Finance Manager at KKCO East Africa

Financial Strategy & Forecasting

• Spearhead the development of 3–5-year financial strategies, integrating scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to address market volatility and enrollment trends.
• Lead annual budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s strategic priorities (e.g., infrastructure upgrades, scholarship programs).
• Conduct ROI analysis for capital projects, and partnerships.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Partner with department heads to align financial planning with academic and operational goals (e.g., curriculum expansion, technology investments).
• Advise the School leadership and the Board on financial implications of policy changes, enrollment strategies, and regulatory shifts.
• Budget Management & Cost Optimization
• Budget Oversight
• Develop and monitor department-specific budgets, providing quarterly variance reports with actionable recommendations.
• Implement zero-based budgeting for discretionary spending to maximize resource allocation.
• Cost Control
• Identify inefficiencies and negotiate cost-saving opportunities with vendors (e.g., textbooks, facility maintenance).
• Leverage technology (e.g., ERP systems) to automate financial workflows and reduce manual processes.
• Compliance, Risk & Governance
• Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure adherence to tax regulations and other statutory expectations.
• Maintain audit-ready records and oversee statutory reporting to regulatory bodies
• Risk Management:
• Develop a risk assessment framework to mitigate fraud, cybersecurity threats, and liquidity risks.
• Implement internal controls for procurement, payroll, and student fee management.
•  Team Leadership & Development
• Team Management
• Coach and mentor a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Conduct biannual performance reviews and create individualized development plans.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Train non-finance staff on budget ownership and compliance protocols (e.g., petty cash management).
• Financial Reporting & Transparency
• Reporting
• Prepare monthly financial dashboards (P&L, cash flow, balance sheet) for the School Principal and Board.
• Present quarterly financial health reports with KPIs (e.g., cost per student, debt-to-equity ratio).
• Audit Management
• Coordinate annual external audits and implement corrective actions for findings.
• Operational efficiency
• Cash Flow & Liquidity
• Optimize tuition fee collection processes (e.g., digital payment platforms) to achieve 97%+ collection rates.
• Manage working capital to maintain a minimum 6-month reserve fund.
• Technology Integration
• Evaluate and implement financial software to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency.

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Financial Health & Sustainability
• Budget variance maintained within an acceptable threshold (e.g., ±5%).
• Efficient cash flow management ensuring financial stability.
• Cost-saving measures implemented without compromising quality.
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Full compliance with financial regulations and internal controls.
• Zero major audit findings or financial irregularities.
• Timely submission of statutory reports and tax obligations.
• Revenue & Collections Efficiency
• Timely and effective fees collection (target: 97%+ collection rate).
• Reduction in outstanding receivables and bad debts.
• Financial Reporting & Transparency
• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reports (e.g., monthly, quarterly, and annual).
• Clarity and actionability of financial insights presented to leadership.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Improved efficiency and productivity within the finance team.
• Effective implementation of training and development programs for the team.
• Positive feedback from stakeholders on financial leadership and support.

QUALIFICATIONS AND BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in financial management, preferably in an educational or non-profit setting