We’re making Africa the first cashless continent.
In 2017, over half the population in Sub-Saharan Africa had no bank account. That’s for good reason-the fees are too high, the closest branch can be miles away, and nobody takes cards. Without access to financial institutions, people are forced to keep their savings under the mattress. Small business owners rely on lenders who charge extortionate rates. Parents spend hours waiting in line to pay school fees in cash.
We’re solving this by building financial services that just work: no account fees, instantly available, and accepted everywhere. In places where electricity, water and roads don’t always work, you can still send money with Wave. In 2017, we launched a mobile app in Senegal for cash deposit, withdrawal, and peer-to-peer and business payments. Now, we have millions of users across 9 countries and are growing fast.
Our goal is to make Africa the first cashless continent and that’s where you come in…
How you’ll help us achieve it
Wave is now the largest financial institution in Senegal, with over 7 million users. And we’re still in the early days of our product roadmap and potential impact on people’s everyday lives.
We’re looking for a finance professional who’s resourceful, organised, and proactive about getting things done. You’ll be responsible for helping develop and maintain an effective financial and accounting unit as we rapidly scale our business in Malawi.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Finance
- Closing Date: 2026-08-26
Key Responsibilities
- Review and monitor company financial transactions
- Represent the Finance unit towards external stakeholders
- Comply with financial, legal and regulatory requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising on needed actions.
- Maintain accounting controls by preparing and recommending policies and procedures.
- Manage the external auditor relationship and ensure the organisation is compliant with accounting standards
- Recruit, train, mentor and develop staff.
- Interact with Product Managers to ensure new products are correctly designed from both accounting and tax perspectives
- Lead by living Wave’s values, and ensure they’re deeply ingrained within your team.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in Auditing/Accounting/Finance.
- Experience with financial reporting requirements in Malawi.
- Experience managing tax audits.
- Exceptional time management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Great interpersonal communication and leadership skills, with the ability to communicate and manage staff.
- Ability to lead by example and demonstrate a strong sense of integrity, ethics and dependability.
- Professional written and oral communication skills.
- Good computer skills, especially in Word and Google Sheets/Excel.
- Experience in an audit firm will be an added advantage.
- Possesses strong accounting and reporting skills.
- Are excessively detail-oriented and seek to achieve excellence in everything you do.
- Are a critical thinker who likes to challenge the status quo.
- Are deadline-orientated.
- Are intellectually curious, creative in the way you go about tackling problems, and embrace failure as a means to spark innovation and growth.
- Love owning projects; you’re autonomous yet know when to escalate problems.
- Are comfortable defaulting to over-communication and overreaching when it comes to coordination.
- Know how to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
- Adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions while managing time factors.
Salary
competitive and calculated using a transparent formula
How to Apply
HOW TO APPLY
wave.com?
We review applications frequently and recommend that you apply to the role that most closely aligns with your skills, experience and career goals.
Wave is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
HOW TO APPLY
wave.com?
About the Company
In mathematics and physical science, a wave is a propagating dynamic disturbance of one or more quantities. Periodic waves oscillate repeatedly about an equilibrium (resting) value at some frequency. When the entire waveform moves in one direction, it is said to be a traveling wave; by contrast, a pair of identical superimposed periodic waves traveling in opposite directions makes a standing wave. In a standing wave, the amplitude of vibration has nulls at some positions where the wave amplitude appears smaller or even zero.
Website: https://www.wave.com/en/careers/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications and certifications needed for an Assistant Financial Controller role in Malawi?
Candidates usually require a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from a reputable institution. Professional certifications such as ACCA or CIMA are highly advantageous and often a strong preference for employers in Malawi. Practical experience in financial reporting and analysis is also crucial.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of an Assistant Financial Controller in the Malawian context?
This role typically involves assisting with the preparation of financial statements, budgets, and forecasts, ensuring compliance with local accounting standards and tax regulations. You would also be involved in managing internal controls, reconciling accounts, and contributing to financial analysis and reporting.
What can I expect regarding the work culture and professional expectations for an Assistant Financial Controller in Malawi?
The Malawian work culture often values respect, collaboration, and a strong work ethic, with a focus on timely and accurate financial reporting. Expect to work within a team-oriented environment where adherence to deadlines and local compliance regulations is paramount, requiring diligent attention to detail.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for an Assistant Financial Controller in Malawi?
Successful Assistant Financial Controllers in Malawi can typically progress to roles such as Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or even Head of Finance within an organization. Further professional development, continuous learning, and proven leadership skills are key to advancing your career in the Malawian finance sector.
What kind of benefits, such as leave or medical aid, are typically offered for this role in Malawi?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave, sick leave, and contributions to a pension fund as mandated by Malawian labor laws. Many employers also provide medical aid schemes, and sometimes transport allowances or other perks depending on company policy and seniority.
How should I tailor my application and what do Malawian employers specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Highlight your experience in financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and compliance with Malawian tax and accounting regulations in your CV and cover letter. Employers value candidates with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to financial management.