Head of Managed Services

RSM EA is a professional services firm focused on establishing, growing, and managing a regional Managed Services division, offering outsourced accounting, payroll, statutory compliance, financial analysis, and business process services.

We are looking for a Head of Managed Services to lead the establishment, growth and operational management of a regional Managed Services division for RSMEA. The role is responsible for building a scalable, technology-enabled managed services platform that delivers outsourced accounting, payroll, statutory compliance, financial analysis, due diligence support and business process services to clients across multiple jurisdictions. The successful candidate will drive the digitization and automation of processes through the implementation of integrated systems, secure workflows, data processing capabilities and client service platforms. The role requires both strategic leadership and strong operational execution capabilities. The individual must be capable of creating a regional delivery centre with repeatable, high-quality and secure processes that support cross-border clients efficiently.

1. Develop and execute the Managed Services strategy aligned with the firm’s regional growth objectives
2. Build a scalable operating model capable of serving clients across East Africa and other international markets
3. Identify opportunities for automation, AI-enabled workflows and process optimization
4. Position the firm as a leading provider of outsourced finance and compliance services
5. Design and implement a secure and integrated technology environment for managed services operations
6. Lead the deployment of cloud-based systems, workflow tools, ERP integrations and client collaboration platforms
7. Drive digitization of accounting, payroll, compliance and reporting processes
8. Establish dashboards, reporting tools and operational analytics capabilities
9. Ensure strong cybersecurity, business continuity and data protection standards
10. Establish service delivery standards, SLAs and quality assurance procedures
11. Build standard operating procedures for all managed service functions
12. Oversee daily operations of the shared services/data processing centre
13. Ensure efficient resource allocation and utilization across multiple service lines
14. Manage regional delivery teams and service managers
15. Build long-term client relationships with regional and international clients
16. Lead onboarding and transition of managed service engagements
17. Ensure timely delivery, accuracy and client satisfaction
18. Support cross-border coordination for multinational clients
19. Develop budgets, pricing models and profitability targets
20. Drive revenue growth and operational efficiency
21. Monitor utilization, margins and productivity metrics
22. Support proposal development and business development initiatives
23. Ensure compliance with local statutory and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions
24. Maintain strong internal controls and risk management processes
25. Ensure confidentiality and protection of client data

1. Minimum 7 years’ experience in professional services, outsourcing, managed services, finance operations or shared services environments
2. At least 3 years in a senior leadership role managing multi-functional operational teams
3. Proven experience establishing or scaling managed services/shared services operations
4. Strong experience implementing digitized finance or operational processes
5. Experience managing regional or cross-border service delivery
6. Experience working within accounting firms, consulting firms, BPOs or financial shared services centres
7. Demonstrated success in process automation and operational transformation
8. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business, Technology or related field
9. Master’s degree (MBA, Finance, Technology or Operations) is preferred
10. One or more of the following certifications is preferred: CPA, ACCA, CA, CISA, PMP, ITIL, Certified Data Analytics or Digital Transformation
11. Highly organized and process-oriented with strong communication and relationship management skills
12. Entrepreneurial and growth-oriented mindset
13. Strong problem-solving capability and the ability to operate in a fast-changing environment
14. Strategic thinking
15. Strong execution capability
16. Change management leadership
17. Regional stakeholder management
18. Commercial and business development skills
19. Managed services operations
20. Finance and accounting processes
21. Payroll and compliance systems ERP and workflow implementation
22. Process automation
23. Data analytics and reporting
24. Cybersecurity awareness
25. Cross-border operational management