ROLE OVERVIEW
The Financial Controller for the Emerging Markets Region represents a senior finance leadership position, entrusted with overseeing financial integrity across four key markets: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan. This role demands an accomplished finance executive capable of operating effectively within varied regulatory frameworks, leading geographically dispersed teams, and producing accurate, high-caliber financial reports for the Group CFO. Established to reinforce the Group’s finance leadership pipeline, this appointment will allow the Group CFO to transition focus from day-to-day financial operations toward strategic priorities, investor engagement, and the organization’s ambitious goal of achieving a $100 million BAG.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties encompassing strategic planning, operational coordination, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure organizational objectives are achieved efficiently. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and performance metrics to optimize productivity, maintain quality standards, and foster continuous improvement across all departments. Lead and mentor teams by assigning clear responsibilities, providing constructive feedback, and cultivating a culture of accountability and professional growth. Analyze market trends, competitive dynamics, and internal data to identify opportunities for innovation, cost reduction, and revenue enhancement. Serve as a primary liaison between senior leadership and operational staff, facilitating seamless communication and alignment with overarching business goals. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies while mitigating risks through proactive monitoring and corrective measures. Prepare and present detailed reports, presentations, and recommendations to stakeholders to inform decision-making and drive strategic initiatives forward.
Responsible for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and compliance of financial reporting while maintaining the integrity of financial data. This role involves overseeing the preparation and review of financial statements, managing internal controls, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. Key responsibilities include analyzing financial performance, identifying discrepancies, and implementing corrective actions to uphold financial integrity. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in financial software are essential. Additionally, collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders is required to support informed decision-making.
Responsible for overseeing the complete cycle of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings for all Emerging Markets entities, including those in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Compile and deliver a comprehensive Emerging Markets management accounts package for the Group CFO, featuring detailed profit & loss statements, balance sheet analysis, cash flow reporting, and insightful variance commentary.
Oversee intercompany balances among Emerging Markets entities and the broader Group, verifying that reconciliations are finalized before each reporting period.
Oversee the statutory audit procedures for all Emerging Markets entities, serving as the primary point of contact with external audit firms.
Accurately and punctually file all local statutory financial statements in each jurisdiction.
Multi-Jurisdictional Tax and Regulatory Compliance expertise is required for this role, encompassing the oversight and adherence to diverse tax obligations and regulatory frameworks across multiple legal jurisdictions. The position necessitates a comprehensive understanding of international, federal, state, and local tax laws, along with the capacity to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.
Ensure adherence to tax obligations across all four jurisdictions, namely KRA (Kenya), TRA (Tanzania), ERA (Rwanda), and the applicable South Sudan revenue authorities.
Oversee VAT, PAYE, WHT, and CIT obligations across all jurisdictions, ensuring accurate and punctual filing and payment compliance.
Oversee regulatory changes across all markets and provide timely, proactive guidance to the CFO regarding their implications for the Group.
Foster collaborative partnerships with regional tax advisors, legal professionals, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and alignment with local requirements.
Oversight of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions is required.
Oversee the Group Accounts Receivable (AR) and Group Accounts Payable (AP) functions within Emerging Markets, ensuring direct line management oversight.
Establish regional accounts receivable targets, uphold credit and collections policies, and ensure Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) remains aligned with Group benchmarks.
Provide leadership for accounts payable operations across all four countries, guaranteeing precise financial transactions, adherence to payment schedules, and adherence to approved authorization protocols.
Monitor NSF and statutory deductions—with a particular focus on South Sudan and Tanzania—to confirm full regulatory adherence and ensure prompt remittance.
Significant accounts receivable or accounts payable risks should be promptly communicated to the Group CFO, accompanied by proposed solutions.
Responsible for overseeing and optimizing an organization’s financial liquidity and risk management, the Cash & Treasury Management role encompasses strategic oversight of cash flow forecasting, liquidity planning, and investment strategies. Key responsibilities include managing daily cash operations, ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet obligations, and mitigating financial risks through prudent asset allocation and banking relationships. The position requires proficiency in financial analysis, regulatory compliance, and advanced cash management systems, along with strong leadership skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related discipline, complemented by relevant certifications such as CTP or CFA, and typically five or more years of progressive experience in treasury or financial management roles.
Oversee multi-currency cash positions spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan, while generating consolidated weekly and 13-week rolling cash forecasts for the region.
Minimize foreign exchange exposure and propose suitable hedging strategies when warranted.
Optimize working capital cycles for all Emerging Markets entities by strategically balancing collections with supplier payment obligations.
Your responsibilities include managing banking relationships across all markets while guaranteeing sufficient facilities and optimizing payment infrastructure efficiency.
Analyze regional cash reserves in relation to Group objectives, highlighting any potential liquidity risks.
Responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing budgetary allocations, financial projections, and strategic business partnerships to drive organizational growth and efficiency. This role involves conducting detailed financial analyses, monitoring performance metrics, and collaborating closely with department leaders to ensure alignment with overarching business objectives and fiscal responsibility.
Spearhead the regional budgeting and re-forecasting process in collaboration with the Group FP&A Manager and country-level operational leads.
Each month, prepare and present a comprehensive analysis comparing actual financial performance against budgeted projections for every country entity, accompanied by strategic insights and actionable recommendations.
Collaborate closely with country managers to enhance contract profitability, drive margin improvement initiatives, and conduct in-depth analyses of cost structures.
Monitor the regional revenue composition for the PSP service line and identify instances where GPM targets may be compromised.
Participate in the organization’s financial planning initiatives, specifically contributing to the development and execution of the $100M Big Hairy Audacious Goal roadmap for Emerging Markets.
Internal Controls & Risk Management professionals devise, implement, and oversee robust frameworks to ensure organizational integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. They identify potential risks, assess their impact, and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard assets and enhance decision-making. This role involves evaluating existing controls, recommending improvements, and ensuring alignment with industry standards and legal requirements. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with risk assessment tools are essential, along with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to stakeholders. Experience in auditing, finance, or compliance is typically required.
Design and enforce a consistent internal controls framework across all four countries, adapted for local operating realities.
Perform regular control assessments and present the findings, along with proposed remediation strategies, to the Group CFO.
Oversee financial risks specific to each country, including currency fluctuations, political and operational environment factors, and credit concentration exposure.
Advocate for and embed a culture of financial accountability and rigorous process discipline within the finance teams across Emerging Markets.
Orchestrating team leadership and fostering capability development are central to this role, requiring a strategic approach to guide and empower team members toward achieving organizational objectives. The position demands the cultivation of high-performing teams through targeted mentorship, skill enhancement initiatives, and continuous performance feedback. Responsibilities include identifying individual and collective skill gaps, designing tailored training programs, and implementing robust succession planning to ensure long-term team resilience and growth. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to inspire collaboration, resolve conflicts, and align team efforts with broader business goals.
Lead, manage and develop a dispersed, multi-country finance team.
Develop measurable performance goals, perform consistent evaluations, and foster leadership pipelines within every market.
Establish and maintain uniform financial systems, processes, and reporting standards across the regional scope.
Foster an environment of ongoing enhancement and skill development throughout the Emerging Markets finance team.
Requirements
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential, and experience with software development methodologies is preferred. Familiarity with databases and cloud platforms is also advantageous. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are necessary. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and team members.
A recognized professional certification in accounting, such as CPA(K), ARCA, CIA, or an equivalent credential, is an essential requirement for this role.
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a closely aligned discipline is required.
A master’s degree or an MBA is highly desirable.
Experienced professionals with a demonstrated background in the relevant field are sought for this role. Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in a comparable position, along with a proven track record of delivering measurable results. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential to thrive in this dynamic environment. Proficiency in industry-specific tools and technologies is required, and the ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams is highly valued. Additionally, applicants should exhibit adaptability to evolving project demands and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
A minimum of eight to ten years of progressive finance experience is required, including at least three to four years in a Financial Controller or comparable position.
Proven experience in overseeing financial operations across multiple African countries is essential.
A strong grasp of tax, regulatory, and reporting obligations across a minimum of two jurisdictions among Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan is essential.
Preferred candidates will possess prior experience within manpower solutions, staffing, professional services, or multi-site business operations.
Proven expertise in overseeing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and working capital within a multi-currency operational framework.
Proficiency in operating within intricate or demanding environments is essential, with prior experience in South Sudan considered particularly beneficial.
We seek candidates possessing a robust skill set and a range of key competencies to excel in this role. Proficiency in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication is essential. Additionally, experience with project management tools, data analysis software, and industry-specific technologies is required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational abilities, adaptability to evolving challenges, and a collaborative approach to teamwork. Leadership potential, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement are also critical.
Technical expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), with advanced proficiency in multi-currency consolidation and reporting processes.
Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems and advanced Excel skills are essential, with a preference for experience using Group-level reporting tools.
Proven ability to translate financial metrics into insights that drive operational excellence and business strategy.
Exceptional organizational proficiency is essential, coupled with the capacity to prioritize and meet varying deadlines across international jurisdictions.
Able to project strong leadership presence and cultivate credibility and influence even when not physically present.
High resilience and adaptability are essential, enabling effective operation in environments marked by evolving regulatory frameworks.
Able to articulate intricate financial concepts with clarity and precision to high-level stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
