Finance Manager Job in Kenya

A manufacturing business needs a finance leader who understands that accounting does not operate separately from production, stock, sales and day-to-day operations. This Finance Manager position is designed for a commercially minded finance professional who can take ownership of the numbers while working closely with different parts of the business to improve financial performance.

The role combines financial reporting, cost accounting, working capital management, compliance, internal controls and team leadership. It is particularly suited to someone who is comfortable working in a fast-moving manufacturing environment and can turn financial information into something useful for management.

Keeping the Accounts Under Control

One of the most important responsibilities will be ownership of the general ledger. The Finance Manager will oversee the accounting records and ensure that month-end and year-end closing activities are completed accurately within 10 days.

The position also involves preparing financial statements in line with IFRS requirements. Alongside the formal financial statements, the Finance Manager will produce management reports and financial analysis that give senior management a clear view of the business.

This requires strong accounting knowledge as well as the ability to examine financial information and identify what it means for the organisation.

The role covers several business activities, including dairy, agrovet, retail and events. The Finance Manager will therefore need to maintain oversight of accounting activities across these different areas.

Understanding What Products Really Cost

Cost accounting is a major part of the position.

The Finance Manager will be responsible for product costing, stock valuation and margin analysis. This includes looking at raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods.

In a manufacturing environment, understanding the cost of producing and holding goods is important when assessing margins and business performance. The person in this role will need to maintain accurate costing information and ensure that stock values properly reflect the relevant financial records.

This is why strong experience in cost accounting, product costing and stock valuation is specifically required.

Managing Cash and Working Capital

Financial performance also depends on how effectively cash and working capital are managed.

The Finance Manager will oversee cash flow, receivables and working capital, with an expectation that receivables remain below 60 days. This means keeping a close eye on money owed to the business and ensuring that outstanding amounts do not unnecessarily tie up available cash.

Accounts receivable and accounts payable will form part of the wider finance function, alongside payroll, banking and reconciliations.

The role therefore requires someone who can look beyond the accounting entries and understand how financial management affects the company's ability to operate and grow.

Planning for Growth

Budgeting and forecasting will also fall under the Finance Manager's responsibilities.

The successful professional will lead the preparation of budgets, develop forecasts and conduct variance analysis. These activities provide management with information that can be used when planning operations and assessing actual performance against expectations.

Variance analysis will require the Finance Manager to investigate differences between planned and actual results and provide useful information to management.

The position therefore requires commercial awareness as well as technical accounting ability. Financial information needs to support business decisions rather than simply being produced for record-keeping purposes.

Building Stronger Financial Controls

Internal controls are another important area of responsibility.

The Finance Manager will design, maintain and strengthen controls covering finance, stock, procurement, payroll and banking. The aim is to ensure that important financial and operational processes are properly controlled and that weaknesses are identified and addressed.

Audit work will also require active involvement. The Finance Manager will coordinate both internal and external audits and follow up on issues identified during the process.

Where audit matters are raised, the role includes ensuring they are resolved within the agreed timelines.

Staying on Top of Compliance

The Finance Manager will also carry responsibility for statutory and tax compliance.

The position covers requirements relating to VAT, PAYE, withholding tax, corporate tax, NSSF, SHA, eTIMS and KRA obligations. Keeping these areas properly managed requires attention to deadlines, documentation and the accuracy of financial records.

The candidate should therefore have proven experience with statutory compliance and understand the importance of maintaining proper records and meeting the relevant obligations on time.

Leading the Finance Team

This is also a people-management position.

The Finance Manager will lead, mentor and develop the finance team. This means providing direction while helping team members improve their technical and professional capabilities.

Leadership will be particularly important because the finance function covers several areas, including payables, receivables, payroll, banking, reconciliations, reporting and compliance.

The person appointed will need to coordinate these activities effectively while maintaining the standards expected from the finance department.

What the Employer Needs

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline.

Candidates should have strong knowledge of IFRS and substantial experience in cost accounting, product costing and stock valuation. Experience with internal controls, audit preparation and statutory compliance is also required.

Hands-on experience using ERP systems is important because the role involves managing financial information across different areas of the business. Advanced Excel skills are also required for reporting, analysis and financial management.

The ideal professional will combine technical accounting knowledge with commercial awareness and a practical approach to solving problems.

A Finance Role Closely Connected to Operations

This position is not limited to preparing financial statements at the end of an accounting period. The Finance Manager will be closely connected to operations and will be expected to understand how production, stock, sales, procurement and other activities affect financial performance.

From controlling the general ledger and managing month-end close to monitoring receivables, analysing product margins, strengthening internal controls and leading compliance activities, the role covers a broad section of the business.

For an experienced finance professional with strong manufacturing-related accounting skills, IFRS knowledge, ERP experience and the ability to lead a finance team, this opportunity offers a position with significant responsibility across the organisation.

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