Sage Evolution
Lorna Mareri
Chief Operations Officer & Group Finance Director
Nairobi, Nairobi Province,30
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Summary
Proficient Finance Executive knowledgeable about financial leadership and operational needs. Resourceful and tech-savvy decision-maker with a deep understanding of market conditions. Dedicated Chief Financial Officer familiar with financial decision making and company-wide policy development. Talent for overcoming operational issues and driving proactive improvements. Offering over 15 years' experience in financial leadership. Persistent leader eager to lead and grow organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication with good understanding of business principles, project management and team leadership. Collaborative with relentless work ethic. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
MBA Certificate
1
1
Undergraduate Certificate-BCOM-1st Class Honors
1
1
Certified Public Accountant-Member of ICPAK
Work History
Chief Operations Officer
Symbion Kenya Ltd
3 2022 - Current
- Streamlined operations by implementing process improvements and optimizing resource allocation.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, maintaining strong relationships with regulatory bodies and implementing necessary updates to internal policies.
- Improved supply chain efficiency by negotiating favorable contracts with vendors and streamlining inventory management processes.
- Supported business growth through strategic planning and process development.
- Established strong partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance corporate reputation.
- Formulated analysis assessments to make informed decisions on proposed projects.
- Reduced overhead costs with strategic budget management and cost-cutting initiatives.
- Drove revenue growth through development of innovative marketing campaigns and sales strategies.
- Mitigated risks by establishing robust risk management processes and investing in cybersecurity measures for company-wide protection.
- Met customer service standards and expectations consistently by effectively communicating and actively listening.
- Championed culture of continuous improvement, fostering collaboration between departments for optimal operational results.
- Revamped quality assurance protocols, ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional products.
- Implemented business development strategies, logo designs and website designs.
- Boosted employee satisfaction and retention through effective communication, training programs, and performance incentives.
- Secured 90% satisfaction rate for all client services offered
- Raised profits by 50% within 6 months through planning
- Led operational oversight and budgetary supervision for 3 Country locations
Group Finance Director
Symbion Kenya Ltd
3 2019 - Current
- Improved financial performance through thorough analysis of company expenditures and revenues.
- Facilitated process improvements by automating manual tasks, increasing efficiency within the finance function.
- Successfully managed multiple audits, ensuring accurate financial information was presented to external parties without discrepancies or delays.
- Established strong relationships with banking partners to facilitate access to essential funding channels.
- Conducted comprehensive due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, mitigating risks associated with organizational growth.
- Enhanced stakeholder communication by producing clear, concise, and timely financial reports that supported informed decision making.
- Managed company cash flow by monitoring daily transactions and optimizing working capital.
- Supported business expansion plans with careful evaluation of potential acquisitions and investments for maximum ROI.
- Established and enforced controls on revenue and expenses to protect company assets.
- Spearheaded expansion strategies to increase business market share.
- Reduced financial risk with comprehensive credit management strategies, strengthening the company''s financial position.
- Implemented internal controls for enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements and reduced errors in reporting.
- Developed robust financial models to support strategic decision-making and improve profitability.
- Streamlined financial processes by implementing efficient budgeting and forecasting systems.
- Spearheaded the implementation of new accounting software solutions, improving data accuracy and streamlining operations across departments.
- Led successful negotiations on financing terms, resulting in lower interest rates and improved cash flow for the organization.
- Mentored junior finance team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the department.
- Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new department employees.
- Reduced process discrepancies through measured implementation of performance reporting and data systems.
- Drove revenue stream development through strategic collaboration and partnerships.
- Verified compliance of financial policies and accounting procedures against federal regulations.
- Maintained responsive organization with sustained revenue growth through industry forecast monitoring and deliberate financial planning.
- Managed day-to-day operations within 10-person finance department for an architectural organization
Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
Quest Holdings Ltd
10.2015 - 02.2019
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop annual budgets, effectively allocating resources to support organizational goals.
- Led high-performance finance teams, fostering professional growth and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Managed capital expenditure projects to ensure alignment with budgetary constraints and strategic objectives.
- Optimized cash flow management to maintain positive liquidity and minimize interest expenses.
- Negotiated favorable vendor contracts that resulted in significant cost savings for the company over time.
- Championed process improvement initiatives across various departments, leading to increased operational efficiency.
- Mentored junior finance professionals within the organization, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Enhanced company profitability with the development of comprehensive financial strategies and risk management policies.
- Improved financial efficiency by streamlining accounting processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Introduced robust internal controls to safeguard corporate assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Advised executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives, contributing valuable insights based on financial analysis.
- Reduced tax liabilities by implementing effective tax planning strategies in compliance with legal regulations.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements by staying current on industry developments and implementing necessary controls within the organization.
- Oversaw preparation and submission of all tax filings, mitigating potential risks associated with noncompliance.
- Mentored finance team members, fostering a culture of professional growth and skill development within the department.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with other departments to drive process improvements that positively impacted bottom-line results.
- Evaluated investment opportunities diligently, contributing to informed decisions regarding potential projects and their expected returns.
Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
Wilken Group of Companies
10.2012 - 09.2015
- Provided accurate and timely financial and management accounts that conform to reporting and procedural standards
- Provided Advice and support to inform decision making at all levels
- Contributing to the strategic planning and overall financial management
- Recruiting, developing and motivating the Finance Team to achieve its objectives and departmental purpose
- Carrying out annual appraisals and ensuring development plans are in place for the team
- Leading in any changes required to processes and procedures and be able to drive and motivate the team in meeting set goals and objectives.
Accountant Partnerships
Aga Khan Foundation (EMACK)
03.2011 - 09.2012
- Provided leadership in the development of the Finance Strategy and budgets for Wilken Group Ltd
- Overall coordination and management of staff and resources within the finance department
- Ensured the update of all annual returns and tax compliance certificates for Wilken Group Ltd
- Developed the accounting policies and templates for use in Wilken Group Ltd
- Reviewed monthly management accounts and ensured accuracy of management reports before circulation to the board of directors
- Coordinated the appointment of new auditors and subsequent update of audits for Wilken Group Ltd.
- Enhanced financial decision-making capabilities by providing timely, accurate information to management through regular performance reports
- Assisted in the development of financial forecasts based on historical trends and current market conditions, supporting strategic planning initiatives within the organization
- Implemented effective cost control measures to minimize overspending without sacrificing quality or service levels
- Established strong relationships with banking partners to facilitate access to various financial services and secure favorable lending terms for the organization
Accountant Partnerships
World Relief Kenya
06.2009 - 03.2011
- Provided leadership in the development of the Finance Strategy and budgets for Wilken Group Ltd
- Overall coordination and management of staff and resources within the finance department
- Ensured the update of all annual returns and tax compliance certificates for Wilken Group Ltd
- Developed the accounting policies and templates for use in Wilken Group Ltd
- Reviewed monthly management accounts and ensured accuracy of management reports before circulation to the board of directors
- Coordinated the appointment of new auditors and subsequent update of audits for Wilken Group Ltd.
- Established strong relationships with banking partners to facilitate access to various financial services and secure favorable lending terms for the organization
- Maintained accurate records of fixed assets, including acquisition costs, depreciation schedules, and current values for insurance purposes
- Streamlined month-end closing processes, resulting in reduced time spent on financial reporting tasks
- Enhanced profitability by identifying opportunities for revenue growth through detailed analysis of customer sales data
- Managed cash flow effectively, ensuring all company liabilities were met in a timely manner and surplus funds were invested wisely
Assistant Accountant
Pacis Insurance Company
06.2009 - 03.2011
- Managed the payment of claims and commissions
- Dealt with premium refunds
- Prepared and Submitted monthly returns to IRA.
- Participated in cross-functional team meetings, providing valuable financial insights to inform strategic decision-making by business leaders
- Streamlined accounting processes for increased efficiency by implementing new software solutions
- Assisted with timely month-end closing procedures, resulting in accurate financial reporting
- Prepared accurate financial statements for management review, aiding in informed decision-making processes
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of GAAP guidelines, ensuring compliance in all financial reporting tasks
Education
Masters in Business Administration (MBA) - Strategic Management
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance And Accounting- 1st Class Honours
CPA-K - Accounting
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Skills
Organizational Leadership
Budgeting and finance
Human Resources
Staff Development
Crisis Management
Organizational Development
Strategic Planning
Team Bonding
Business Analysis
Profitability improvement
Operational Excellence
Organizational Leadership
Accomplishments
- Dean's List
- French Language
Personal Information
Hobbies: Singing, Traveling to new places, Swimming, Farming
Community Service
- Managed disabled and orphan children, 200
- Fatima Health Centre, Accountant, 04/2006 - 06/2006
References
- Mrs. Phyllis Wakiaga, Senior Private Sector Advisor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, +254-(0)722-866-001, phylliswakiaga@gmail.com,
- Mrs. Judith Omondi Anyona, Experienced Program Management Professional, Kofi Annan Fellow, +254 735 900236, juomondi@gmail.com
- Mr Andrew Lopokoiyit, Group Executive Director, Wilken Telecommunications Limited, +254721481766, Andrew.Lopokoiyit@wilken.co.ke
Training
- Strathmore Business School
- Strathmore University
- ICPAK
Certification
CPA - Certified Public Accountant
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- Rotary International
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteHybridRemoteImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementHealthcare benefitsSoftware
QuickBooks
Teamwork Project Management
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Interests
Financial Markets
Reading
Volunteering in Financial Literacy Forums
Timeline
Chief Finance Officer (CFO) - Quest Holdings Ltd
10.2015 - 02.2019
Chief Finance Officer (CFO) - Wilken Group of Companies
10.2012 - 09.2015
Accountant Partnerships - Aga Khan Foundation (EMACK)
03.2011 - 09.2012
CPA - Certified Public Accountant
07-2009
Accountant Partnerships - World Relief Kenya
06.2009 - 03.2011
Assistant Accountant - Pacis Insurance Company
06.2009 - 03.2011
Strathmore Business School - Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Management
Strathmore University - Bachelor of Commerce, Finance And Accounting- 1st Class Honours
Strathmore University - CPA-K, Accounting
Precious Blood Sec. Sch. Riruta - Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education,
St. Nicholas Primary Sch. Nairobi - Kenya Certificate of Primary Education,
Chief Operations Officer - Symbion Kenya Ltd
3 2022 - Current
Group Finance Director - Symbion Kenya Ltd
3 2019 - Current