Reports to: Chief Finance Officer
Location: Riuri Kenya
PROFILE INTRODUCTION:
Our client a leading and innovative player in the floriculture export sector is seeking a strategic and hands-on Chief Accountant to lead its accounting function & budget operations. This role is pivotal in steering the accounting operations for the company ensuring financial integrity and driving process efficiencies.
The ideal candidate is a technically sound accounting professional with proven leadership experience. They will be responsible for stabilizing the department enhancing reporting capabilities and embedding a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement. This individual will play a key role in automating processes providing deep-dive financial analysis and mentoring the team to support the companys ongoing growth and operational excellence.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the Accounting Function: Oversee and mentor a team of accounting professionals fostering a culture of high performance accountability and continuous development.
- Ensure Financial Integrity & Compliance: Manage the end-to-end financial closing process ensuring timely and accurate monthly quarterly and year-end reporting in full compliance with IFRS and statutory requirements including specific reporting for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) authority.
- Drive Process Improvement & Automation: Champion the automation of financial processes and systems to streamline operations reduce manual paperwork and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting and data analysis.
- Strengthen Internal Controls & Policies: Implement and monitor robust internal controls and accounting policies. Train the team to ensure adherence and understanding across the finance department.
- Provide Strategic Financial Insights: Deliver insightful financial analysis management accounts and reports to senior management to aid in strategic decision-making. This includes cost analysis price and FX sensitivity and departmental performance tracking.
- Manage Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with key external partners including bankers auditors tax authorities (KRA) and other stakeholders.
- Support Budgeting & Forecasting: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop accurate budgets and forecasts driving completeness and accountability across departments
- Solve Complex Challenges: Apply out-of-the-box thinking to address unique financial and operational challenges that arise in a volatile high-demand business environment.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- Analytical & Data-Focused Thinking
- Leadership & Team Management
- Flexibility & Problem-Solving Agility
- Attention to Detail & Accuracy
- Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication
- Deadline-Driven & Results-Oriented
Requirements
- A Bachelors degree in Finance Accounting or a related field. CPA or similar professional qualification is highly preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in accounting with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing a team.
- Deep technical expertise in IFRS and Kenyan tax regulations.
- A track record of improving processes implementing automation and enhancing the quality of financial reporting.
- A flexible hands-on approach with the ability to thrive in a dynamic fast-paced environment and solve diverse challenges as they arise.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with international team members.