ROLE OVERVIEW
The Financial Controller – Emerging Markets Region represents a senior finance leadership position responsible for ensuring financial accountability across four key country operations: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan. This role demands a finance expert with strong capabilities, adept at operating within varied regulatory frameworks, leading geographically dispersed teams, and producing precise financial reports for the Group CFO. Introduced to enhance the Group’s finance leadership structure, this position allows the Group CFO to delegate operational finance duties, thereby enabling a sharper focus on strategic initiatives, investor engagement, and the organization’s ambitious $100M BAG.
Oversee the full spectrum of duties encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, and team leadership to ensure organizational goals are met with precision and efficiency. Responsible for developing and implementing policies that drive productivity while maintaining compliance with industry regulations and company standards. Supervise cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and accountability to optimize performance. Monitor key performance indicators to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective measures as necessary. Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project milestones and deliverables. Mentor and develop team members through targeted coaching and professional growth opportunities to cultivate a high-performing workforce.
Financial reporting and data integrity responsibilities encompass the preparation, analysis, and validation of financial statements to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparency. This role involves maintaining meticulous records, reconciling accounts, and adhering to regulatory standards such as GAAP or IFRS. Key requirements include proficiency in financial software, strong analytical skills, and a keen attention to detail. Responsibilities also include collaborating with cross-functional teams, identifying discrepancies, and implementing corrective measures to uphold financial integrity. Additionally, the position demands adherence to internal controls and the ability to generate insightful reports to support strategic decision-making.
Oversee the full cycle of financial closing activities—monthly, quarterly, and annually—for all Emerging Markets entities spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Compile and deliver a comprehensive Emerging Markets management accounts package to the Group CFO, featuring detailed Profit & Loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow analyses, 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.
Spearhead the statutory audit process for all Emerging Markets entities while serving as the principal point of contact with local audit firms.
Prepare and submit all local statutory financial statements punctually and accurately in every applicable jurisdiction.
Ensure adherence to tax regulations and compliance standards across multiple jurisdictions, encompassing a thorough understanding of diverse legal frameworks and reporting obligations to mitigate risks and uphold organizational integrity.
Oversee adherence to tax obligations across all four jurisdictions, namely KRA (Kenya), TRA (Tanzania), ERA (Rwanda), and the relevant revenue authorities in South Sudan.
Oversee VAT, PAYE, WHT, and CIT compliance across all jurisdictions, ensuring accurate and punctual filing and payment obligations are met.
Monitor regulatory developments across all markets and provide the CFO with timely, proactive insights regarding their potential impact on the Group.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with regional tax advisors, legal counsel, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and alignment with local requirements.
Overseeing Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, this role ensures the accurate and timely processing of financial transactions, maintains vendor and customer relationships, and guarantees compliance with accounting standards and internal policies. The position involves reconciling accounts, managing cash flow, and preparing detailed financial reports to support strategic decision-making. Additionally, it requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to resolve discrepancies, optimize payment cycles, and enhance financial controls. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in accounting software, and meticulous attention to detail are essential for success in this role.
Oversee the Group Accounts Receivable and Group Accounts Payable functions for Emerging Markets transactions, offering direct line management to ensure operational excellence.
Establish and oversee regional accounts receivable targets while ensuring compliance with credit and collections policies to sustain Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) within the Group’s established benchmarks.
Responsible for the comprehensive management of accounts payable functions across the four countries, ensuring precision in processing, adherence to payment schedules, and proper authorization of transactions.
Monitor NSIF and statutory deductions (particularly for South Sudan and Tanzania) to ensure full compliance and timely remittance.
Significant accounts receivable or payable risks must be promptly brought to the attention of the Group CFO, accompanied by actionable recommendations to mitigate potential issues.
Cash & Treasury Management
Oversee multi-currency cash positions spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan, while developing consolidated weekly and 13-week rolling cash forecasts for the regional portfolio.
To mitigate foreign exchange risk, develop and implement hedging strategies as needed.
Optimize the working capital cycles for all Emerging Markets entities by balancing the competing priorities of collections and supplier payment obligations.
Manage banking relationships across all markets, guaranteeing the availability of appropriate facilities and an efficient payment infrastructure.
Prepare detailed analyses of regional cash reserves in relation to Group-established benchmarks, identifying potential liquidity risks and promptly escalating concerns for further review.
Facilitates strategic financial planning through budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering initiatives to drive informed decision-making and organizational growth. Collaborates closely with leadership and department heads to develop, monitor, and refine financial models that align with strategic objectives. Drives efficiency by analyzing performance metrics, identifying trends, and recommending data-driven solutions to optimize resource allocation and operational effectiveness. Ensures fiscal responsibility by maintaining accurate financial records, adhering to compliance standards, and presenting clear insights to stakeholders to support transparent and accountable financial management.
Spearhead the regional budgeting and re-forecasting processes in collaboration with the Group FP&A Manager and country-level operational leaders to ensure alignment and accuracy.
Provide comprehensive monthly analyses comparing actual financial performance against budgeted forecasts, coupled with insightful, actionable commentary tailored to each country entity.
Collaborate closely with country managers to enhance contract profitability, implement margin improvement strategies, and conduct thorough cost structure analyses.
Monitor the regional revenue composition for the PSP service line and identify instances where Gross Profit Margin targets may be compromised.
Assist in the development of comprehensive financial strategies at the group level, with a focus on executing the $100M Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BAG) roadmap specifically for Emerging Markets.
Internal Controls & Risk Management professionals ensure the establishment and maintenance of robust governance frameworks to mitigate operational, financial, and regulatory risks. They design, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. These specialists conduct risk assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and develop mitigation strategies to address emerging threats. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote a culture of risk awareness and accountability throughout the organization.
Develop and maintain a unified internal controls framework tailored to the distinct operational contexts of each of the four countries.
Perform regular evaluations of controls and present the results, along with proposed remediation strategies, to the Group CFO.
Oversee and mitigate financial risks specific to each country, including currency fluctuations, political and operational environment factors, as well as credit concentration concerns.
Drive a culture of financial accountability and process discipline within Emerging Markets finance teams, ensuring every member embraces rigorous standards and operational excellence.
We are seeking a seasoned professional with a proven track record in mentoring and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and cultivating individual and collective capabilities. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills to inspire and motivate team members, alongside the strategic acumen to align team goals with organizational objectives. Responsibilities include coaching and guiding employees through performance evaluations, providing targeted feedback, and designing tailored development programs to enhance skill sets and drive productivity. Additionally, the role demands the ability to identify talent gaps, implement succession planning strategies, and create pathways for career progression within the team.
Oversee the leadership, management, and professional growth of a globally distributed finance team spanning multiple countries.
Develop measurable performance targets, facilitate consistent assessments, and cultivate leadership pipelines across all market regions.
Ensure uniformity in financial systems, processes, and reporting standards throughout the designated region.
Foster an environment of ongoing enhancement and career growth within the Emerging Markets finance team.
Requirements
PERSON SPECIFICATION
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics is required, along with a minimum of five years of professional experience in software development or a closely related discipline. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ is essential, and familiarity with frameworks such as Django, Spring, or .NET is highly advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative mindset are also necessary to thrive in this role. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of delivering high-quality software solutions and working effectively within cross-functional teams.
Qualifications required include a Certified Public Accountant (Kenya) designation, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants credential, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification, or an equivalent professional certification.
A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a closely related discipline is required.
A master’s degree or an MBA would be advantageous.
Experience
A minimum of eight to ten years of progressive finance experience is required, including at least three to four years in a Financial Controller role or a comparable position.
Proven expertise in overseeing financial operations across multiple African countries is essential.
A strong working knowledge of at least two of the four jurisdictions—Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan—along with their tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements is required.
Proficiency in manpower solutions, staffing, professional services, or multi-site business operations is highly desirable.
Experienced in overseeing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and working capital operations within a multi-currency framework, with a proven history of success.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in intricate or demanding operational contexts, with a preference for candidates who have prior experience in South Sudan.
Seeking a candidate with a proven ability to deliver results under pressure, strong interpersonal skills, and exceptional organizational capabilities. The ideal applicant must demonstrate proficiency in project management, problem-solving, and effective communication. Additionally, experience with data analysis, budget oversight, and team leadership is required. The role entails overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Strong technical accounting skills (IFRS); fluency in multi-currency consolidation and reporting.
Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems and Excel at an advanced level is required; familiarity with Group-level reporting tools is considered advantageous.
Excellent commercial acumen — able to connect financial performance to operational and business drivers.
Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple countries.
Able to establish strong leadership presence and foster credibility as well as influence, even in the absence of direct physical proximity.
Highly resilient and adaptable professionals thrive in dynamic settings where regulatory frameworks are subject to continuous change.
Excellent written and oral communication abilities, with a proven capacity to distill intricate financial insights into concise, accessible insights for senior leadership.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
