Finance Manager at Gap Recruitment Services Limited

Job Overview

• Our client, an international education and cultural institution, is seeking to recruit a highly competent and strategic Finance Manager to oversee end-to-end financial management of its Kenya operations.
• The role ensures full compliance with Kenyan statutory and regulatory requirements while aligning with international head-office financial policies and reporting standards. The position combines hands-on financial execution with strategic oversight in budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and audit coordination.
• This role requires strong internal control discipline, accuracy, leadership capability, and the ability to operate effectively within a matrix reporting structure.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in line with Kenyan regulatory standards
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Provide financial performance insights and recommendations to senior management
• Manage cash flow planning and liquidity forecasting
• Coordinate annual audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with departmental heads
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and highlight variances
• Implement cost-control mechanisms to enhance operational efficiency
• Support grant and project-based budgeting where applicable

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan tax regulations including VAT, PAYE, Withholding Tax, and Corporate Tax
• Oversee statutory filings and regulatory reporting
• Maintain strong internal control systems and financial risk management frameworks
• Ensure adherence to international head-office financial policies

Treasury & Cash Management

• Manage banking relationships and optimize treasury operations
• Oversee payments, reconciliations, and cash handling procedures
• Implement fraud prevention measures and financial risk mitigation controls

Payroll & HR Financial Coordination

• Oversee payroll processing and statutory deductions
• Ensure compliance with Kenyan labor laws and social security contributions
• Collaborate with HR on benefits structuring and compensation planning

Systems & Process Improvement

• Ensure effective utilization of accounting and ERP systems
• Drive automation and improvements in financial reporting processes
• Strengthen documentation procedures and internal controls

Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop finance team members
• Set performance objectives and conduct performance reviews
• Build a high-performance finance function aligned with institutional goals
• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement

Leadership Roles & Experience

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing finance teams in a structured organization
• Proven ability to operate within a matrix reporting structure (local and head-office oversight)
• Experience presenting financial reports to senior management, boards, or international stakeholders
• Strong capability in change management, particularly in process improvement and system implementation
• Experience in developing financial policies, internal controls, and governance frameworks
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive financial discipline across departments

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• CPA (K) or ACCA qualification – Mandatory
• Minimum of 5 years progressive finance experience
• At least 3 years in a managerial role
• Experience in an international organization or education institution is highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of Kenyan tax and statutory requirements
• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (SAP, Oracle, Sage, Zoho, or equivalent)

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
• High integrity and exceptional attention to detail
• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong presentation and reporting ability
• Risk-aware and compliance-driven mindset
• Ability to operate effectively in a matrix reporting environment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
• Budget variance control within agreed thresholds
• Clean audit reports
• Full compliance with statutory and donor requirements
• Effective cash flow and liquidity management