Finance Manager

Solar Panda is a Canadian high-growth, clean-tech company providing home solar systems and appliances to customers in Kenya who lack access to electricity. Our loan-to-own model enables families to afford reliable electricity and life-changing appliances, significantly improving their lives. We believe that access to electricity should be a right for everyone, everywhere.

The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations of Solar Panda Kenya, ensuring robust financial management, regulatory compliance, accurate reporting, effective cash flow management, and strategic financial planning. The role will serve as a key business partner to the leadership team, providing financial insights that drive sound decision-making while maintaining strong internal controls and governance standards.

1. Lead preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and manage month-end/year-end close, ensuring compliance with IFRS and company policy.
2. Partner with department heads on pricing, profitability, and operational efficiency; deliver financial insights that support investment and expansion decisions.
3. Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting; build financial models to support strategic decisions and investigate variances.
4. Manage liquidity, working capital, and rolling cash flow forecasts; oversee banking relationships and payment processes.
5. Oversee accounts payable/receivable, payroll accounting, and the general ledger, ensuring accurate records and balance sheet reconciliations.
6. Establish strong internal controls and segregation of duties; supervise the finance team and identify/mitigate financial and operational risks.
7. Ensure timely filing and payment of all statutory obligations (VAT, PAYE, corporate income tax, NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy, WHT, and others), acting as primary liaison with the Kenya Revenue Authority.
8. Coordinate external and internal audits, prepare supporting documentation, and implement audit recommendations.
9. Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, building a culture of accuracy and accountability, including performance reviews and succession planning.

1. Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce, or a related field; CPA(K), ACCA, (or equivalent) required; Master’s Degree (MBA or Finance-related field) will be an added advantage.
2. 7–10 years of progressive finance/accounting experience, including 5+ years in finance management or senior leadership.
3. Experience in renewable energy, PAYGo financing, fintech, telecoms, FMCG, or microfinance is a plus, along with a track record in budgeting, forecasting, audit, treasury, and managing multi-functional teams.
4. Strong grounding in IFRS, Kenyan tax regulations, FP&A, treasury, internal controls, and audit/compliance management.
5. Advanced Excel and ERP systems experience (NetSuite, SAP, Dynamics, Oracle, or similar).
6. High integrity, strong leadership, and excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
7. Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, comfortable in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.