modeling support for business development and project investments.
• Evaluate project economics, IRR, and risk profiles.
• Support contract negotiations from a financial and commercial perspective

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

Water Utilities and Regulatory Finance

• Water and wastewater utility financial models
• Tariff setting, rebasing, and regulatory accounting
• Understanding of concession agreements and regulatory frameworks

Financial Management and Controls

• Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)
• Statutory and management reporting
• Internal controls, audit, and risk management

Project and Infrastructure Finance

• Project finance and PPP structures
• CAPEX planning and lifecycle costing
• Financial modeling, valuation, and sensitivity analysis

Treasury and Funding

• Cash flow management and working capital optimization
• Debt structuring and lender relations
• Banking, covenants, and financial risk management

Systems and Analytics

• ERP and financial systems
• Financial dashboards and performance analytics

EDUCATION, TRAININGS, LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Bachelors degree in Accountancy, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Masters degree in Business Administration or Finance is an advantage.
• 12–15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in water utilities, infrastructure, energy, or regulated industries.
• Strong exposure to regulatory finance, tariff processes, and project finance.