Finance Manager

Position Title:

Finance Manager - FMCG Distribution

Location:

Nairobi, Kenya

Reports to:

Director

Type:

Full-time

Position Purpose

To provide accurate, timely, and comprehensive accounting support in an FMCG distribution environment, ensuring compliance with Kenyan tax regulations, proper financial controls, and efficient execution of all accounting functions. The finance manager will work under the director, enabling them to focus on strategic finance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable Management

• Update and monitor debtors' aging reports, initiating follow-ups on overdue accounts by sharing SOA by every 5th of the month.
• Work closely with accounts assistants to ensure generation and processing of credit notes for short supplies, approved returns, and TTS claims.
• Reconcile customer accounts.

Accounts Payable Management

• Process supplier payments in line with credit terms.
• Reconcile supplier statements monthly and resolve discrepancies.

Principal Supplier/customer Coordination

• Record and track Trade Term Support (TTS), promotional spend.
• Rebates- Ensure customer rebates are as per existing JBPs and are correctly tracked.
• Ensure accurate claims to the principals(Promotional spend, Product Expiries and Damages) are submitted and processed within the agreed timelines.
• Liaise with sale & commercial team to propose promotional budgets & spends

Compliance & Tax

• Prepare and file VAT, WHT, and other statutory returns(Paye, SHA, AHL, NSSF) accurately and on time.
• Support internal and external audits with necessary schedules and documents.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Assist in Preparing monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
• Assist in analyzing promotional spending and report variances against budget.
• Participate in the budgeting process as well as monitoring of the variance.
• Cashflow planning

Bank Reconciliation & Operations

• Posting of all bank transactions.
• Monthly reconciliation of the bank statement

Bookkeeping & Internal Controls

• Maintain a robust filing system for both physical and electronic documents.
• Ensure all financial transactions are supported with proper documentation.
• Implement and enforce controls to avoid duplicate or erroneous postings.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with documented SOP's.

Sourcing.

• Perform value chain and pricing analysis to determine product profitability, factoring in all applicable taxes, customs duties, and logistics costs to recommend a realistic Recommended Retail Price (RRP).
• Coordinate with the Marketing Department to fast-track marketing budgets for new product listings, ensuring proposed trade mechanics and spend align with projected returns.
• Oversee marketing spend tracking, ensuring all Credit Notes (CNs) related to promotional activities are properly issued and reconciled.
• Manage and monitor purchase rebate programs, ensuring timely claim submissions and rebate remittances.

Sales Department Support

• Review of sales and plan offers based on trade, warehouse SOH, sales uplift and based on available budget.
• Receivables- Highlight accounts lagging behind and ask for greater collection efforts
• Negotiate margins with new accounts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration will be an added advantage.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a Finance or Accounting Manager role, preferably within an FMCG distribution or retail sector.
• Strong understanding of strategic financial reporting within a fast-paced trading setup.
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides, Drive) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (data analysis, pivot tables).
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Odoo etc.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a small finance team, ensuring accurate and timely financial transactions and reporting.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Sales, Supply Chain, and Commercial.