Background

A leading multi-location retail and distribution group is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Finance to lead its finance and accounting function. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, analytical depth, and a systems-thinking approach to financial operations.

This role reports directly to senior management and will be responsible for the overall financial health, planning, compliance, and team development across multiple business units in the region.

Responsibilities And Duties

Develop and implement accounting systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs) across departments

Ensure the accounting system is secure, reliable, and used efficiently by the team

Lead annual budgeting processes and work with department heads to manage financial strategy

Oversee import/export admin, licensing, contracts, insurance, compliance, and legal documentation

Liaise with audit partners to ensure audits and statutory filings are completed on time

Guide and train the finance team to meet high performance standards and understand their roles deeply

Manage accounts receivable and payable, ensuring adherence to credit and payment terms

Ensure year-end accounts are finalized in a timely manner and submitted for auditing

Provide monthly financial reports and performance analysis to management

Monitor and manage foreign transactions and banking relationships

Maintain proper compliance and filing of all statutory taxes and returns (VAT, withholding, etc.)

Enforce strong inventory and asset control with accurate and real-time reporting

Administer monthly payroll and maintain internal controls across all financial operations

Conduct regular internal audits across branches and report findings

Drive cost-efficiency and continuous financial improvements

Support other business needs as required

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration

CPA Kenya or equivalent international qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA)

Experience

Minimum 8 years in a finance leadership role, preferably in retail, FMCG, or similar sectors

Skills & Attributes

Strong financial and analytical skills

Proven leadership and team development ability

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

High level of integrity and attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities

Technical Proficiency

ERP systems experience (SAP Business One preferred)

Strong Excel skills, including advanced functions and financial modeling

• Develop and implement accounting systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs) across departments
• Ensure the accounting system is secure, reliable, and used efficiently by the team
• Lead annual budgeting processes and work with department heads to manage financial strategy
• Oversee import/export admin, licensing, contracts, insurance, compliance, and legal documentation
• Liaise with audit partners to ensure audits and statutory filings are completed on time
• Guide and train the finance team to meet high performance standards and understand their roles deeply
• Manage accounts receivable and payable, ensuring adherence to credit and payment terms
• Ensure year-end accounts are finalized in a timely manner and submitted for auditing
• Provide monthly financial reports and performance analysis to management
• Monitor and manage foreign transactions and banking relationships
• Maintain proper compliance and filing of all statutory taxes and returns (VAT, withholding, etc.)
• Enforce strong inventory and asset control with accurate and real-time reporting
• Administer monthly payroll and maintain internal controls across all financial operations
• Conduct regular internal audits across branches and report findings
• Drive cost-efficiency and continuous financial improvements
• Support other business needs as required

• Strong financial and analytical skills
• Proven leadership and team development ability
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• High level of integrity and attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
• ERP systems experience (SAP Business One preferred)
• Strong Excel skills, including advanced functions and financial modeling

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration
• CPA Kenya or equivalent international qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA)