PROFILE INTRODUCTION:       

• Our client, a leading and innovative player in the floriculture export sector, is seeking a strategic and hands-on Chief Accountant to lead its accounting function & budget operations. This role is pivotal in steering the accounting operations for the company, ensuring financial integrity, and driving process efficiencies.
•  The ideal candidate is a technically sound accounting professional with proven leadership experience. They will be responsible for stabilizing the department, enhancing reporting capabilities, and embedding a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement. This individual will play a key role in automating processes, providing deep-dive financial analysis, and mentoring the team to support the company's ongoing growth and operational excellence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the Accounting Function: Oversee and mentor a team of accounting professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous development.
• Ensure Financial Integrity & Compliance: Manage the end-to-end financial closing process, ensuring timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting in full compliance with IFRS and statutory requirements, including specific reporting for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) authority.
• Drive Process Improvement & Automation: Champion the automation of financial processes and systems to streamline operations, reduce manual paperwork, and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting and data analysis.
• Strengthen Internal Controls & Policies: Implement and monitor robust internal controls and accounting policies. Train the team to ensure adherence and understanding across the finance department.
• Provide Strategic Financial Insights: Deliver insightful financial analysis, management accounts, and reports to senior management to aid in strategic decision-making. This includes cost analysis, price and FX sensitivity, and departmental performance tracking.
• Manage Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with key external partners, including bankers, auditors, tax authorities (KRA), and other stakeholders.
• Support Budgeting & Forecasting: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop accurate budgets and forecasts, driving completeness and accountability across departments
• Solve Complex Challenges: Apply out-of-the-box thinking to address unique financial and operational challenges that arise in a volatile, high-demand business environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

•  Analytical & Data-Focused Thinking
• Leadership & Team Management
• Flexibility & Problem-Solving Agility
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication
• Deadline-Driven & Results-Oriented

Requirements

• A Bachelors’ degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. CPA or similar professional qualification is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing a team.
• Deep technical expertise in IFRS and Kenyan tax regulations.
• A track record of improving processes, implementing automation, and enhancing the quality of financial reporting.
• A flexible, hands-on approach with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and solve diverse challenges as they arise.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with international team members.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified? Go to Stratostaff on jobs.stratostaff.co.ke to apply