Finance Manager at LIPTON Teas and Infusions

PURPOSE OF THE ROLLE

• This is a senior position which seeks to increase the long term share value and to safeguard the assets of the company by: finding ways to improve the performance of the financial operation, ensuring a satisfactory system of internal controls in the organization, shareholder wealth maximization, safeguarding the assets of the company – avoiding wastage through prudent investment, maintaining adequate liquidity to facilitate prompt claims service without jeopardizing investment income and ensuring compliance with regulation.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Regulatory, Statutory & Management Reporting 

• Overall responsibility for all Finance aspects in Kenya, which includes Tax, Actuarial, Controlling, FP&A and Capital Management responsibilities.
• Accountable for timely and accurate delivery of ekaterra Tea Kenya’s external financial reporting and maintenance of a robust control environment.
• Business partnering and support role to the Managing Director, which includes updates on business strategy execution and profitability assessments of each line of business.
• Primary Finance contact to the independent, non-executive directors, and responsible for accurate and timely Board reporting.
• Oversight of all local financial statement and regulatory filings, and primary Finance liaison with all regulatory authorities.
• Management of the audit process with external and internal auditors
• Implement and monitor Monthly Financial Reporting with a key focus on business performance, profitability, and strategy execution.
• Establish and implement the regulations on and procedures of financial management, cost management, budget management, accounting, accounting supervision and audit; Supervise the implementation of above-mentioned regulations and procedures.
• Represent ekaterra Tea Kenya to the regulator regarding all financial matters when required and in the board of directors.
• Managing capital to meet regulatory requirements, dividend commitments and investment requirements; optimizing deployment of and returns on capital within those constraints.
• Embedding the use of key performance metrics within the organization to drive actions and improve performance.
• Delivering well-supported budgets, plans and forecasts in line with ekaterra Tea Kenya’s timelines, along with regular progress updates and action recommendations as appropriate
• Ensure proper tax planning, computation and accounting and remittance of all applicable taxes (PAYE, VAT)
• Business Partnership & Leadership 
• Engage with executive management as a strategic partner, influencing the future direction of the company and aligning business and finance strategy to achieve profitable and sustainable growth.
• Instill a financial approach and mind set throughout the organization as a catalyst to help other parts of the business perform better.
• Designing and implementing change to organizational design, processes, and systems to meet current and future reporting obligations.
• Improving efficiency whilst maintaining control standards consistent with ekaterra Tea Kenya’s policies and regulatory requirements; Control environment and Framework 
• Provide a preventive financial control environment, aligned to company and legislative requirements.
• Ensure integrity of all financial data in underlying administrative system.
• Ensure control over operating systems impacting financial performance is implemented and operating effectively.
• Recommend improvements and adjustments as needed to ensure operational efficiency and meet operating requirements.
• Remediate and resolve material weaknesses and significant deficiencies identified through internal audit within agreed timelines
• Liaise with internal auditors and provide recommendations for procedural improvements
• Liaise with external auditors and provide recommendations for procedural improvements.
• Keep abreast of local financial, legislative environment; advise the Leadership Team on financial issues which arise and the consequences of proposed course of action.
• Ensure financial records are maintained in line with company and legislative requirements
• Ensure Internal and External financial reporting is concluded on a timely manner with appropriate approvals
• Administer the work of investment committee.
• Manage account reconciliations accordingly to company and auditor’s standard.
• Leading, mentoring and professionally developing people, making best and highest use of talent including exporting to benefit the wider ekaterra, managing succession plans, fostering a culture of collaboration and promoting and delivering the benefits of working collaboratively to deliver ekaterra Tea Kenya ’s strategic objectives
• Aligning activity of Finance department in ekaterra Tea Kenya with regional and global partners.

 
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 

ESSENTIAL

• Relevant Business Degree (e.g. B.Com – Accounting or MBA)
• Certified Public Accountant (K)/ACCA
• Member of the ICPAK

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 8 years experience in a Finance related position, Senior Accounting Position, Finance Manager or Chief Finance Officer.
• Working knowledge of a multinational organization is highly recommended.
• Working in a matrix reporting structure will be an advantage.
• Good background in process controls and audit 

SKILLS

• Business acumen to understand ekaterra’s business and functions
• Solving complex problems
• Managerial courage and a strategic leader
• Organizational Agility
• Knowledge of fiscal regulation in Kenya & other African countries.
• High level of written and verbal communication skills, including ability to interact effectively at various levels
• Persistent, output-oriented mindset with strong ownership capabilities
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, including capability of dealing with several projects in parallel.

TRAVEL

• As per job/site requirements, local travel likely. International Travel when need arises to represent ekaterra Tea Kenya.