Chief Accountant – Manufacturing

About the role

Our client, a leading premium food manufacturing company, is seeking a skilled Chief Accountant to lead its finance function. This strategic leadership role requires a technically proficient and commercially astute finance professional who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and partners closely with operations to drive performance.

Key responsibilities

• Own the general ledger and ensure accurate month‑end and year‑end close within 10 days.
• Prepare IFRS‑compliant financial statements, management reports and financial analysis for senior management.
• Supervise accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, banking and reconciliations across dairy, agrovet, retail and events.
• Drive product costing, stock valuation and margin analysis for raw materials, work‑in‑progress and finished goods.
• Manage cash flow, receivables and working capital, keeping receivables below 60 days.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis to support business growth.
• Design, maintain and strengthen internal controls across finance, stock, procurement, payroll and banking.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and resolve audit issues within agreed timelines.
• Ensure full statutory and tax compliance, including VAT, PAYE, WHT, corporate tax, NSSF, SHA, eTIMS and KRA requirements.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing finance team.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related field.
• Strong experience in cost accounting, product costing and stock valuation.
• In‑depth knowledge of IFRS and statutory tax compliance.
• Proven ability to design and maintain internal controls and prepare for audits.
• Hands‑on experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel.

Required skills

• Cost accounting
• Product costing
• Stock valuation
• IFRS
• ERP systems
• Advanced Excel