Chief Financial Officer

Company Description Safari Group of Companies is a diversified retail leader operating across eight countries in Africa and the Middle East, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Congo, Zambia, Swaziland, and Dubai. With more than 40 stores, including multiple Duty Free outlets and a workforce of over 500 employees, the Group specializes in travel retail, electronics, fragrance, jewelry, and premium lifestyle brands. Its portfolio includes major global names such as JBL, Sony, Bose, Samsung, Lenovo, Asus, Samsonite, and American Tourister, supported by flagship concepts like Salute iWorld, Salute Mega, and Sensations. Safari Group maintains a strong presence in key locations such as JKIA Nairobi and Mombasa Duty Free, complemented by operations in Maputo and premium audio offerings through Sound Creations. Recognized for over eight consecutive years among the Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies in Kenya, the Group is known for sustained growth, innovation, and a people-centered approach built on trust.
About the Role

The Joint Venture between Kenya Airways and the Safari Group of Companies is seeking an accomplished and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide executive leadership in financial management and support the organization's long-term growth and sustainability.

The CFO will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, treasury, accounting, tax, internal controls, risk management, compliance, procurement oversight, and corporate governance. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Board while ensuring the company maintains sound financial health, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate must have extensive experience in both retail and distribution businesses, with a strong understanding of joint venture governance, commercial finance, and business transformation.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Financial Leadership
• Develop and execute the company's financial strategy in alignment with corporate objectives.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO and Board to support business growth and investment decisions.
• Lead long-term financial planning, capital allocation, and business performance management.
• Evaluate business opportunities, investments, acquisitions, and expansion initiatives through robust financial analysis.
Financial Management
• Oversee all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Ensure timely preparation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS and applicable regulations.
• Lead annual budgeting and rolling forecast processes across all business units.
• Monitor profitability, cash flow, working capital, and overall financial performance.
Treasury & Cash Management
• Develop and implement effective treasury management strategies.
• Optimize cash flow, liquidity, and funding requirements.
• Manage banking relationships, financing arrangements, and investment activities.
Risk Management & Internal Controls
• Establish and maintain strong internal control systems and enterprise risk management frameworks.
• Ensure effective governance, fraud prevention, and financial compliance.
• Oversee internal and external audit processes and ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations.
Commercial Finance
• Partner with commercial, retail, procurement, and operations teams to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Drive pricing strategies, margin optimization, and cost management initiatives.
• Evaluate product, channel, and customer profitability to support strategic decision-making.
Retail & Distribution Financial Oversight
• Provide financial oversight of retail operations and distribution networks.
• Monitor inventory investment, stock management, gross margins, and supply chain costs.
• Develop financial controls to improve inventory turnover and minimize losses.
Tax & Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all tax, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage corporate tax planning and optimize the organization's tax position within legal frameworks.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory authorities, auditors, financial institutions, and government agencies.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to build a high-performance culture.
• Foster collaboration across departments to drive organizational performance.
• Serve as the primary financial liaison with shareholders, Board members, auditors, lenders, and external stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Economics, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) or ACCA qualification is mandatory.
• Membership in the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) in good standing.
• Additional qualifications in corporate finance, treasury, or strategic management will be an added advantage.
Experience
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive finance leadership role (CFO, Finance Director, or equivalent).
• Mandatory experience overseeing finance functions within retail and distribution businesses.
• Experience in FMCG, travel retail, aviation, hospitality, luxury retail, or multi-site operations will be an added advantage.
• Proven experience in financial planning, treasury management, corporate governance, tax, risk management, and strategic business partnering.
• Demonstrated experience working with Boards of Directors, investors, auditors, and financial institutions.
• Experience within a joint venture or multinational environment is highly desirable.
Required Skills & Competencies
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen.
• Exceptional financial analysis and business modeling skills.
• Advanced knowledge of IFRS, Kenyan tax laws, and corporate governance requirements.
• Proven leadership and people management capabilities.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• High proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar) and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• High standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Achievement of revenue and profitability targets.
• Budget accuracy and forecasting effectiveness.
• Cash flow and working capital optimization.
• Gross margin and EBITDA improvement.
• Inventory and cost management performance.
• Timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Regulatory and statutory compliance.
• Audit outcomes and internal control effectiveness.
• Return on investment (ROI) for strategic initiatives.
• Finance team engagement and performance.
What We Offer
• Opportunity to shape the financial strategy of a high-profile joint venture between Kenya Airways and the Safari Group of Companies.
• A collaborative executive leadership environment with exposure to regional and international business.
• Competitive executive remuneration package, including performance-based incentives and benefits.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Application Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate a successful track record of leading finance functions within retail and distribution organizations, with experience in strategic financial management, corporate governance, and executive leadership. Experience working with joint ventures or multinational businesses will be a distinct advantage.