Finance Manager

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Kutoka Ardhini believes in the power of agriculture to unlock hidden and under utilized potential and earning power in small holder farming communities. We believe in empowering local communities to produce raw material inputs for domestic and international markets and provide technical, financial, and market support to small holder farmers throughout Kenya within the vegetable and essential oil value chains.

JOB SUMMARY

Finance Manager – Kutoka Ardhini LimitedLocation: Athi River, Kenya (including Multi-site Operations: Farm, Factories & Regional Operations)Reports to: Finance Director, Fairoils GroupType: Full-time | Hybrid (Field + Office)Role OverviewKutoka Ardhini Limited (a member of the Fairoils Group) is a multi-site agricultural sourcing and processing business supplying raw materials (crop and essential oils) to Fairoils EPZ Limited. The business operates in an inventory-intensive, farmer-based procurement model with significant exposure to cost management, working capital, and yield performance.The Finance Manager will provide end-to-end financial leadership and operational control to stabilize and ensure growth of the business. The role requires a hands-on and commercially astute finance professional.This is not a transactional accounting role. It is a financial control and performance leadership position embedded within operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership & Performance ImprovementLead financial management across all operational sites.Diagnose root causes of historical and current losses.Develop and implement margin improvement initiatives.Deliver site-level and crop-level profitability analysis.Partner with operations to improve cost discipline and efficiency.Cost Accounting & Inventory ControlOversee implementation and maintenance of robust standard costing systems.Monitor cost per kg/ton by crop and by site.Ensure accurate monthly reconciliation of:Biomass harvested vs processedYield variancePhysical vs system stockValidate inventory valuation in compliance with IFRS.Investigate shrinkage, wastage, and operational inefficiencies.Farmer Receivables & Seedling Loan ManagementProvide cost-based price recommendations.Establish and enforce structured farmer-level subledger controls.Ensure proper recording, monitoring, and recovery of seedling loans.Implement ageing analysis and impairment policy.Monitor deduction compliance against agreed recovery schedules.Treasury & Working Capital OversightPerform financial planning including preparation of annual budgets by site/operation, cash flow forecasts, and implementation of appropriate budgetary controls.Oversee weekly cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning.Ensure all payments conform to laid down procedures and recommend methods to improve cost-effectiveness.Control farmer and supplier exposure.Reporting & ComplianceDeliver timely and accurate management and financial reports, audit and tax returns.Prepare:Crop-level margin analysisSite-level mini P&LsWorking capital dashboardsEnsure compliance with tax laws and statutory obligations, including accurate computation, declaration, and timely payment.Provide support to the Finance Director on periodic board reporting.Oversee coordination and activities of the external and internal auditors and ensure all audit issues are resolved.Internal Controls & GovernanceStandardize SOPs for:Stock movementPayment processingSeedling issuance and recoveryConduct periodic site control reviews.Maintain relationships with service providers and other managers for timely and quality services at all times.Communicate to staff any changes and updates to financial management processes and policies and continually monitor adherence to these processes and policies.Introduce KPI-driven performance monitoring across finance and operations.Develop a professional finance team through timely communication, clarification of objectives, resource allocation, task definition, monitoring, and modification procedures.Manage the Finance Director’s expectations through weekly updates, quick responses to emails, and addressing all queries within a reasonable timeline.Undertake special projects as assigned or initiated.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Reduction in inventory variances.Improvement in gross margin per crop and essential oils produced.Reduction in aged seedling receivables.Timely monthly reporting in accordance with Fairoils’ financial reporting timelines.Reduction in unexplained yield variances.Strengthened working capital metrics.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field.CPA(K), ACCA, or equivalent – fully qualified.CPA, ACCA, or CIMA certification preferred.Minimum 10 years’ progressive finance experience.Minimum 5 years in agriculture, manufacturing, or inventory-intensive operations.Strong cost accounting and inventory control background.Experience managing multi-site operational environments.Experience overseeing treasury and working capital in high-volume settings.ERP experience (Sage preferred).Key Skills & Competencies TechnicalCost accounting & inventory valuationFinancial modelling and advanced ExcelWorking capital managementERP systems proficiencyStrong analytical and reconciliation skillsLeadership & BehavioralDeep costing experienceOperationally hands-onCommercially assertiveHigh integrity and control-focusedStrong decision-making capabilityAbility to challenge and influence operations constructivelyCritical Success ProfileThe successful candidate must:Be comfortable operating in field-based agricultural environments.Demonstrate strong financial discipline and attention to detail.Possess the confidence to implement structural control improvements.Be results-driven and performance-oriented.Be capable of driving financial turnaround in a cost-sensitive business.Values & Cultural FitCommitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and community empowerment.Respect for smallholder farmers and rural logistics challenges.Proactive, hands-on, and solutions-oriented mindset.Alignment with Fairoils’ mission of delivering premium, traceable oils with integrity.What We OfferA dynamic, mission-driven work environment with regional impact.Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with industry standards.Opportunities for professional growth and cross-border collaboration.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Accounting, Compliance, Cash management (company), Financial reporting, Bookkeeping, CPA certification, Budgeting, financial planning, Financial analysis, General ledger, Financial controlling

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree