Open Roles at KKCO East Africa

Job Purpose

• The Senior Accountant will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, strengthening financial controls and supporting the financial management of Domaine Kenya Ltd.
• The role will oversee general ledger accounting, inventory and stock accounting, supplier and customer accounts, statutory compliance, payroll, budgeting and management reporting. The Senior Accountant will work closely with management, sales, procurement, warehousing and logistics teams to ensure the accurate financial reporting of the company’s wine importation, distribution and sales activities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure that all financial transactions are accurately and promptly recorded.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and management accounts.
• Review and analyse financial performance, including revenue, gross margins, operating costs and profitability.
• Prepare monthly balance-sheet reconciliations and resolve outstanding reconciling items.
• Maintain appropriate accounting records and supporting documentation for all transactions.
• Support the preparation of annual financial statements and coordinate external audit requirements.
• Ensure that accounting records comply with applicable accounting standards, company policies and legal requirements.

Inventory and Stock Accounting

• Maintain accurate financial records for wines and other products held in the company’s warehouses and distribution points.
• Reconcile physical stock records to the accounting and inventory-management systems.
• Monitor stock receipts, transfers, sales, returns, breakages, damages, expiries and promotional stock.
• Investigate and report stock variances in collaboration with the warehouse, sales and logistics teams.
• Ensure that the cost of inventory includes the appropriate purchase cost, freight, insurance, customs duty, excise duty and other directly attributable costs.
• Monitor slow-moving, damaged and obsolete inventory and recommend appropriate accounting treatment.
• Participate in periodic and annual physical stock counts and ensure that all variances are properly documented and resolved.

Accounts Payable and Supplier Management

• Manage supplier accounts and ensure invoices are properly supported, approved and recorded.
• Prepare supplier reconciliations and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Review payment schedules and ensure suppliers are paid in accordance with approved credit terms.
• Verify importation, freight, clearing and logistics costs before payment.
• Maintain accurate records of local and international suppliers.
• Ensure that payments are supported by valid invoices, purchase orders, delivery documents and relevant approvals.

Accounts Receivable and Credit Control

• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing of customers through the approved accounting and invoicing systems.
• Maintain accurate customer accounts and allocate receipts promptly.
• Monitor customer credit limits, outstanding balances and overdue accounts.
• Prepare regular debtor-ageing reports and coordinate collection of outstanding amounts with the sales team.
• Reconcile customer statements and resolve invoicing, pricing, discount and payment disputes.
• Ensure that credit notes, discounts, promotional offers and customer rebates are appropriately authorised.
• Recommend corrective action for long-outstanding or doubtful debts.

Revenue, Sales and Margin Management

• Reconcile daily and monthly sales to invoices, receipts, bank deposits, mobile-money collections and inventory movements.
• Review product pricing, discounts and sales margins to ensure they are accurately reflected in the accounting system.
• Prepare sales reports by product, customer, sales channel, region and salesperson.
• Monitor gross-profit margins and investigate unusual fluctuations.
• Ensure that cash and other collections are banked intact and within the required timelines.
• Review sales returns, product replacements, damaged goods and promotional stock transactions.

Banking, Cash and Treasury Management

• Manage and reconcile all company bank accounts, mobile-money accounts, cashbooks and suspense accounts.
• Prepare daily or periodic cash-position reports for management.
• Monitor cash flows and support the preparation of short- and medium-term cash-flow forecasts.
• Ensure that all receipts and payments are recorded accurately and promptly.
• Manage petty cash and ensure that all expenditure is properly approved, supported and reconciled.
• Assist management in planning for supplier payments, taxes, payroll and other financial obligations.

Tax and Statutory Compliance

• Prepare and submit all applicable statutory returns accurately and within the prescribed timelines.
• Ensure compliance with VAT, PAYE, withholding tax, corporate tax, excise duty and other applicable statutory requirements.
• Ensure that invoices and credit notes are processed through the required electronic tax-invoicing system.
• Reconcile statutory deductions and tax-control accounts every month.
• Maintain proper tax records and supporting documentation.
• Support the company during tax audits, compliance reviews and correspondence with regulatory authorities.
• Monitor changes in tax requirements affecting wine importation, distribution and sale, and advise management accordingly.

Payroll Administration

• Prepare and process the monthly payroll accurately and within the approved timelines.
• Verify salaries, allowances, commissions, bonuses, deductions and other payroll changes.
• Ensure timely remittance of payroll-related statutory deductions.
• Reconcile payroll records to the general ledger.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of employee payroll information.
• Coordinate with management on approved employee changes affecting payroll.

Fixed Assets

• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date fixed-asset register.
• Record asset acquisitions, transfers, depreciation, disposals and write-offs.
• Conduct periodic physical verification of company assets.
• Ensure that all company assets are properly tagged, safeguarded and accounted for.
• Reconcile the fixed-asset register to the general ledger.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Support the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and departmental expenditure plans.
• Monitor actual income and expenditure against approved budgets.
• Prepare regular budget-variance reports and explain significant deviations.
• Support management in pricing, investment, procurement and cost-control decisions.
• Provide financial analysis to guide sales targets, product profitability and business expansion.

Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Implement and monitor financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Identify financial, operational and compliance risks and recommend corrective measures.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties and adherence to delegated approval limits.
• Review transactions for accuracy, completeness, validity and appropriate authorisation.
• Support the development and improvement of finance, inventory and reporting systems.
• Safeguard the company’s cash, inventory, records and other financial assets

Leadership and Team Supervision

• Supervise, guide and review the work of Accounts Assistants and other designated finance personnel.
• Allocate duties and monitor completion of finance tasks within agreed timelines.
• Provide coaching and on-the-job support to finance team members.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, professionalism and continuous improvement within the department.
• Work collaboratively with the sales, procurement, warehouse, logistics and administration teams.
• Perform any other finance-related duties assigned by the General Manager.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate should have:

• A bachelor’s degree in commerce, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
• Full professional accounting qualification, preferably CPA(K), ACCA or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Membership in good standing with the relevant professional accounting body.
• At least five years of relevant accounting experience, including responsibility for management accounts, general ledger accounting, budgeting and financial controls.
• Experience in wine, alcoholic beverages, fast-moving consumer goods, importation, distribution, hospitality or retail sectors will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in inventory accounting, stock reconciliation, credit control and statutory compliance.
• Proficiency in accounting and enterprise-resource-planning systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience supervising finance or accounts personnel will be an added advantage.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of financial accounting, management accounting and internal controls.
• Understanding of inventory costing, landed-cost allocation and stock-management processes.
• Knowledge of Kenyan taxation and statutory reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial and management reports.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team-management capability.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to support management decision-making.
• High standards of confidentiality, integrity and professional conduct.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments, customers, suppliers, auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Results-oriented, proactive, dependable and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

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Job Purpose

• The General Manager will provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership to Domaine Kenya Ltd. The role will be responsible for driving sustainable business growth, increasing sales and profitability, strengthening customer and supplier relationships, and ensuring efficient management of the company’s wine importation, distribution and sales operations.
• The General Manager will translate the company’s strategic direction into operational plans, budgets, performance targets and measurable business outcomes. The position will also ensure strong financial management, effective inventory control, regulatory compliance, sound corporate governance and the development of a high-performing team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Business Management

• Provide overall leadership and direction in the implementation of the company’s vision, strategy and annual business plan.
• Develop and present strategic, operational and financial plans for approval by the Board.
• Translate approved strategies into departmental objectives, budgets and performance targets.
• Identify new business opportunities, markets, products, partnerships and distribution channels.
• Monitor market trends, consumer preferences, competitor activities and developments within the wine and beverage industry.
• Lead the development and implementation of growth, diversification and market-penetration strategies.
• Ensure that the company maintains a strong and sustainable market position.
• Provide timely strategic advice to the Board on business performance, risks and emerging opportunities.

Commercial Growth and Sales Management

• Develop and implement the company’s sales and commercial strategy.
• Set annual and periodic sales targets by product, customer segment, geographical area and sales channel.
• Drive revenue growth across hotels, restaurants, retailers, distributors, corporate clients, events and other approved sales channels.
• Monitor sales performance and ensure that corrective action is taken where targets are not achieved.
• Support the sales team in acquiring and retaining key customers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major clients, distributors, hospitality establishments and other business partners.
• Review product pricing, discounts, credit terms and promotional arrangements to ensure profitability.
• Ensure that commercial agreements are properly reviewed, authorised and documented.
• Monitor customer profitability, sales margins and product performance.
• Oversee customer-service standards and ensure that customer complaints are addressed promptly and professionally.

Brand Development and Marketing

• Provide leadership in the development and positioning of Domaine Kenya Ltd’s wine portfolio.
• Approve and oversee marketing plans, product launches, wine tastings, promotional events and customer-engagement initiatives.
• Ensure that marketing activities are aligned with approved budgets, brand guidelines and applicable legal requirements.
• Develop partnerships with hotels, restaurants, retailers, event organisers and other stakeholders to promote the company’s products.
• Monitor the performance of marketing campaigns and evaluate their impact on sales and brand visibility.
• Promote responsible and professional marketing of the company’s products.
• Ensure that product information, promotional materials and communication accurately represent the company and its brands.

Supplier and Principal Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international wine producers, suppliers and brand principals.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, supply terms, exclusivity arrangements, credit terms, shipment schedules and promotional support.
• Ensure that supplier agreements protect the commercial interests of Domaine Kenya Ltd.
• Monitor supplier performance, product quality, delivery timelines and compliance with agreed terms.
• Coordinate with suppliers on product forecasts, new products, marketing support and market-development initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers and wine brands that complement the company’s portfolio.
• Ensure that purchasing decisions are based on market demand, profitability, stock levels and approved budgets.

Operations, Importation and Logistics

• Oversee the efficient importation, receipt, storage, distribution and delivery of wines and related products.
• Ensure that procurement and importation plans are aligned with approved sales forecasts and stock requirements.
• Monitor shipping, clearing, customs, insurance, transport and other logistics arrangements.
• Ensure that imported products are supported by the required documentation and regulatory approvals.
• Coordinate with clearing agents, transporters, warehouse personnel and other service providers.
• Monitor landed costs and ensure that importation and logistics expenses remain within approved parameters.
• Ensure that customer orders are processed accurately and delivered within agreed timelines.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement improvements in procurement, warehousing and distribution processes.
• Ensure appropriate business-continuity arrangements are maintained for critical operations.

Inventory and Warehouse Management

• Ensure that the company maintains appropriate inventory levels based on demand forecasts, lead times and sales plans.
• Monitor stock availability, stock turnover, product ageing and slow-moving inventory.
• Ensure that proper controls are maintained over stock receipts, transfers, sales, returns, breakages, damages and promotional stock.
• Review regular inventory-reconciliation and stock-variance reports.
• Ensure that physical stock counts are conducted periodically and all variances are investigated and resolved.
• Implement measures to minimize stock losses, damage, theft, expiry and obsolescence.
• Approve appropriate action for slow-moving, damaged or obsolete stock.
• Ensure that warehouses maintain acceptable standards of security, cleanliness, safety and product handling.
• Hold the relevant departmental heads accountable for the proper custody and management of company inventory.

Financial Management and Profitability

• Work closely with the Senior Accountant and finance team to maintain the company’s financial sustainability.
• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, financial forecasts, cash-flow projections and capital-expenditure plans.
• Monitor revenue, gross margins, operating expenses, cash flows and overall profitability.
• Review monthly management accounts and financial-performance reports.
• Ensure that corrective action is taken where expenditure exceeds approved budgets or income falls below projections.
• Review product, customer and sales-channel profitability to support informed commercial decisions.
• Ensure that the company maintains adequate working capital to support its operations.
• Approve expenditure within delegated limits and ensure that all expenditure is properly supported.
• Monitor accounts receivable, customer credit exposure and overdue debts.
• Ensure that supplier obligations, payroll, taxes and other financial commitments are settled within approved timelines.
• Promote cost efficiency without compromising product quality, customer service or regulatory compliance.

Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Establish and maintain appropriate operational, financial and administrative controls.
• Ensure that company assets, inventory, cash, information and records are adequately safeguarded.
• Identify strategic, commercial, financial, operational, compliance and reputational risks.
• Maintain an up-to-date risk register and ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties and compliance with delegated approval limits.
• Review significant contracts, transactions and commitments before approval.
• Ensure that suspected fraud, theft, misconduct or control failures are investigated and reported appropriately.
• Coordinate responses to internal and external audit findings.
• Ensure that agreed audit and risk-management recommendations are implemented within the required timelines.

 Regulatory and Legal Compliance

• Ensure that Domaine Kenya Ltd complies with all applicable laws, licenses, permits, tax obligations and industry requirements.
• Maintain an up-to-date compliance calendar for licences, statutory returns, taxes, permits and contractual obligations.
• Ensure that all required business, importation, distribution, warehouse and product-related licences remain valid.
• Coordinate with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely filing and payment of taxes and statutory obligations.
• Ensure that appropriate records are maintained for all imports, purchases, sales and stock movements.
• Liaise with regulators, professional advisers and relevant authorities on compliance matters.
• Ensure that the company complies with employment, occupational safety, data protection and consumer-protection requirements.
• Report significant compliance breaches or regulatory risks to the Board promptly.
• Promote responsible sale, distribution and marketing of alcoholic beverages.

Corporate Governance and Board Reporting

• Serve as the principal link between the Board and the company’s management team.
• Prepare and submit timely management, operational, financial and strategic reports to the Board.
• Provide the Board with accurate information on business performance, risks, opportunities and material developments.
• Implement Board resolutions and provide regular updates on progress.
• Ensure that matters requiring Board approval are presented in good time and supported by adequate information.
• Maintain appropriate records of management decisions and delegated approvals.
• Support the Board in policy development, strategic planning and governance reviews.
• Ensure that company policies are communicated, implemented and periodically reviewed.

People Leadership and Performance Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the company’s management and operational teams.
• Ensure that the company has an appropriate organizational structure and sufficient staffing to deliver its objectives.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection and onboarding of key employees.
• Set clear performance targets for departmental heads and regularly review their performance.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, innovation, professionalism and customer focus.
• Ensure that staff performance is assessed through a structured performance-management process.
• Identify staff-development needs and support appropriate training, coaching and mentoring.
• Address performance, conduct and disciplinary matters promptly and in accordance with company policy and applicable law.
• Promote employee engagement, effective communication and a positive workplace culture.
• Support succession planning and the development of internal leadership capacity.

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Represent Domaine Kenya Ltd professionally in engagements with customers, suppliers, regulators, financiers and other stakeholders.
• Develop strategic partnerships that support the company’s growth and market position.
• Maintain strong relationships with key hospitality, retail, corporate and distribution partners.
• Manage sensitive stakeholder matters and protect the company’s reputation.
• Serve as the company’s authorized representative where delegated by the Board.
• Ensure that external communication is accurate, professional and consistent with the company’s interests.
• Technology, Systems and Business Information
• Promote the use of reliable accounting, inventory, customer-management and reporting systems.
• Ensure that management receives accurate and timely information for decision-making.
• Oversee improvements in business systems, automation and data analysis.
• Ensure that access to company systems is appropriately controlled.
• Promote proper management, security and confidentiality of company information.
• Ensure that departmental reports are accurate, consistent and submitted within agreed timelines.

Other Responsibilities

• Undertake any other duties reasonably assigned by the Board.
• Participate in meetings, negotiations, industry forums and company events as required.
• Act in the best interests of Domaine Kenya Ltd and protect its reputation, assets and commercial interests.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• The successful candidate should have:
• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Marketing, Economics or another relevant field.
• A master’s degree in Business Administration, Strategic Management, Marketing, Finance or a related field will be an added advantage.
• At least eight years of progressive management experience, with a minimum of three years in a senior leadership or general-management position.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, sales management, operations, financial oversight and team leadership.
• Experience in the wine, alcoholic beverages, fast-moving consumer goods, hospitality, retail, importation or distribution sector will be a significant advantage.
• Demonstrable experience managing budgets, revenue targets, inventory and customer-credit arrangements.
• Experience managing relationships with international suppliers, brand principals or distributors will be an added advantage.
• Practical understanding of importation, warehousing, logistics and distribution processes.
• Experience preparing management and Board reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and relevant enterprise, accounting, inventory or customer-management systems.