WINSTON GATERE MURIUKI
Head Of Finance
Nairobi,32564
Summary
Motivated and well-qualified Head of Finance promoting more than 9 years of proficiency in financial and operational audits. Offering sound judgement and ability to review, interpret and develop internal control procedures and policies, improving controls and strengthening systems for optimal performance.
Proficient in all aspects of finance and accounting, including budgeting, financial reporting, analyzing financial statements, evaluating department operations and handling month- and year-end closings.
Overview
9
9
years of post-secondary education
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Finance
Jacaranda Hotels Limited, JHL
01.2021 - Current
- Established and enforced controls on revenue and expenses to protect company assets.
- Assessed expansion plans and present costs to forecast trends and recommend changes.
- Monitored monthly revenues to the budgets and analyzed variance trends and regularly apprising CEO of company's financial standing.
- Analyzed financial statements against forecasts to prepare high-level variance analysis.
- Verified and ensured compliance of financial policies and accounting procedures against the set standards and regulations
- Set clear departmental objectives and developed effective strategies to achieve targeted goals.
- Managed the day to day operations of the accounting and finance function ensuring the transactions are accurate
Group Internal Audit Manager
Jacaranda Hotels Limited, JHL
Nairobi
04.2019 - 12.2020
- Performed financial and operational internal audits developing control risk assessments and conducting process walkthrough for compliance with documented processes.
- Produced audit reports which comprised evaluation of internal control systems, weaknesses and recommending new methods to improve internal controls and operating efficiency.
- Created database to monitor & report status of audit recommendations.
- Improved the financial reporting structure of the hotel which has added value to the Board while making decisions.
- Prepared audit programs and working papers to address risks, following International Standards on Auditing.
- Reviewed conformity of financial statements with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and corporate regulations.
Internal Audit and Risk Consultant
Baker Tilly Kenya
Nairobi
02.2018 - 03.2019
- Developed short-term goals and long-term strategic plans to improve risk control and mitigation.
- Promoted enterprise-level risk management practices and helped instill strong culture focused on protective policies and procedures.
- Seconded as Finance Manager for a multi-million private company in Voi on behalf of a regional financial institution in Kenya.
- Developed an integrated financial planning and reporting process that provided reliable financial and managerial data for management and other key stakeholders.
- Established the Internal Audit and Risk department in Baker Tilly and appraised the audit staff who would be part of the department’s team for purposes of executing the internal audit assignments.
- Led in developing procedures manual for a newly established internal audit department, training relevant staff on internal control procedures and conducting a risk assessment for a Hospital funded by the US government in Burundi.
- Led in executing an enterprise wide risk assessment for a private company in Mogadishu contracted by United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOS) in Somalia.
- Led in conducting an audit of a multimillion GBP project of an International non-governmental organization in Turkey and Jordan.
Audit Manager - Consultant
HLB MN – Rwanda
02.2018 - 03.2018
- Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement for various entities in different sectors across Rwanda.
- Trained and mentored audit staff on procedures of external audit.
- Reviewed audit files to ensure they were in compliance with the IFRS and the International Accounting Standards
- Developed and implemented corrective actions to bring business areas in line with standards.
- Identified management control weaknesses and provided value added suggestions for remediation.
Senior Internal Auditor
ARM Cement PLC Limited – Nairobi
10.2016 - 02.2018
- Development of an annual risk based Internal Audit plan for approval by the Board and subsequent use for audit purposes.
- Executing audit engagements to ensure reliability and integrity of data, effective use of company resources and compliance with contracts, standards and policies.
- Evaluation of SOPs and internal processes to ascertain their adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency.
- Preparation of Audit Committee Agenda and Board papers for the Audit Committee Board Meetings.
- Preparing and reviewing reports on audit findings and maintaining liaison with process owners to enhance the control environment within the company through regular follow-ups.
- Ensuring there are systems of corporate governance, business integrity, risk management and internal controls.
- Identifying and profiling various inherent and residual risks in processes, discussing them with the respective line managers and developing joint risk mitigation measures.
- Cascading risk registers to risk champions in the company with the aim of having a risk awareness culture and participating in periodic meetings with them to update and map risk profile within the business.
- Participation in recruitment process and induction of staff into the department.
- Identifying opportunities to add value through improved business efficiencies and effectiveness.
- Mapping of ASIS and TOBE processes.
- Involved in the preparation and review of departmental budgets, review of other department’s budgets and justifying the estimates to the managing director Key achievements in ARM Cement Plc.
- Re-designed the audit planning process by developing and implementing a risk-based audit plan which has led to better risk coverage and partnership with the external audit firm.
- Oversaw the acquisition and implementation of ACL GRC software for various data analytics in planning and executing the audit work, reducing the audit timeframe by over 40%.
- Appointed as part of the business reengineering task force to map and improve processes from AS IS to TO BE.
- Developed and implemented internal controls training programs that are now being implemented, leading to a 22% reduction in identified internal control deficiencies.
- Managed up to 4 auditors in diverse geographical locations.
- Performed semiannual performance reviews and provided ongoing feedback regarding staff strengths and areas of improvement.
Audit Senior
RSM Eastern Africa – Nairobi
01.2011 - 08.2016
- Conducted in-depth investigation on transaction and validate their entries to relevant books of account and support documents.
- Carried out in-controls as well operational reviews to assist management identify related risks and prescribing the controls necessary to mitigate those risks.
- Prepared key reports for the Board of Directors and/or audit committee in accordance to the International Financial Reporting Standards and/or US GAAP.
- Assessed the internal control environment to determine whether the existing procedures were designed efficiently and effectively.
- Conducted audit reviews to ensure high quality control and facilitate best practice, ensuring that audits are I line with the risk based audit methodology.
- Assisted clients in designing, modifying and strengthening internal systems as per internal control risk management.
- Ensured that the system in place were compliant with the company’s policies and regulatory requirements.
- Engaged in risk assessment process and documentation of results.
- Identified probable weak areas in IT, Finance, Human Resources departments amongst others and suggesting recommendations to prevent any related risks from arising.
- Corporation tax, withholding tax, personal tax and VAT compliance reviews.
- Computation of corporate and business tax liabilities including deferred tax and filing returns.
- Advisory services on tax implications of the various transactions.
- Appointed in the pilot team that developed other staff members by providing on-the-job training on the use of Caseware audit software in Kenya and Tanzania in 2012.
- Worked as a financial controller in a short term consulting activity where I oversaw the accounting and finance function and prepared special financial reports for the directors.
- Worked with the partners to develop specific audit programs for the insurance companies in 2013 and was subsequently appointed as the lead audit senior in performing field audits for insurance companies.
- Was appointed in 2015 to be part of the team trained in US GAAPs required to properly test, review, and report on client using federal funds/grants.
- Led in conducting an audit that won the Fire awards in 2014.
Audit Associate
WIA East Africa – Nairobi Kenya
07.2009 - 12.2010
- Carried out the day to day activities of the audit, including planning, risk assessment, supervision, monitoring, coordination and client liaison.
- Field audit procedures including review of accounting records, financial statements, the procurement and payment systems and inventory procedures.
- Preparation and presentation of the report on operational, accounting and internal control weaknesses, audit opinion and compilation of recommendations.
- Forensic audit including field investigations, report preparation, presentation and necessary follow up.
Accounts Assistant
Colnet Limited
07.2007 - 06.2009
- Preparation of management accounts in accordance with International accounting standards.
- Bank reconciliation on a weekly basis.
- Petty cash management and overseeing daily cash management activities and banking of different currencies.
- Debtors and Creditor management and accounts reconciliation.
- Managing external auditors.
- Implement all recommendations arising from external auditor.
Education
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) -
Africa Advanced Telecommunications Institute
Nairobi 01.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance Option
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Nairobi 05.2007 - 10.2010
Certified Public Accountant, CPA Finalist - ICPAK -
Visions Institute of Professional Studies
Nairobi 01.2004 - 12.2006
KCSE -
Kirimari Sec School
01.2001 - 12.2002
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - Fraud Examination
Institute of Certified Fraud Examiners, Kenya
Nairobi 07.2019 - 01.2020
Skills
General ledger accounting
Internal / External Audits
Internal Controls Audit
Internal control evaluations
Developing internal controls
Compliance Monitoring
Process Mapping
Annual Audit Plans
Financial statement review
Financial analysis and reporting
Budget forecasting
Cost control and reduction
Affiliations
Member – Institute of Internal Auditors, Membership no: 2038055
Member – Association of Certified Fraud examiners, Membership no: 957278
Member – Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, Membership no: Assoc/028
Timeline
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) -
Africa Advanced Telecommunications Institute
01.2021 - Current
Head of Finance
Jacaranda Hotels Limited, JHL
01.2021 - Current
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - Fraud Examination
Institute of Certified Fraud Examiners, Kenya
07.2019 - 01.2020
Group Internal Audit Manager
Jacaranda Hotels Limited, JHL
04.2019 - 12.2020
Internal Audit and Risk Consultant
Baker Tilly Kenya
02.2018 - 03.2019
Audit Manager - Consultant
HLB MN – Rwanda
02.2018 - 03.2018
Senior Internal Auditor
ARM Cement PLC Limited – Nairobi
10.2016 - 02.2018
Audit Senior
RSM Eastern Africa – Nairobi
01.2011 - 08.2016
Audit Associate
WIA East Africa – Nairobi Kenya
07.2009 - 12.2010
Accounts Assistant
Colnet Limited
07.2007 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance Option
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
05.2007 - 10.2010
Certified Public Accountant, CPA Finalist - ICPAK -
Visions Institute of Professional Studies
01.2004 - 12.2006
KCSE -
Kirimari Sec School
01.2001 - 12.2002