Our client in the Education sector is seeking to recruit a Finance Manager to oversee and coordinate all finance-related functions, including accounting, tax compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

The role will ensure that all financial matters are managed efficiently and effectively, with accurate and timely reporting delivered in a user- and stakeholder- friendly manner. The Finance Manager will also be responsible for implementing and maintaining strong financial controls to safeguard against fraud, theft, and financial errors. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in a business-facing finance environment and demonstrate strong technical expertise, commercial acumen, and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities.

• Lead the preparation of the annual budget and revised forecasts, and produce monthly management accounts with variance analysis and performance commentary.
• Analyse financial performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and provide actionable insights to senior management.
• Monitor budget performance, investigate variances, and prepare regular and ad hoc financial reports for schools and departments.
• Oversee accurate and timely processing of accounting transactions in Sage, ensuring adherence to month-end reporting timelines.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, liquidity requirements, and oversee banking relationships, loan facilities, and investments.
• Maintain and reconcile all bank accounts, shareholder and group loans, and support the setup and maintenance of banking users and signatories.
• Act as Sage system super-user, overseeing system administration, chart of accounts, training, and the implementation of new systems and processes.
• Ensure accurate maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger, balance sheet accounts, fixed asset register, and capital work in progress in line with group policy.
• Prepare half-year and year-end financial statements, coordinate internal and external audits, and ensure full compliance with statutory and tax obligations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor financial policies, internal controls, risk mitigation strategies, insurance management, and data protection and information security compliance.

Key Qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA (K) or ACCA qualification is mandatory.
• A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Strong experience working with or implementing large ERP systems is essential.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and strong working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Solid understanding of IFRS, generally accepted accounting principles, and sound bookkeeping practices.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and active listening skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and accurately across all levels.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate options and make sound decisions.
• Highly professional, detail-oriented, and well-organised individual

Summit Recruitment and Search Africa is a leading Recruitment and Executive Search agency headquartered in Kenya providing outstanding talent to a wide range of companies and NGOs in various business sectors across Africa.

We endeavour to make contact with all of our applicants, but unfortunately, high volumes of applications make this unrealistic. If you do not hear from us within two weeks your application has not been successful on this occasion. This does not mean you will not be considered for future roles so please keep an eye on our job board and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.

Summit Recruitment and search Africa upholds a steadfast commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and equality as integral pillars of our operations. Dedicated to driving positive change through the adoption of sustainable practices that minimize our ecological footprint. We firmly believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that embraces individuals from all races, genders, and backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for every candidate. Summit recruitment actively advocate for equality by cultivating an environment of respect, fairness, and non-discrimination. By prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and equality, we aim to set a high industry standard and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

*** Summit Recruitment & Search, as a policy, does not charge any fee as a pre-employment or post-employment requirement***

• Lead the preparation of the annual budget and revised forecasts, and produce monthly management accounts with variance analysis and performance commentary.
• Analyse financial performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and provide actionable insights to senior management.
• Monitor budget performance, investigate variances, and prepare regular and ad hoc financial reports for schools and departments.
• Oversee accurate and timely processing of accounting transactions in Sage, ensuring adherence to month-end reporting timelines.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, liquidity requirements, and oversee banking relationships, loan facilities, and investments.
• Maintain and reconcile all bank accounts, shareholder and group loans, and support the setup and maintenance of banking users and signatories.
• Act as Sage system super-user, overseeing system administration, chart of accounts, training, and the implementation of new systems and processes.
• Ensure accurate maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger, balance sheet accounts, fixed asset register, and capital work in progress in line with group policy.
• Prepare half-year and year-end financial statements, coordinate internal and external audits, and ensure full compliance with statutory and tax obligations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor financial policies, internal controls, risk mitigation strategies, insurance management, and data protection and information security compliance.

• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and strong working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Solid understanding of IFRS, generally accepted accounting principles, and sound bookkeeping practices.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and active listening skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and accurately across all levels.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate options and make sound decisions.
• Highly professional, detail-oriented, and well-organised individual

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA (K) or ACCA qualification is mandatory.
• A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Strong experience working with or implementing large ERP systems is essential.