Finance Manager – FMCG

We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Finance Manager to lead the finance function in a high-volume, fast-moving environment. The successful candidate will oversee financial planning, reporting, cash flow, working capital, cost control and statutory compliance while providing financial insights to support business decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Support the Board and Senior Management in developing and implementing the company's strategic plan.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic business initiatives.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Prepare annual budgets, rolling forecasts and periodic variance analysis.
• Provide financial insights to support pricing, promotions, trade spend and new product launches.
• Analyze profitability by product, brand and sales channel.
• Support commercial teams with financial information for decision-making.

Financial Reporting & Control

• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, quarterly Board reports and annual financial statements in line with IFRS.
• Oversee month-end and year-end financial close processes.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls over cash, inventory, fixed assets and expenditure.
• Coordinate annual statutory audits and act as the primary liaison with external auditors.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Manage daily cash flow and banking relationships.
• Monitor working capital, including debtor days, creditor days and inventory levels.
• Manage short-term funding facilities, including overdrafts and trade finance.
• Work with the sales team to manage customer credit terms, credit control and debt collection.
• Monitor and optimize cash utilization across the business.

Costing & Margin Management

• Manage standard costing, variance analysis and gross margin reporting.
• Monitor cost of goods sold, wastage, processing losses, labour and overhead costs.
• Work closely with production and supply chain teams to monitor cost movements and input price changes.
• Support procurement with cost-benefit analysis and supplier negotiations.
• Monitor profitability by SKU, product and brand.

Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requirements, including PAYE, VAT, corporation tax, withholding tax and applicable excise duty.
• Oversee payroll statutory deductions and timely remittances, including PAYE, NSSF, SHIF/SHA and Affordable Housing Levy.
• Ensure all statutory returns and payments are submitted within the required deadlines.

Treasury, Risk & Forex Management

• Manage foreign currency exposure arising from imported raw materials, packaging or equipment.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks and financial institutions.
• Support negotiation of banking facilities and competitive rates.
• Identify and mitigate key financial risks, including liquidity, credit and foreign exchange risks.

Systems & Team Leadership

• Drive effective use of ERP and accounting systems to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team.
• Establish strong financial controls and reporting processes.
• Work closely with the Managing Director and Heads of Department as a finance business partner.
• Provide financial insights and decision support to senior management and the Board.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a related field.
• CPA(K), ACCA or equivalent professional accounting qualification is mandatory.
• Membership in good standing with ICPAK.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 6–8 years' progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
• Previous experience in FMCG, manufacturing or a high-volume, fast-paced trading environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, reporting, budgeting, costing and financial controls.
• Demonstrated experience with Kenyan statutory and tax compliance.
• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial data into business decisions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to present financial information to non-finance stakeholders and the Board.
• Strong internal controls mindset and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight reporting deadlines.
• High level of integrity and sound ethical judgment.
• Hands-on leadership approach with the ability to work closely with sales, production, procurement and other operational teams.