Finance and Business Operations Manager

About the role

Essential is seeking a Finance and Business Operations Manager to lead the finance function of its Kenya entity and oversee HR operations. This hands‑on role will support the CFO, Managing Director and Operations leadership as the company moves from pilot R&D to commercial manufacturing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead month‑end and year‑end close, meeting internal reporting targets (7th working day) and executive reporting targets (10th working day).
• Maintain the general ledger in Odoo, ensuring chart of accounts integrity, journal review, accruals and inter‑company postings.
• Coordinate inter‑company reconciliations and grant flows between the Kenya entity and the US parent.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, Kenyan GAAP and US GAAP requirements.
• Own consolidated accounts for Kenya and the US, working with the US accountant and CFO.
• Build and manage inventory accounting, bill‑of‑materials, and COGS processes linked to Odoo and proprietary systems.
• Establish a standard costing framework for materials, labour and overhead.
• Oversee Kenya HR operations, including employee lifecycle, payroll‑linked data, employee relations and statutory compliance.

Required profile

• Proven experience in finance leadership within a manufacturing or biotech environment.
• Hands‑on expertise with ERP systems, preferably Odoo.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with IFRS, Kenyan GAAP and US GAAP consolidation.
• Ability to partner with senior leadership and manage HR operational responsibilities.

Required skills

• Odoo (ERP) proficiency
• Cost accounting
• Inventory accounting
• Financial reporting
• IFRS
• Kenyan GAAP
• US GAAP awareness
• Consolidation of financial statements

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape finance and operations in a fast‑growing bioscience company.
• Collaborative, mission‑driven environment focused on addressing malnutrition in Sub‑Saharan Africa.