Forward-thinking individual with great understanding of accounting , management and auditing procedures. Offering more than 20 years of expertise in diverse areas of accounting, business management and auditing. Knowledgeable about risk aversion strategies, cost reduction options and financial processes. Decisive and persuasive communicator with proven problem-solving, leadership and planning abilities.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Internal Auditor
Lavington Hotel Limited T/A The Social House Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
07.2021 - Current
Developed auditing program to address risks and evaluate regulatory requirements.
Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthrough for compliance with documented processes.
Investigated discrepancies discovered during auditing process.
Identified and reported audit issues.
Reported audit findings, covering compliance issues related to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and corporate regulations.
Coordinated with external auditors and documented process reviews.
Produced audit reports.
Prepared and distributed risk and audit reports to appropriate personnel.
Documented recommendations to improve internal controls.
Advised management on areas of improvement across all departments.
Reviewed and reengineered internal processes for efficient management of the hotel.
Hotel Accountant
Lavington Hotel Limited T/A The Social House Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
02.2020 - 02.2021
Diminished outstanding debts by analyzing accounts for issues.
Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
Conducted technical and analytical reviews of tax returns to check for accuracy and qualified deductions.
Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
Partnered with auditors to track errors and add contributions to maintain accuracy.
Developed financial models to assess and analyze financial performance of clients.
Researched technical tax issues to define tax effect or impact of certain tax positions.
Set up and overall administration of the account's department of the hotel.
Sourced and implemented hotel's management systems which included the following: - Property managements system (Opera PMS), financial managements system (Sun financials). procurement and stock management system (Materials control), and point of sale (Symphony POS)
Coordinated and finalized construction project investment deduction tax audit for the period 2013 to 2020.
Coordinated and finalized external audit for the periods 2013 to 2020.
Project Accountant
Lavington Hotel Limited
Nairobi, Kenya
08.2018 - 02.2020
Monitored project costs, developed job cost forecasts, managed cash flow and approved invoices for payment.
Reviewed project employee credentials and approved or rejected account access as appropriate.
Assessed, cleaned and closed out accounts with depleted funds upon project completion.
Provided timely actuals, forecast and budget data for IT and corporate management.
Drafted and submitted tax returns and government reports in proper format as directed by tax consultants.
Conceived project accounts in company accounting system according to direction from senior accountant.
Read, escalated and reported invoices for projects of varying size and complexity.
Set up and managed project Quickbooks accounting systems.
Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
Partnered with auditors to track errors and add contributions to maintain accuracy.
Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
Procured both locally and international construction material,hotel's plants and equipment, hotel's pre-opening stocks, furniture and fittings, soft furnishings etc.
Coordinated with then clearing and forwarding agent on all matters regarding importation of company assets.
Business Management Consultant
Gema Enterprises, The Fort Restaurant
Mombasa, Kenya
07.2018 - 08.2018
Performed as consultant for startup business in areas of financial management, procurement, recipe costing, general hotel management and training to cashiers, chefs and the owner.
Devised processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
Evaluated situations and delivered targeted solutions using various tools and resources.
Sourced and implemented QuickBooks financial system for efficient management of the restaurant.
Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs.
Trained the business owner and staff owner on proper cash and cashflows management.
Business Management Consultant
Kusyombunguo Hotel
Wote, Makueni County, Kenya
02.2018 - 06.2018
Performed as consultant for startup business in areas of fiber networks, Wi-Fi , finance , and training to various staffs in different areas of hotel management.
Devised processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
Reviewed and reconstructed internet fiber network in the hotel
Reviewed and reconfigured hotel Wi-Fi to separate guest network from hotel administration network.
Set up of new hotel management system incorporating the following modules: -Property management system (PMS), financial management, point of sale (POS) and procurement and stock management system.
Trained the hotel's accountant on how to prepare and present management accounts using QuickBooks.
Remodeled hotel kitchen set-up and did menu engineering and costing training to the chefs.
Trained stores staff on procurement and stock management processes.
Evaluated situations and delivered targeted solutions using various tools and resources.
Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs.
Developed complete business plans and operational.
Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
Led restructuring of organization internal processes, resulting in improved performance.
Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
Restructured procedures through coordination with the director to create and execute projects.
Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
Produced detailed and relevant reports for use in making business decisions.
Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting findings and recommended optimizations.
Business Management Consultant
Magenta Properties Limited
Nanyuki, Laikipia County, Kenya
02.2017 - 05.2018
Performed as consultant for startup business in areas of hotel management, property management, procurement, finance and training to various managers and directors.
Developed complete business plans and operational strategies for new and existing business.
Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
Set up a property management systems for 7 rental blocks consisting of 120 rental units.
Improved monthly rent collection and follow-up from all tenants to ensure they get timely rent statements and pay before 5th day of the following month.
Linked up tenants to rent payment accounts in the bank for timely and efficient payment of rent.
Set up of rent payment alerts in bank accounts to ensure the property owner receives short massages once payment has hit the bank accounts.
Reconciled rental payments with the bank statements to ensure that all tenants accounts are up to date.
Set up of Hotel Management System to manage 2 hotels, 1 bar and 1 lodging
Prepared and presented to the directors managements accounts for the hotels and the rental units.
Trained staff in accounts department on how to use the hotel and property management systems.
Led restructuring of organization internal processes, resulting in improved performance.
Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
Chief Accountant
Capital Club East Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
08.2015 - 02.2017
Set up and improved accounting systems and processes to meet business needs and maximize operational success.
Reviewed business operations and obligations to help organization function at acceptable level.
Wrote financial statements and consolidations after reconciling general ledger accounts.
Partnered with auditors to track errors and add contributions to maintain accuracy.
Leveraged finance knowledge to strengthen controls and improve transparency.
Reviewed budgets and communicated discrepancies to senior management.
Prepared monthly journal entries and reconciliations.
Expedited payroll and invoicing by streamlining billing systems.
Oversaw accounting team in servicing diverse clients.
Completed year-end closing processes with controllers and external auditors.
Analyzed financial audit information and made recommendations to improve efficiencies.
Prepared accounts for industry audits and supported audit process.
Assisted in upgrade and conversion of in-house financial systems.
Calculated tax owed, prepared, and submitted returns and upheld compliance with all applicable laws.
Handled month-end and year-end end finances by managing and reporting fixed assets and other data.
Assisted team members in transitioning to new system through extensive training and one-on-one support.
Cost Controller
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi
07.2004 - 07.2016
Produced daily food and beverage cost reports and shared with management
Trained and managed three assistant food and beverage controllers.
Managed food and beverage stocks held in stores, shops and bars ensuring that any shortages are recovered immediately.
Contacted daily and end of month stock takes and reconciliations.
Prepared of stock movement analysis reports with emphasis on slow moving items, fast moving items and dead stocks.
Contacted menu engineering and recipe costing.
Ensured supply chain management procedures are adhered to.
Hotel Accountant
The Alba Hotels Limited
Meru, Meru County
07.2013 - 07.2015
Successfully coordinated the pre-opening processes of the new hotel.
Coordinated hotels systems set up, monitoring and evaluating of all financial systems, procedures and policies and giving recommendations on any areas of improvement to strengthen internal controls
Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
Conducted technical and analytical reviews of tax returns to check for accuracy and qualified deductions.
Diminished outstanding debts by analyzing accounts for issues.
Cooperated with senior leaders to create operating budgets and initiate financial planning.
Used accounting software to issue tax returns and prepare consolidated reports.
Initiated comprehensive account assessments to check viability, stability, and profitability of business operations.
Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
Identified legal tax savings and recommended ways to improve profits.
Account Receivable Controller
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi, Kenya
05.2010 - 07.2013
Reconciled accounts receivable ledger to verify payments and resolve variances.
Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
Reviewed accounts on monthly basis to assess aging and pursue collection of funds.
Prepared and mailed invoices to customers, processed payments, and documented account updates.
Contacted clients with past due accounts to formulate payment plans and discuss restructuring options.
Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to maximize collections.
Safeguarded documents of accounts receivable and payments to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
Developed and implemented strategies to improve collection processes and reduce overdue payments.
Utilized Microsoft Excel, Opera PMS and SUN Financials to manage invoices and payments.
Generated monthly accounts receivable reports to submit developments for management review.
Negotiated payment arrangements with customers to establish timely receipt of payments.
Followed up overdue payments and payment plans from clients to establish good cash flow.
Maintained account accuracy by reviewing and reconciling checks monthly.
Effectively communicated with clients about payment needs and kept updated, detailed and accurate ledgers.
Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.
Participated in monthly group credit control meeting held at head office
Hotel Front Office Controller
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi, Kenya
08.2006 - 04.2010
Ensuring that system integration is done thoroughly to minimize human system intervention and production of the desired results.
Assisting in customization of reports in new and old systems for ease and better understanding by management.
Liaised with ICT department to ensure that transaction code mappings at system interfaces are done correctly.
Ensuring that system integration is done thoroughly to minimize human system intervention and production of the desired results.
Assisting in customization of reports in new and old systems for ease and better understanding by management and other parties of interest.
Contacted real-time and online systems audit of front office transactions (Cashiers, reception and reservation).
Reviewed front office systems' user rights to conform to set controls, procedure and policies..
Trained and guided front office staff to ensure that procedures and policies are adhered to.
Ensured that all guest ledger debts are recovered promptly and incase of problems, follow up with collection agents.
Spot-checked and did surprise cash count at front office cash tills to ensure their intactness.
Investigated frauds involving use of computerized systems and credit cards.
Advised the management on measures to be taken in improving Internal Control Systems
Accounts Assistant and Accountant
Hyundai Motors Kenya Limited & Dynasty Credit Management
Nairobi, Kenya
11.2000 - 06.2003
Processed petty cash payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements, and statements.
Organized data into multiple spreadsheets to streamline data.
Maintained clean and organized files by keeping accounts payable records up-to-date.
Applied proper codes to invoices, files, and receipts to keep records organized and easily searchable.
Performed administrative and clerical duties such as word processing, data entry, faxing and copying.
Used accounting software to prepare weekly and monthly financial reports.
Verified items billed against items ordered and reconciled differences through follow-up with vendor.
Coordinated office supply ordering to avail materials for streamlined operations.
Completed payroll functions to facilitate accurate and prompt staff payments.
Assisted in budget preparation and forecasting to control expenditure and maximize profitability.
Checked general ledger entries to increase accuracy, prevent significant errors and identify adjustments.
Maintained accurate and complete documentation to facilitate accounting and filing functions.
Education
MBA - Strategic Management
Kenyatta University
Nairobi Kenya
09.2009 - 2014.12
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Kenyatta University
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2006 - 2009.08
Skills
Daily reporting
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cycling, farming and renovation projects
I own a bicycle that I use every weekend for running my errands in the suburbs. At my backyard, I keep poultry, daily goats and grow my own vegetables and herbs. I also grow maize and coriander for commercial farming at my country side home. During my free time, I like doing home improvements like painting, paving, fence repairs and plumping jobs.
Timeline
Internal Auditor
Lavington Hotel Limited T/A The Social House Nairobi
07.2021 - Current
Hotel Accountant
Lavington Hotel Limited T/A The Social House Nairobi
02.2020 - 02.2021
Project Accountant
Lavington Hotel Limited
08.2018 - 02.2020
Business Management Consultant
Gema Enterprises, The Fort Restaurant
07.2018 - 08.2018
Business Management Consultant
Kusyombunguo Hotel
02.2018 - 06.2018
Business Management Consultant
Magenta Properties Limited
02.2017 - 05.2018
Chief Accountant
Capital Club East Africa
08.2015 - 02.2017
Hotel Accountant
The Alba Hotels Limited
07.2013 - 07.2015
Account Receivable Controller
Nairobi Serena Hotel
05.2010 - 07.2013
MBA - Strategic Management
Kenyatta University
09.2009 - 2014.12
Hotel Front Office Controller
Nairobi Serena Hotel
08.2006 - 04.2010
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Kenyatta University
01.2006 - 2009.08
Cost Controller
Nairobi Serena Hotel
07.2004 - 07.2016
Accounts Assistant and Accountant
Hyundai Motors Kenya Limited & Dynasty Credit Management
11.2000 - 06.2003
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