Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Contributions
Professionalbodies
Volunteer Experience
References
Timeline
Generic

MARY WANGUI KARUNGU

Senior Finance Professional
Ngong Hills,Kenya

Summary

I'm a highly motivated and driven Certified Public Accountant with over eleven (11) years' experience in Strategic Planning and Implementation, Policy development, Compliance Management, Corporate Governance, Project Management, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Financial Advisory and Decision Making, Operations and Human Resource Management.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Group Finance Manager

Amotech Africa Limited
Nairobi
02.2024 - Current
  • Contributed to the development of strategic business plans by providing financial expertise during cross-functional meetings with sales, marketing, operations, and technology teams.
  • Supervised a team of finance professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Spearheaded efforts towards creating an annual budget that aligned with company goals and objectives.
  • Streamlined financial operations by consolidating multiple systems into a single integrated platform.
  • Secured favorable financing terms through strong relationships with banks and other lending institutions, supporting company growth initiatives.
  • Improved cash flow management with proactive monitoring of accounts receivable and payable, leading to increased liquidity.
  • Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by establishing robust internal controls and staying up-to-date on relevant legislation changes affecting the finance industry in the six markets where the company is present.
  • Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.

Chief Accountant

Amotech Africa Limited
Nairobi
7 2021 - 02.2024
  • Handled month-end and year-end end finances by managing and reporting fixed assets and other data
  • Completed year-end closing processes with controllers and external auditors
  • Managed a team of accountants, fostering collaboration and professional growth for improved department performance
  • Maintained accurate financial records by overseeing general ledger reconciliation efforts on a monthly basis
  • Streamlined financial processes by implementing efficient accounting systems and software
  • Set up and improved accounting systems and processes to meet business needs and maximize operational success
  • Established strong relationships with external partners such as banks, auditors, and tax consultants to ensure smooth interactions and compliance
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive pricing strategies that supported profitability targets while remaining competitive in the marketplace
  • Ensured compliance with tax regulations by diligently preparing and submitting all required documentation on time
  • Enhanced financial transparency for stakeholders through accurate and timely financial reporting
  • Developed annual budgets in collaboration with senior management, aligning resources with company objectives
  • Assisted executive leadership in making informed decisions by providing insightful analysis on financial trends, opportunities, and risks
  • Served as a strategic business partner to senior leadership by providing valuable financial insights, recommendations for improvement and accurate financial information necessary for decision-making processes

Finance and Administration Manager

Gravitel Limited
Nairobi
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Prepared comprehensive financial statements for executive review, highlighting key performance indicators
  • Managed payroll operations, ensuring accurate calculations and timely disbursements for all employees
  • Oversaw accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely processing and accurate recordkeeping
  • Developed and maintained financial policies to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices
  • Managed financial reporting for accurate decision-making and strategic planning
  • Boosted internal controls by conducting risk assessments and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies
  • Collaborated closely with external auditors during annual reviews, facilitating a smooth audit process each year
  • Provided exceptional leadership to the finance team, fostering professional development and individual growth among staff members

Financial Controller

Kristel Communication Limited and Global Cabling Systems Limited
08.2012 - 08.2016
  • Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining processes and implementing efficient financial controls
  • Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review
  • Planned budgets, authorized expenditures, monitored accounting processes, established service rates and coordinated financial reporting to oversee all fiscal procedures
  • Maintained strong relationships with external auditors, facilitating smooth annual audit processes and addressing any concerns promptly
  • Led organizational cash flow and cash flow forecasting initiatives
  • Prepared accurate financial reports and monthly statements for accounts receivable
  • Managed a team of finance professionals, providing guidance, support, and ongoing training to ensure continued growth and development
  • Contributed to the development of long-term strategic plans by providing executive management with accurate financial data and forecasts
  • Assisted in the preparation of annual tax filings, ensuring full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while minimizing tax liabilities where possible
  • Optimized working capital availability by proactively managing inventory levels, accounts receivable balances, vendor payment terms negotiation

Accounts Assistant

Kenpipe Sacco Society Ltd
04.2012 - 07.2012
  • Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses
  • Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month

Junior Business Consultant

Terrain Trekker Limited
04.2011 - 11.2011
  • Assisted in financial analysis efforts, leading to more informed decision-making processes for clients
  • Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making

Education

Master's in Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Business Administration

Strathmore Business School
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2017 - 12.2020

Pan African EMBA - International Business Management

IESE Business School
Barcelona, Spain
10.2018 - 10.2018

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) - Finance

Strathmore University
Nairobi, Kenya
07.2007 - 06.2011

Certified Public Accountant - K (CPA-K) - Accounting

KASNEB
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2006 - 12.2009

Skills

Financial Reporting, Analysis and Interpretation/ Presentation

Risk Assessment Analysis and Management

Process Development and Management

Relationship Management

Financial Advisory and Decision Making

Tax Compliance

Contributions

  • Spearheading the legal and compliance function of the company in collaboration with the Company Lawyers including registration of foreign subsidiaries in DRC, Uganda, and Tanzania.
  • Development, documentation and implementation of finance policies and Standard Operating Procedures for ISO 9001:2015 certification.
  • Successfully Implemented the transition of the Accounting Systems from Quickbooks to Xero, as part of the increased automation of finance processes.
  • Part of the Corporate Strategy Committee and in charge of Strategic goals implementation.
  • Project Management and reporting
  • Sourcing of alternative sources of capital through financial institutions and grants
  • Financial Reporting, Analysis and Advisory.
  • Coordinating the company wide annual budgeting process and initiating the budget review
  • Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial information through checks and balances, preparation of financial statements and financial advisory to top management.
  • Ensuring compliance on all tax matters and providing advisory on the same.
  • Overseeing the management of debtors including review of credit terms.
  • Overseeing the management of creditors including negotiation of credit terms.
  • I act as a liaison between the company and third parties such as consultants and financial institutions.
  • Engaging in a continuous risk assessment and cost control process to improve the company's bottom line.
  • Performance Management for the Finance, Procurement and Logistics Teams.
  • Coordination of the Procurement and Logistics Function.
  • Grant Management

Professionalbodies

  • Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), 25322
  • Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK), 2077

Volunteer Experience

  • Milele Mall Board of Trustees, PCEA Ngong Parish, Board Treasurer, 2023
  • Huruma Children's Home, Social Work, 2008

References

  • Mr. Kennedy Njoroge, Director, Gravitel Limited, +254 (0) 722 201 948, kennedy.njoroge@libraconsulting.co.ke
  • Mr. Ben Obinju, Managing Director, Kristel Communication Limited, +254 (0) 722 861 399, ben.obinju@kristel.co.ke
  • Mr. Joseph Kimemia, Lecturer, Stathmore University, +254 (0) 722 282 690, jkuria@strathmore.edu

Timeline

Group Finance Manager

Amotech Africa Limited
02.2024 - Current

Pan African EMBA - International Business Management

IESE Business School
10.2018 - 10.2018

Master's in Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Business Administration

Strathmore Business School
01.2017 - 12.2020

Finance and Administration Manager

Gravitel Limited
01.2017 - 01.2020

Financial Controller

Kristel Communication Limited and Global Cabling Systems Limited
08.2012 - 08.2016

Accounts Assistant

Kenpipe Sacco Society Ltd
04.2012 - 07.2012

Junior Business Consultant

Terrain Trekker Limited
04.2011 - 11.2011

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) - Finance

Strathmore University
07.2007 - 06.2011

Certified Public Accountant - K (CPA-K) - Accounting

KASNEB
01.2006 - 12.2009

Chief Accountant

Amotech Africa Limited
7 2021 - 02.2024
MARY WANGUI KARUNGUSenior Finance Professional