Role Overview
Our client, an international education and cultural institution, is seeking to recruit a highly competent and strategic Finance Manager to oversee end-to-end financial management of its Kenya operations. The role ensures full compliance with Kenyan statutory and regulatory requirements while aligning with international head-office financial policies and reporting standards. The position combines hands-on financial execution with strategic oversight in budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and audit coordination. This role requires strong internal control discipline, accuracy, leadership capability, and the ability to operate effectively within a matrix reporting structure.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in line with Kenyan regulatory standards.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Provide financial performance insights and recommendations to senior management.
- Manage cash flow planning and liquidity forecasting.
- Coordinate annual audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
Budgeting & Cost Control
- Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with departmental heads.
- Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and highlight variances.
- Implement cost-control mechanisms to enhance operational efficiency.
- Support grant and project-based budgeting where applicable.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with Kenyan tax regulations including VAT, PAYE, Withholding Tax, and Corporate Tax.
- Oversee statutory filings and regulatory reporting.
- Maintain strong internal control systems and financial risk management frameworks.
- Ensure adherence to international head-office financial policies.
Treasury & Cash Management
- Manage banking relationships and optimize treasury operations.
- Oversee payments, reconciliations, and cash handling procedures.
- Implement fraud prevention measures and financial risk mitigation controls.
Payroll & HR Financial Coordination
- Oversee payroll processing and statutory deductions.
- Ensure compliance with Kenyan labor laws and social security contributions.
- Collaborate with HR on benefits structuring and compensation planning.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Ensure effective utilization of accounting and ERP systems.
- Drive automation and improvements in financial reporting processes.
- Strengthen documentation procedures and internal controls.
Team Leadership
- Supervise, mentor, and develop finance team members.
- Set performance objectives and conduct performance reviews.
- Build a high-performance finance function aligned with institutional goals.
- Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelors Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
- CPA (K) or ACCA qualification – Mandatory.
- Minimum of 5 years progressive finance experience.
- At least 3 years in a managerial role.
- Experience in an international organization or education institution is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of Kenyan tax and statutory requirements.
- Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (SAP, Oracle, Sage, Zoho, or equivalent).
Core Competencies
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
- High integrity and exceptional attention to detail.
- Strategic thinker with strong execution capability.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Risk-aware and compliance-driven mindset.
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrix reporting environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
- Budget variance control within agreed thresholds.
- Clean audit reports.
- Full compliance with statutory and donor requirements.
- Effective cash flow and liquidity management.
