We are currently seeking a highly skilled professional to fill a pivotal position within our organization. This role demands a candidate with extensive experience and expertise in the specified field, ensuring the ability to meet and exceed the outlined responsibilities. The ideal applicant will possess the necessary qualifications and skills to effectively perform the required tasks, while demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving organizational goals. The position involves a range of critical duties, including but not limited to strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Additionally, the role requires adherence to industry standards and compliance with all relevant regulations.
The Financial Controller for the Emerging Markets Region serves as a key senior finance leader, responsible for overseeing financial integrity and accountability across operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan. This role demands a finance expert with proven adaptability to varied regulatory frameworks, the ability to lead distributed teams effectively, and a commitment to producing precise, timely financial reports for the Group CFO. Introduced to enhance the Group’s finance leadership capacity, this position relieves the Group CFO of direct operational finance duties, allowing greater focus on strategic initiatives, investor engagement, and advancing the organization toward its $100 million BAG.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Reporting & Integrity professionals ensure the accuracy, reliability, and compliance of financial data while maintaining robust internal controls and adherence to regulatory standards. They are responsible for preparing financial statements, analyzing discrepancies, and validating transactions to uphold data integrity. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline reporting processes and enhance transparency across the organization. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in accounting principles are essential, along with the ability to interpret complex financial regulations.
Oversee the comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for all Emerging Markets entities spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Compile and deliver a comprehensive Emerging Markets management accounts report for the Group CFO, incorporating detailed Profit & Loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements, along with insightful variance commentary.
Oversee intercompany balances among Emerging Markets entities and the wider Group, verifying that reconciliations are finalized before each reporting period.
Spearhead the statutory audit initiatives for all Emerging Markets entities, serving as the principal point of contact with local audit firms.
Compile and file all local statutory financial statements with precision and punctuality in every applicable jurisdiction.
Ensure adherence to tax regulations and compliance standards across multiple jurisdictions, covering a broad spectrum of legal and procedural requirements essential for seamless operational execution.
Ensure adherence to tax obligations across all four jurisdictions, namely the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Rwanda Revenue Authority (ERA), and the relevant revenue authorities in South Sudan.
Oversee VAT, PAYE, WHT, and CIT obligations across all jurisdictions, ensuring accurate and punctual filing and payment compliance.
Monitor regulatory changes across all markets and provide strategic insight to the CFO regarding their potential impact on the Group.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with regional tax advisors, legal counsel, and regulatory authorities.
Overseeing accounts receivable and accounts payable functions to ensure accurate financial tracking and timely transactions.
You will oversee the Group Accounts Receivable (AR) and Group Accounts Payable (AP) functions for Emerging Markets transactions, ensuring effective direct line management.
Establish and oversee regional accounts receivable targets, enforce stringent credit and collections policies, and ensure Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) remains aligned with Group benchmarks.
Responsible for managing accounts payable operations across all four countries, guaranteeing precision in transactions, prompt disbursements, and adherence to proper authorization protocols.
Oversee NSF and statutory deductions—with particular emphasis on South Sudan and Tanzania—to guarantee complete compliance and prompt remittance.
Significant accounts receivable or payable risks must be promptly elevated to the Group CFO, along with actionable recommendations for resolution.
Skilled professionals in Cash & Treasury Management are tasked with overseeing an organization’s liquidity, optimizing cash flow, and ensuring efficient treasury operations. They analyze financial data to forecast cash positions, manage bank relationships, and execute transactions to mitigate risks and enhance financial stability. Additionally, they monitor market trends, maintain compliance with regulatory standards, and implement strategies to maximize returns on surplus funds. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and meticulous attention to detail are essential for success in this role.
Oversee multi-currency cash positions spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan while developing consolidated weekly and 13-week rolling cash forecasts for the region.
Minimize foreign exchange exposure and propose suitable hedging strategies when appropriate to mitigate potential risks associated with currency fluctuations.
Drive optimization of working capital cycles within all Emerging Markets entities while balancing the competing priorities of timely collections and supplier payment obligations.
Manage banking relationships across all markets, guaranteeing sufficient banking facilities and streamlined payment systems.
Analyze regional cash reserves in relation to Group-established targets and promptly escalate any identified liquidity risks.
Responsible for managing financial planning, creating accurate projections, and collaborating closely with business units to drive informed decision-making and strategic growth initiatives.
Spearhead the regional budgeting and re-forecasting initiatives in collaboration with the Group FP&A Manager and country-level operational leads.
Provide a comprehensive monthly analysis comparing actual financial performance against budget for each country entity, accompanied by insightful commentary to drive action.
Collaborate closely with country managers to enhance contract profitability, implement initiatives for margin improvement, and conduct thorough analyses of cost structures.
Monitor the revenue composition for the PSP service line throughout the region and identify areas where GPM targets may be jeopardized.
Assist in the development of comprehensive financial strategies at the group level, with a focus on contributing to the $100M Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BAG) roadmap specifically for Emerging Markets.
The role focuses on establishing and maintaining robust internal controls and risk management frameworks to ensure organizational integrity and compliance. Responsibilities include assessing operational risks, designing control mechanisms, and monitoring their effectiveness to mitigate potential threats. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in risk assessment tools, and expertise in regulatory compliance frameworks. They should demonstrate experience in implementing controls to safeguard assets, enhance efficiency, and support strategic objectives. Collaboration with cross-functional teams to identify risks and develop proactive solutions is essential.
Develop and implement a unified internal controls framework across the four countries, tailoring it to align with local operational conditions.
Perform regular evaluations of control systems and present results along with proposed corrective measures to the Group CFO.
Oversee financial risks unique to each country, including currency fluctuations, political and operational environment challenges, and credit concentration concerns.
Drive a culture of financial accountability and process rigor within Emerging Markets finance teams.
Leadership of teams and enhancement of team capabilities.
Spearhead the direction, growth, and management of a globally distributed finance team spanning multiple countries.
Set measurable performance targets, oversee consistent evaluations, and cultivate robust succession pipelines across all markets.
Ensure uniform financial systems, processes, and reporting standards are maintained throughout the region.
Foster an environment of ongoing enhancement and career growth within the Emerging Markets finance team.
Requirements
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Qualifications must include a recognized accounting certification such as CPA(K), ARCA, CIA, or an equivalent credential.
A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a closely related discipline is required.
A master’s degree or an MBA represents a distinct advantage.
Experience
A minimum of eight to ten years of continuous finance experience is required, with a minimum of three to four years spent in a Financial Controller capacity or a comparable leadership role.
Proven expertise in overseeing financial operations across multiple African countries is essential.
A strong, practical understanding of tax, regulatory, and reporting obligations in at least two of the following jurisdictions is required: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, or South Sudan.
Professional experience within manpower solutions, staffing, professional services, or multi-site business environments is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated proficiency in overseeing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and working capital within a multi-currency framework, supported by a proven track record of success.
Proven ability to operate effectively within intricate or demanding operational contexts, with particular preference given to candidates with prior experience in South Sudan.
Demonstrates proficiency in a range of technical and interpersonal skills, with the ability to apply them effectively in a fast-paced work environment. Requires strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional problem-solving capabilities to address complex challenges. Excellent communication skills are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and conveying ideas clearly. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, software, or methodologies is a must, along with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Must exhibit adaptability, resilience, and a customer-focused mindset to deliver high-quality results consistently.
Experienced in advanced technical accounting under IFRS standards, with deep expertise in multi-currency consolidation and comprehensive financial reporting.
Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems and Excel at an advanced level is required, with a preference for candidates experienced in Group-level reporting tools.
Possesses strong commercial insight, with the ability to effectively link financial outcomes to key operational and business factors.
Accomplished at coordinating tasks efficiently while handling diverse deadlines across international locations, demonstrating strong organizational capabilities.
Able to establish a commanding leadership presence and foster credibility and influence even when not in direct physical proximity.
Demonstrates exceptional resilience and adaptability, thriving in dynamic settings characterized by continually evolving regulatory landscapes.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential, enabling the ability to convey intricate financial details with clarity and precision to senior stakeholders.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
