NAOMI WARIARA GACHAU
Finance Controller
Summary
Results-driven finance professional with over 9 years of progressive experience in financial management, audit, compliance, and strategic planning within multinational and local organizations. Demonstrated expertise in FP&A, IFRS, tax compliance, and ERP systems, consistently achieving cost savings, enhancing reporting accuracy, and strengthening internal controls. Skilled in leading finance teams and driving process improvements while collaborating with executives to facilitate business growth and informed decision-making. A commitment to excellence in financial operations ensures alignment with organizational goals and maximizes overall performance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Peach Tech Limited (Peach Cars)
05.2024 - Current
- Led budgeting and forecasting processes, delivering 95% forecast accuracy that improved financial planning and cash management.
- Spearheaded weekly/monthly cash management operations, conducting variance analysis on forecasts, budgets, and actuals to identify cost reduction opportunities and highlight areas for improvement with at least 3 metrics being used for decision making every quarter driving operational efficiency upwards by 20%
- Enhanced reporting accuracy by 20% through implementation of new consolidation processes for group financials.
- Optimized procurement planning and vendor negotiations, achieving 20% cost savings across operations.
- Ensured 100% compliance with IFRS, IAS, and KRA regulations by strengthening internal controls and tax planning strategies.
- Improved finance team productivity by 15% through performance KPIs, mentorship, and training programs achieving 98% of our set targets.
- Implemented robust controls and structured weekly/monthly processes, reducing month-end and year-end reporting errors by 90% and ensuring timely, reliable consolidated financial reports.
- Led a seamless transition of work from external partners to internal teams, improving reporting accuracy by 95% and enhancing overall efficiency
- Enforced implementation of the procurement policy, ensuring cross-departmental alignment and reducing expenses by 20%. This was achieved by eliminating duplicate orders, leveraging bulk purchase discounts, securing favorable credit terms, and improving supplier selection for better cash flow management.
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Field Technology Development Partners Ltd
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Directed annual audits, reducing completion time by 3 weeks and ensuring zero compliance penalties.
- Implemented monthly variance analysis reporting that improved management decision-making on cost efficiency by 20% and improving the cash conversion cycle by 30%
- Streamlined receivables and payables processes, reducing average DSO by 8 days and improving supplier terms.
- Produced accurate consolidated group financials, enhancing reporting transparency and board confidence.
- Coordinated payroll and statutory compliance for 50+ employees with 100% accuracy.
ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE
Field Technology Development Partners Ltd
10.2020 - 12.2022
- Prepared monthly financial statements and reconciliations with 100% accuracy.
- Supported audit and tax compliance processes, avoiding penalties and improving regulatory reporting.
- Enhanced AR/AP efficiency by automating reporting templates, saving 10+ hours monthly.
- Collaborated with HR to ensure accurate payroll processing for staff, reducing errors by 15%.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT
Panesar’s Kenya Ltd
12.2015 - 09.2020
- Managed treasury and cash flow forecasting, maintaining >90% liquidity accuracy.
- Strengthened tax compliance, reducing exposure to penalties by 25%.
- Led financial reporting improvements that cut the month-end close by 5 days.
- Collaborated with auditors to achieve timely completion of audits with no major findings.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced manual reconciliations by 30%.
ACCOUNTANT
Talent Quest Africa
10.2014 - 03.2015
- Prepared VAT returns and reconciled accounts across multiple branches, ensuring 100% compliance.
- Produced timely monthly financial reports to support management decisions.
Education
MBA - Finance Option
University of Nairobi
01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Economics & Sociology
University of Nairobi
01.2015
CPA Finalist - undefined
Vision Institute of Professionals
01.2014
Skills
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Budgeting, Forecasting & Variance Analysis
IFRS / IAS / GAAP Compliance
Tax Planning & Compliance (VAT, PAYE, WHTAX, Corporate Tax)
Treasury & Cash Flow Management
Audit Management & Risk Mitigation
General ledger management
Internal controls
Account reconciliation
Month-end and year-end closings
Balance sheet management
Payroll processing
Affiliations
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) – Member
Timeline
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Peach Tech Limited (Peach Cars)
05.2024 - Current
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Field Technology Development Partners Ltd
01.2023 - 05.2024
ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE
Field Technology Development Partners Ltd
10.2020 - 12.2022
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT
Panesar’s Kenya Ltd
12.2015 - 09.2020
ACCOUNTANT
Talent Quest Africa
10.2014 - 03.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Economics & Sociology
University of Nairobi
CPA Finalist - undefined
Vision Institute of Professionals
MBA - Finance Option
University of Nairobi