We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to fill this critical position, which entails a diverse array of key responsibilities and requires a specific skill set. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven expertise in [specific field or function], along with the ability to [specific task or responsibility]. Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail are essential, as the role involves [key responsibility], while also ensuring [another key responsibility]. Additionally, the candidate must possess excellent communication abilities to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Proficiency in [specific tool, software, or methodology] is mandatory, and prior experience in [relevant industry or field] is highly preferred. The successful applicant will be responsible for [primary responsibility], driving [specific outcome or goal], and maintaining [standard or metric]. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to [company goal or project] while working in a dynamic and innovative environment.
The Financial Controller for the Emerging Markets Region serves as a senior finance leader, responsible for ensuring robust financial oversight across four key markets: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan. This role demands a seasoned finance professional skilled in operating within varied regulatory frameworks, leading distributed teams, and producing accurate, high-caliber financial reports for the Group CFO. Positioned as part of the organization’s strategic initiative to enhance financial leadership capacity, this role also alleviates operational finance burdens from the Group CFO, allowing a sharper focus on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and advancing toward the $100M Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BAG).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of financial data through meticulous reporting and robust integrity measures. Key duties include preparing and reviewing financial statements, reconciling accounts, and adhering to regulatory compliance standards. The role demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in accounting principles and financial software. Additionally, the position requires effective communication to present findings to stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance financial processes and controls.
Oversee the complete monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes for all Emerging Markets entities within Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Prepare a comprehensive Emerging Markets management accounts pack for the Group CFO, ensuring it includes a detailed profit and loss statement, balance sheet, cash flow analysis, and insightful variance commentary.
Oversee intercompany balances between Emerging Markets entities and the broader Group, verifying that all reconciliations are finalized before each reporting cycle.
Oversee the statutory audit process for every Emerging Markets entity, serving as the primary point of contact with local audit firms.
Prepare and submit all necessary local statutory financial statements promptly and accurately in each applicable jurisdiction.
Seasoned tax and regulatory compliance professional responsible for ensuring adherence to multi-jurisdiction tax laws and regulations across various regions.
Ensure full adherence to tax regulations across all four jurisdictions—namely, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Rwanda Revenue Authority (ERA), and the applicable revenue authorities in South Sudan.
Oversee all Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Withholding Tax (WHT), and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) obligations across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that filings and payments are completed punctually and in compliance with applicable regulations.
Stay abreast of evolving regulatory developments across all markets and promptly communicate their potential impact on the Group to the CFO.
Build and maintain strong professional connections with regional tax advisors, legal counsel, and regulatory authorities to ensure seamless collaboration and compliance.
Overseeing Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, this role ensures accurate financial record-keeping, timely invoicing, and efficient vendor payment processing. It involves reconciling accounts, managing cash flow, and maintaining compliance with accounting standards and company policies. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with internal departments to resolve discrepancies, prepare financial reports, and support audit processes. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in accounting software are essential for success in this role.
Offer direct line management oversight for the Group Accounts Receivable (AR) and Group Accounts Payable (AP) functions specifically within Emerging Markets transactions.
Establish and oversee regional accounts receivable targets while ensuring strict adherence to credit and collections policies to uphold financial integrity. Additionally, diligently monitor and manage Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) to align with Group-established benchmarks, fostering efficient cash flow and operational excellence.
Responsible for managing AP processes in all four countries, ensuring payments are processed accurately, submitted on schedule, and approved in accordance with established standards.
Monitor NSF and statutory deductions, with a specific focus on South Sudan and Tanzania, to guarantee full adherence and prompt remittance.
Significant accounts receivable or payable risks must be promptly reported to the Group CFO, along with actionable recommendations for resolution.
The Cash & Treasury Management team is responsible for overseeing the organization’s liquidity, ensuring optimal cash flow, and managing financial risks to maintain financial stability. Key responsibilities include forecasting cash positions, optimizing working capital, and executing treasury strategies to support business operations. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial systems, and a deep understanding of liquidity management, investment strategies, and regulatory compliance. Experience in cash flow forecasting, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication is 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.
Mitigate foreign exchange risk and propose appropriate hedging strategies as needed.
Enhance working capital cycles for all Emerging Markets entities by adeptly balancing the demands of receivables collections with supplier payment obligations.
Responsible for managing banking partnerships across all markets, guaranteeing the availability of sufficient facilities and optimizing payment systems for efficiency.
Analyze regional cash reserves in comparison to Group targets and identify potential liquidity risks.
Responsible for overseeing budget preparation, financial forecasting, and strategic business partnering initiatives, the incumbent will collaborate closely with senior leadership to align financial plans with organizational objectives. This role entails developing detailed financial models to predict future performance, analyzing variances between actual and projected figures, and providing actionable insights to support data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the position requires fostering cross-functional relationships to ensure fiscal accountability and efficiency across all departments.
Oversee the regional budgeting and re-forecasting cycle in collaboration with the Group FP&A Manager and country-level operational leads.
Each month, prepare detailed actuals-vs-budget comparisons for all country entities, accompanied by clear, actionable commentary to drive informed decision-making.
Collaborate closely with country managers to assess contract profitability, implement initiatives aimed at enhancing margins, and conduct thorough analyses of cost structures.
Analyze and monitor the revenue distribution for the PSP service line across the region, identifying instances where GPM targets may be compromised.
Play a key role in the organization’s financial planning efforts at the group level, specifically contributing to the development and execution of the $100M Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BAG) roadmap for Emerging Markets.
Internal Controls & Risk Management
We are seeking a seasoned professional to oversee and enhance our organization’s internal control frameworks and risk management strategies. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies. Responsibilities include designing and implementing robust control mechanisms, conducting thorough risk assessments, and maintaining alignment with industry best practices. Additionally, the role requires strong analytical skills to evaluate operational risks, financial controls, and compliance gaps, as well as the ability to develop actionable recommendations to strengthen the company’s risk posture. Proficiency in risk management frameworks (e.g., COST, ISO 31000) and experience with audit processes are essential. The successful applicant will collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in risk management practices.
Develop and implement a unified internal controls framework tailored to the operational contexts of all four countries, ensuring consistent application and adherence.
Perform regular evaluations of controls and present the results, along with proposed remediation strategies, to the Group CFO.
Oversee country-specific financial risks, including currency fluctuations, political and operating environment volatility, and credit concentration exposures.
Champion a culture of financial accountability and process discipline within Emerging Markets finance teams to drive consistent performance and operational excellence.
Experienced professionals are sought to lead teams and enhance organizational capabilities through strategic development initiatives. The role requires guiding cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and empowering employees to achieve performance goals. Responsibilities include mentoring staff, identifying skill gaps, and implementing targeted training programs to strengthen team competencies. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership acumen, the ability to inspire high-performing teams, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Oversee the leadership, management, and professional development of a globally distributed finance team spanning multiple countries.
Set measurable performance goals, conduct consistent evaluations, and cultivate a pipeline of future leaders in every market.
Establish and maintain uniform financial systems, processes, and reporting standards throughout the region.
Foster a culture of ongoing enhancement and career growth within the Emerging Markets finance team.
Requirements
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is required. A minimum of 3 years of experience in software development is essential. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is necessary. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work well in a team environment are also required. Experience with Agile methodologies and version control systems (e.g., Git) is preferred. Excellent communication skills for collaborating with stakeholders and documenting technical specifications are a must.
Seeking a certified public accountant holding a CPA(K), ARCA, CIA, or an equivalent credential as a mandatory requirement.
A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a closely related discipline is required.
A master’s degree or an MBA would be considered a valuable asset for this role.
Experience
With a minimum of eight to ten years of progressive finance experience, including at least three to four years in a Financial Controller or comparable capacity, candidates should demonstrate a strong background in financial leadership and strategic oversight.
Mandatory: a demonstrated track record of successfully overseeing financial operations across multiple African nations concurrently.
Requires comprehensive expertise in the tax, regulatory, and reporting frameworks of at least two of the following jurisdictions: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, or South Sudan.
Proficiency in staffing, professional services, multi-site operations, or workforce solutions environments is highly advantageous.
Proven expertise in overseeing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and working capital within a multinational, multi-currency operational framework.
Individuals with a proven track record of effectively operating within intricate or demanding operational settings will be strongly favored, particularly those with prior engagement in South Sudan.
Proficient in both written and verbal communication, with a strong aptitude for clear and concise articulation of complex ideas. Demonstrates exceptional organizational abilities, including prioritization, time management, and attention to detail. Exhibits adaptability and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments, ensuring efficient resolution of challenges. Possesses a collaborative mindset, fostering teamwork and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared objectives. Maintains a proactive approach to professional development, staying current with industry trends and best practices. Committed to upholding ethical standards and delivering high-quality results in all responsibilities.
Technical accounting expertise in IFRS standards is essential, with a strong command of multi-currency consolidation and reporting processes.
Advanced expertise in ERP and accounting systems is required, along with strong Excel skills; familiarity with Group-level reporting tools is an additional advantage.
Demonstrates strong commercial judgment by effectively linking financial outcomes to key operational and business factors.
Exceptional organizational abilities are required, along with the capacity to prioritize tasks and meet varying deadlines across multiple international locations.
Demonstrates a commanding leadership presence, effectively establishing credibility and exerting influence even when not physically present.
Displays strong resilience and adaptability, thriving in dynamic environments characterized by changing regulatory landscapes.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in both written and oral communication, with the capacity to distill intricate financial insights into clear, compelling narratives tailored for high-level executive audiences.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
