Financial Controller - Airtel Kenya

Airtel Kenya is seeking an experienced and strategic Financial Controller to lead financial management, reporting, compliance, and control activities across the business. Reporting to the Finance Director, the role will oversee financial reporting, IFRS compliance, taxation, audits, budgeting, cash flow management, internal controls, and financial performance analysis while providing strategic financial guidance to senior leadership.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepare or direct preparation and ensure accuracy of monthly financial statements (Income statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flows) for the Kenya entities
2. Prepare the financial statements for the parent company as per the IFRS Accounting Standards for International Consolidation and also for Kenya legal entity in compliance with Kenya Accounting Standards guidelines.  
3. Tax planning and compliance with all relevant tax legislations and procedures, resolution of all tax issues resulting from tax audits. Proactive analysis and management of the Company’s tax liabilities including all federal and state taxes
4. Develop and implement internal control policies, guidelines, and procedures for activities such as budget administration, cash and credit management, and accounting.
5. Coordinate audits of company accounts and financial transactions to ensure compliance with Group accounting policies, relevant accounting standards and other legislations.
6. Provide direction and assistance to other organizational units regarding accounting and budgeting policies and procedures, and efficient control and utilization of financial resources.
7. Advise management on short-term and long-term financial objectives, policies, and actions
8. Supervise and review the management of all activities related to financial accounting such as: invoicing; refunds; purchasing; payroll; collection of accounts receivable; management and payment of suppliers; management and payment of contracts; assistance in the ongoing monitoring and management of banking relationships, cash flow analysis and the management of short and long term debts; performing bank and other key reconciliations
9. Proactive analysis of the monthly financial statements for the businesses including: analysis of key financial performance indicators and trends, including financial ratios; cross division comparisons including establishing financial benchmarks of acceptable performance; comparison of actual results to budget with corrective actions required by the Controller and/or the Plant Unit Managers.
10. Assistance with Special Projects such as in the preparation of the financial aspects of new business opportunities. This would include preparing a business case that would assess the risks, rewards and financing strategies for key opportunities.
11. Provide leadership to all of the finance staff in terms of Inspiring and motivating others to perform well, delegating work assignments that matches the responsibility to the person and Setting expectations and monitoring delegated activities 

Academic and Qualifications and Experience:

Must have: 

• Certified Public Accountant (Accounting & Finance) OR Association of Chartered Certified Accountants certification
• Masters in Business Administration would be a preferred additional qualification.

EXPERIENCE – Minimum 14 years of post-qualification experience with 2 years in similar in a similar position such as Head of Accounts / Finance, Chief Accountant, Financial Controller, Finance Head of Unit is a MUST. A very good knowledge and experience of taxation, international financial reporting is required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Fully functional with all aspects of Financial Accounting Software and Microsoft Office software applications required for financial analysis.
• Excellent knowledge of financial accounting principles and concepts (including international reporting requirements) in order to perform tasks listed under Principal Duties and Responsibilities above. Excellent working knowledge of tax laws
• Self Motivated and exceptional ability to work independently. 
• Strong knowledge of budgeting and cash flow forecasting techniques, financial statement analysis including key trends analysis, project costing techniques, financial controls and business case analysis.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to train others in performing key financial activities and supervise their work.
• Team working ability to enable effective interaction with and motivation of other team members, including peers and senior management.
• Ability to set and meet deadlines including a strong ability to manage multiple tasks to completion at the same time.
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills. Have a flare for numbers, work well with people, aggressively anticipate impacts of workload/issues to team deadlines and have a very positive work attitude including willing to work some longer hours during peak periods.