Head of Finance

Our client is a leading Kenyan food manufacturing company specialized in the processing and distribution of high-quality products. Based in Nairobi, our client is known for producing food products servicing both domestic and export markets.

Reporting to the General Manager Finance & Financial Controller, the Head of Finance will oversee the efficient and professional functioning of the Finance Department, ensuring timely financial operations, cost control, and compliance. The role also ensures the accuracy and availability of financial and costing information required for decision-making across the organization.

Requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Cash Management

a.      Manage company bank accounts and cash to minimize costs and maximize returns on idle funds.

b.      Handle foreign currency accounts, ensuring adequate reserves while minimizing exchange losses.

c.      Ensure adequate working capital is available without relying on overdrafts.

d.      Manage treasury functions, investing surplus funds wisely and ensuring best returns.

e.      Maintain strong, balanced relationships with banking partners.

f.        Review daily cash positions, focusing on company bankers as the main paying bank.

g.      Review and follow up on bank reconciliations and ensure prompt resolution of reconciling items.

h.      Ensure sufficient forex for supplier payments; source best exchange rates.

i.        Deposit received cash dollars promptly and follow up on yellow vouchers and safari float accountability.

j.        Manage overseas petty cash denominated in dollars.

Payments & Tax Compliance

a.      Oversee all tax matters in liaison with tax advisors and KRA, ensuring timely payments.

b.      Authorize petty cash and supplier payments, ensuring adherence to payment terms and supporting documentation.

c.      Authorize LPOs and ensure prompt tax remittances (VAT, Withholding Tax, Instalment Tax).

d.      Liaise with tax consultants on all tax-related matters.

Costing

a.      Ensure weekly profit statements are prepared timely and accurately.

b.      Ensure daily cost data is accurate and timely for management use.

c.      Oversee new product cost setups and regularly review existing product costs for pricing validity.

d.      Continuously evaluate the production process to ensure accurate costing.

Inventory Management

a.      Ensure accurate and up-to-date inventory records.

b.      Supervise monthly stock takes, investigate variances, and implement corrective measures.

C. Monitor and review stock for obsolescence regularly

Management Accounts & Reporting

a.      Ensure timely preparation of monthly management accounts with variance analysis.

b.      Review cost margin, overhead analysis, flash reports, and shareholder reports.

c.      Ensure reporting accuracy and alignment with organizational targets.

d.      Ensure timely preparation of statutory accounts and smooth execution of annual audits.

e.      Oversee tax computation and review draft financial statements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

a.      Oversee budget preparation and ensure its alignment with company goals and assumptions.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

·       Education

a.      Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.

b.      Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration (MBA), or Strategic Management is an added advantage.

c.      Membership in a recognized professional body (e.g., ICPAK) is preferred

·     Professional Qualifications

a.           CPA (K), ACCA, CFA or equivalent professional qualification required.            

·       Experience

a.      Minimum of 10 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

b.      Proven experience managing end-to-end finance operations including budgeting, reporting, treasury, costing, tax, and audit.

c.      Hands-on experience in manufacturing, agribusiness, FMCG, or related industries is strongly preferred.

d.      Demonstrated success in improving financial systems, processes, and controls.

e. Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics).

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

a.      Strong command of financial planning, analysis, and reporting.

b.      Expertise in tax compliance, treasury management, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., KRA).

c.      Proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting tools, and MS Excel (advanced)

d.      Deep understanding of costing methods, inventory accounting, and cost control.

e.      Strategic thinking with the ability to align financial management with business objectives

f.        High level of integrity, ethics, and confidentiality in handling financial information

g.      Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to build high-performing teams.

h.      Excellent communication and presentation skills, especially for reporting to boards and senior management.