Our client is a fast growing PAYGO start-up. Their technology uses an IoT network of connected devices, mobile payments and machine learning to accelerate the adoption of solar energy systems, smartphones and appliances.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Finance Manager will be responsible for managing our client’s Kenya subsidiary finance. This is an exciting opportunity to build and implement an innovative credit model to increase financial inclusion in Kenya and other African countries as the company scales up.

The role reports to the CFO based in San Francisco

DUTIES & RESPOBNSIBILITIES

1. Finance & Operations

• Develop operational strategies, processes and procedures, and manage financial day to day operations for the subsidiary
• Lead on all financial matters for the Kenyan subsidiary
• Build and implement, with the support of the central finance team a cost effective, efficient and compliant finance organization for the provision of credit solutions in the Kenyan market
• Advise on local regulations and practices and help assess tradeoffs and risks to help operate and grow the business
• Manage financial relationships with the company’s channel partners and customer care partners, including payments and all financial aspects of the relationship
• Provide financial leadership to the commercial and customer support teams with regard to the company’s channel partner and client management programs
• Hire, oversee and support the finance team with dynamic leadership that creates an environment of trust and productivity
• Contract and manage advisors, currently external bookkeeper and tax advisor

2. Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Develop and manage cash forecasting, budgeting and long-term planning process
• Provide comprehensive financial updates to senior management and central finance by evaluating, analyzing and reporting appropriate data points
• Achieve budgeting goals with proper scheduling, analysis, and corrective action

3. Accounting & Monthly Close

• In conjunction with the CFO, establish financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards
• Manage and monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate accounting standards and regulatory requirements
• Maintain internal control safeguards for the receipt of revenue, costs, and both team and organizational budgets and actual expenditures
• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, upholding local legal standards by remaining knowledgeable about existing, new, and future legislation

4. Cash Management

• Provide cash forecast for the entity to the central Finance team
• Ensure continuous funding of all the entity’s operations; optimize costs
• Manage local banking relations

5. Controls, Compliance, & Tax

• Develop, implement, and maintain financial controls and guidelines
• Seek and analyze information relative to local laws and regulations to help the central finance team formulate policies and make decisions
• Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize the protection of company assets, policies, procedures, and workflow
• Oversee tax reporting and ensure timely payment of all taxes to KRA
• Ensure overall compliance with all relevant regulations in Kenya

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s Degree in business, accounting, or related field; master’s degree preferred
2. 7+ years of proven accounting experience (experience as a senior-level accounting or finance manager preferred)
3. At least 5 years’ experience in fintech /BNPL companies in Kenya or other comparable countries required for this position, of which 3 as a finance manager
4. Strong understanding of lending/digital lending, data protection and related regulations and processes
5. Professional accounting or financial certification – strong knowledge of accounting standards (IFRS and/or US GAAP)
6. Strong understanding of Kenyan tax laws and practices. Knowledge of tax systems of other African countries desirable