Corporate Finance Director - (Fundraising) at Degas

The Corporate Finance Director / Manager is a critical leadership role driving Degas' financial strategy. This role involves spearheading equity and debt fundraising initiatives, both domestically and internationally, including pitching, financial modeling, due diligence, term negotiations, and closing to accelerate the company’s growth Additionally, the Corporate Finance Director / Manager will fully collaborate closely with the CEO and CFO as well as other team members of the Japan headquarters and Ghana subsidiary to manage finance operations, including budget creation and monitoring, cash flow management, and overall financial and accounting activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of equity and debt fundraising initiatives, including creating the equity story, building pitch decks, pitching, financial modeling, due diligence, refurbishing pitch decks, term negotiations, and closing, both domestically and internationally.
• Lead the application for grant programs and manage grant funds, ensuring compliance and effective use of funds.
• Collaborate with the executive leadership team to communicate and implement long-term business strategies, ensuring alignment with financial goals and forecasts.
• Work with impact funds in Africa, especially those who have led or supported capital raising, fund structuring, or investment strategies aligned with measurable social and environmental outcomes.
• Prepare and present detailed financial models, investor materials, and strategic reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strengthen relationships with current and potential investors, providing regular updates on business and financial performance and growth prospects.
• Manage overall financial and accounting operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing financial procedures.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities, implementing strategies to mitigate risks while maximizing growth opportunities across global operations.
• Develop comprehensive business and financial strategies in accordance with Degas’ long-term goals and guide decision-making on prioritization and resource allocation.
• Oversee budget planning and monitoring, financial analysis, and cash flow management to ensure financial stability and appropriate capital allocation to support growth initiatives.
• Assess global entity structuring options for Degas Group and oversee and execute the relevant legal activities.

You Could Be a Great Fit for This Role If You Have:

• 5+ years of experience in senior finance and investment roles.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. An advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) are a plus, but not required.
• Experience working with financial institutions which operate in or directly finance projects and companies in Africa
• Proven track record in senior finance and investment roles.
• Proven track record of raising funds with significant experience in raising millions of dollars through equity and/or debt financing.
• Proven track record in investing, particularly in the field of tech and nature-based solutions in emerging markets.
• Strong experience in developing and executing business financial strategies that drive business growth and operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and develop a high-performing Finance team.
• Deep understanding of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Deep commitment to transforming the lives of smallholder farmers in developing countries through innovative technology and finance.