Finance & Operations Lead Job in Kenya

Phina Consultant is recruiting a Finance & Operations Lead position for a client in the real estate industry. Proficiency in financial management, statutory compliance, and operations management is required.

Role Overview 

  • Our client is an established Real Estate Investment and Property Management Company in Kenya seeking a highly analytical and dynamic Finance & Operations Lead.
  • This is a hybrid leadership role designed for a professional who can bridge the gap between rigorous real estate financial compliance and seamless day-to-day business and property operations.

  • The successful candidate will take full ownership of the company’s financial health, statutory compliance, and operational workflows.
  • This position demands a strategic thinker who is equally comfortable diving into complex property accounting books and managing everyday corporate processes.

What We Are Looking For (Core Profile) We are strictly looking for a highly capable professional who meets the following criteria:

Dual Capabilities:

  • A rare blend of a meticulous, highly qualified accountant and a hands-on operations manager.
  • You must be able to run a finance department while simultaneously steering general business and property activities.
  • KASNEB Qualification:A fully qualified and certified professional with clear registration and standing under KASNEB regulations (CPA-K finalist).
  • Property & Asset Operational Mindset: Experience working in environments where operations, customer workflows, and financial systems are driven by modern digital platforms and automation.
  • Strategic Advisory Capability: Ability to translate raw financial data into clear management reports that assist leadership in making critical financial and business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Compliance (60%);

  • Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date corporate financial records and books of accounts for real estate projects.
  • Manage full-cycle accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and complex rental yield reconciliations.
  • Prepare precise weekly, monthly, and annual financial statements, budgeting forecasts, and cash flow projections for executive leadership.
  • Ensure absolute compliance with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) by managing and filing VAT, PAYE, Withholding Tax, and corporate taxes via iTax and eTIMS systems.
  • Coordinate internal and external audits to safeguard corporate transparency and financial health.
  • Generate comprehensive management reports and financial insights to assist executive leadership in making strategic business and financial decisions.

Business Operations Management (40%):

  • Supervise daily corporate operations, ensuring administrative tasks, property management workflows, and vendor management move seamlessly.
  • Oversee digital operational frameworks to secure smooth service delivery and tenant/investor satisfaction.
  • Streamline internal business processes, identifying and resolving bottlenecks in customer onboarding and internal team workflows.
  • Collaborate with various internal departments to align daily tasks with long-term strategic and financial goals.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Accounting/Finance option), Business Administration, or an equivalent field.
  • Professional Certification: Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) or ACCA finalist with valid KASNEB registration.
  • Experience: Minimum of 4–6 years of progressive experience, explicitly combining hands-on accounting with active operational management experience (ideally within real estate, investment funds, or asset management).

Technical Skills:

  • Deep proficiency in ERP systems, standard accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage), and advanced MS Excel.
  • Experience with digital workflow or property management tools is highly preferred.

Soft Skills:

  • Strong leadership capabilities, stellar communication skills to handle high-value stakeholders, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

How to Apply

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their updated CV and a cover letter to jobs@phinaconsultant.co.ke with the subject line “Finance & Operations Lead Application”. This is an urgent hire. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.