Job Title: Finance Manager

Industry: International Education / Cultural Institution
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Reports To: Country Director
Employment Type: Full-Time

Gross Salary: ​KES 150,000 - 200,000

Job Overview

Our client, an international education and cultural institution, is seeking to recruit a highly competent and strategic Finance Manager to oversee end-to-end financial management of its Kenya operations.

The role ensures full compliance with Kenyan statutory and regulatory requirements while aligning with international head-office financial policies and reporting standards. The position combines hands-on financial execution with strategic oversight in budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and audit coordination.

This role requires strong internal control discipline, accuracy, leadership capability, and the ability to operate effectively within a matrix reporting structure.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Management & Reporting

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in line with Kenyan regulatory standards
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
Provide financial performance insights and recommendations to senior management
Manage cash flow planning and liquidity forecasting
Coordinate annual audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings

2. Budgeting & Cost Control

Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with departmental heads
Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and highlight variances
Implement cost-control mechanisms to enhance operational efficiency
Support grant and project-based budgeting where applicable

3. Compliance & Governance

Ensure full compliance with Kenyan tax regulations including VAT, PAYE, Withholding Tax, and Corporate Tax
Oversee statutory filings and regulatory reporting
Maintain strong internal control systems and financial risk management frameworks
Ensure adherence to international head-office financial policies

4. Treasury & Cash Management

Manage banking relationships and optimize treasury operations
Oversee payments, reconciliations, and cash handling procedures
Implement fraud prevention measures and financial risk mitigation controls

5. Payroll & HR Financial Coordination

Oversee payroll processing and statutory deductions
Ensure compliance with Kenyan labor laws and social security contributions
Collaborate with HR on benefits structuring and compensation planning

6. Systems & Process Improvement

Ensure effective utilization of accounting and ERP systems
Drive automation and improvements in financial reporting processes
Strengthen documentation procedures and internal controls

7. Team Leadership

Supervise, mentor, and develop finance team members
Set performance objectives and conduct performance reviews
Build a high-performance finance function aligned with institutional goals
Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement

Leadership Roles & Experience

Demonstrated experience leading and managing finance teams in a structured organization
Proven ability to operate within a matrix reporting structure (local and head-office oversight)
Experience presenting financial reports to senior management, boards, or international stakeholders
Strong capability in change management, particularly in process improvement and system implementation
Experience in developing financial policies, internal controls, and governance frameworks
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive financial discipline across departments

Required Qualifications & Experience

Bachelors Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
CPA (K) or ACCA qualification – Mandatory
Minimum of 5 years progressive finance experience
At least 3 years in a managerial role
Experience in an international organization or education institution is highly desirable
Strong knowledge of Kenyan tax and statutory requirements
Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (SAP, Oracle, Sage, Zoho, or equivalent)

Core Competencies

Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
High integrity and exceptional attention to detail
Strategic thinker with strong execution capability
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Strong presentation and reporting ability
Risk-aware and compliance-driven mindset
Ability to operate effectively in a matrix reporting environment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
Budget variance control within agreed thresholds
Clean audit reports
Full compliance with statutory and donor requirements
Effective cash flow and liquidity management

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV via our Career Page.

Application Deadline: 20th February 2026

For any inquiries, please contact us at +254 784 155 512.

Gap Recruitment Services Limited does not charge candidates at any stage of the recruitment process. We are committed to equal opportunity hiring. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.