Michael Hagbe Billong
Johannesburg,South Africa
Summary
Accomplished finance professional with expertise in financial leadership and business partnering, adept at P&L and margin management. Demonstrates strong capabilities in cash flow and working capital optimisation, governance, risk and compliance (GRC), and tax and regulatory management. Proven track record in team leadership and talent development across multi-country and emerging markets operations. Committed to driving financial excellence and strategic growth within dynamic environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Finance South Africa & Cameroon
Ferrero
South Africa
2022.09 - 2026.05
- Key business partner to General Management
- Overall finance leader for South Africa and Cameroon with €30M revenue scope, managing 15 FTEs across finance and controlling
- Restored financial governance and internal controls, strengthened compliance and audit readiness, resulting in clean audits and improved control maturity
- Successfully drove return to profitability through cost optimization, pricing discipline, and working-capital focus
- Act as Company Law Officer (CLO), ensuring full compliance with statutory, tax, and corporate governance requirements
Regional Finance, Tax & GRC Manager Africa & Levant
Ferrero
Luxembourg
2020.11 - 2022.08
- Acted as finance liaison between local markets, regional leadership, and Group functions
- Led regional governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) framework implementation and monitoring
- Coordinated and supervised regional tax activities, ensuring compliance and optimization across jurisdictions
- Managed credit management performance and working capital at regional level
Finance Administration & Tax Manager Benelux
Ferrero
Belgium
2016.09 - 2020.11
- Led finance administration and tax activities for three commercial business units and one manufacturing plant (Arlon)
- Ensured robust accounting processes, statutory reporting, and tax compliance
- Improved efficiency and accuracy of financial processes and reporting
Belux Accounting Manager
Nike EMEA
Belgium
2014.01 - 2016.09
- Supported management of Belux accounting operations alongside remote finance shared services centre.
- Served as primary contact for external auditors, facilitating efficient and timely audit processes.
- Enhanced internal controls and improved reporting quality.
Belux Accountant
Nike EMEA
Belgium
2011.01 - 2014.01
Accountant
Beeline Retail Sprl
Belgium
2006.01 - 2011.01
Education
Bachelor's degree - Management Accounting
Institut Des Carrières Commerciales
BelgiumSkills
- Financial Leadership & Business Partnering
- P&L & Margin Management
- Cash Flow & Working Capital
- Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Multi-Country & Emerging Markets Operations
- Tax & Regulatory Management
Websites
LANGUAGES
French – Native
English – Full professional proficiency
Dutch – Professional working proficiency
Timeline
Head of Finance South Africa & Cameroon
Ferrero
2022.09 - 2026.05
Regional Finance, Tax & GRC Manager Africa & Levant
Ferrero
2020.11 - 2022.08
Finance Administration & Tax Manager Benelux
Ferrero
2016.09 - 2020.11
Belux Accounting Manager
Nike EMEA
2014.01 - 2016.09
Belux Accountant
Nike EMEA
2011.01 - 2014.01
Accountant
Beeline Retail Sprl
2006.01 - 2011.01
Bachelor's degree - Management Accounting
Institut Des Carrières Commerciales