Job description

About Safari Group of Companies

Safari Group of Companies is a leading diversified retail enterprise operating in eight countries across Africa and the Middle East, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Congo, Zambia, Swaziland, and Dubai. The Group runs over 40 stores with a workforce exceeding 500 employees, specializing in travel retail, electronics, fragrances, jewelry, and premium lifestyle brands. Its portfolio boasts notable global brands such as JBL, Sony, Bose, Samsung, Lenovo, Asus, Samsonite, and American Tourister, supported by flagship outlets like Salute iWorld, Salute Mega, and Sensations. Key locations include JKIA Nairobi and Mombasa Duty Free, with operations also in Maputo and Sound Creations for premium audio offerings. The Group is recognized for consistent growth and innovation, being named among Kenya's Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies for over eight years, reflecting a trust-based, people-centered culture.

Role Overview

The Joint Venture between Kenya Airways and Safari Group seeks a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead financial management, ensuring sustainable growth. The CFO will oversee financial planning, budgeting, treasury, accounting, tax compliance, internal controls, risk management, procurement oversight, and corporate governance. As an executive leader, the CFO will advise the CEO and Board on financial matters to maintain operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Expertise in retail and distribution, joint venture governance, commercial finance, and business transformation is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Formulate and implement the organization's financial strategy aligned to corporate goals.
Offer strategic financial counsel to the CEO and Board regarding growth and investment opportunities.
Lead long-range financial planning, capital allocation, and performance monitoring.
Perform thorough financial evaluation of business ventures, acquisitions, and expansions.
Supervise accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and planning.
Ensure timely and accurate financial statements consistent with IFRS and regulatory standards.
Manage annual budgeting and rolling forecasts across business units.
Monitor profitability, cash flow, working capital, and overall financial health.
Design and execute treasury management strategies to optimize liquidity and funding.
Handle banking relationships, financing arrangements, and investments.
Develop robust internal controls and risk management frameworks.
Ensure governance, fraud prevention, and compliance are effectively maintained.
Coordinate internal/external audits and enforce prompt implementation of recommendations.
Collaborate with commercial, retail, procurement, and operations teams to boost profitability and efficiency.
Drive pricing, margin optimization, and cost control initiatives.
Analyze product, channel, and customer profitability to aid strategic decisions.
Oversee financial aspects of retail and distribution including inventory investment, stock management, and supply chain costs.
Implement financial controls to enhance inventory turnover and minimize losses.
Ensure full compliance with tax, statutory, and regulatory mandates.
Manage corporate tax planning to optimize the tax position legally.
Maintain strong relations with regulators, auditors, financial institutions, and government bodies.
Lead, mentor, and develop finance personnel fostering a high-performance culture.
Promote cross-department collaboration to enhance overall organizational performance.
Act as liaison for shareholders, Board, auditors, lenders, and external stakeholders on financial matters.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Economics, or related fields.
MBA, Finance, or related Master's degree is highly preferred.
CPA-K or ACCA certification is compulsory.
Membership in the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), in good standing, is required.
Additional credentials in corporate finance, treasury, or strategic management are advantageous.
At least 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including a minimum of 5 years at an executive CFO or equivalent level.
Proven background managing finance in retail and distribution sectors.
Experience in FMCG, travel retail, aviation, hospitality, luxury retail, or multi-location operations is a plus.
Strong expertise in financial planning, treasury, governance, tax, risk management, and strategic partnership.
History of working with Boards, investors, auditors, and financial institutions.
Experience in joint ventures or multinational companies is highly valued.

Skills and Competencies

Excellent strategic and commercial insight.
Outstanding financial modeling and analytical abilities.
Comprehensive knowledge of IFRS, Kenyan taxation, and governance regulations.
Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
Effective negotiation and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Strong communication and presentation expertise.
Advanced proficiency in ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics etc.) and Microsoft Excel.
Superior analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
High integrity, ethical standards, and professionalism.

Key Performance Indicators

Meeting or exceeding revenue and profit targets.
Budget precision and forecast reliability.
Optimization of cash flow and working capital.
Enhancement of gross margin and EBITDA.
Efficient inventory and cost management.
Accurate and timely financial reporting.
Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Successful audit results and robust internal controls.
Positive ROI for strategic initiatives.
Strong finance team engagement and performance.

What We Offer

Opportunity to shape financial strategy of a prominent joint venture between Kenya Airways and Safari Group.
Collaborative executive leadership with regional and international business exposure.
Competitive executive remuneration with performance-linked incentives.
Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.

Application Requirements

Applicants should have a proven record of senior financial leadership within retail and distribution sectors, especially in strategic financial stewardship, governance, and partnering. Experience with joint ventures or multinational corporations is distinctly advantageous.