PETER WAITHAKA KARIUKI
Nairobi
Summary
Experienced leadership and management professional with over 25 years of expertise in the financial sector. Demonstrated success as chief executive officer and general manager for 18 years, along with previous roles as SACCO/Credit Union administrator, accountant/manager, and assistant internal auditor. Through progression within the industry, gained valuable strategic and operational insights into the functioning of financial institutions. Skilled in driving organizations towards heightened performance levels, excels in strategy development and implementation, providing guidance to the board on both strategic and operational matters. Well-versed in ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, adept at people management, and experienced in implementing ICT systems. Strong background in business process review and reengineering, prioritizing customer service, and leading diverse teams.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Sheria Sacco Society Ltd
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring cost-effective procurement processes.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing overall costs and increasing profitability.
- Negotiated with suppliers and delivery workers and ordered materials according to forecasted customer demand.
- Drove continuous improvement by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication across all levels of the organization.
- Improved operational efficiency by redesigning internal processes and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions.
- Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
- Addressed employee and managerial concerns and implemented corrective actions to promote compliance.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced the company''s reputation as an ethical business leader within the community.
- Procured and coordinated new resources to achieve sales targets within optimal timeframes.
- Implemented strong financial controls, ensuring accurate reporting and solid decision-making capabilities.
- Implemented comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats and safeguard the company''s assets and interests.
- Cultivated a positive company culture, promoting employee engagement and retention through tailored initiatives.
- Engaged positively with staff and leadership colleagues, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit.
- Coached and guided senior managers to improve employee job satisfaction and achieve higher performance levels.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Managed high-performing teams to successfully execute corporate objectives and drive organizational success.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing campaigns, driving significant growth in customer base.
Chief Executive Officer
Kimisitu Sacco Society Ltd
- Guided the board on areas that need strategic focus and decision to help the Sacco achieve on its Vision and Mission
- Steered the development and implementation of Sacco’s strategic plan and guiding the board on necessary amendments
- Provided leadership in ensuring effective policy framework and structures for the smooth running of operations and attainment of the Sacco’s objectives
- Ensured adequacy of procedures, processes and controls to enhance the efficiency of the SACCO
- Maintained mechanism for engaging stakeholders through meetings and other communication channels
- Managed high-performing teams to successfully execute corporate objectives and drive organizational success.
- Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
- Engaged positively with staff and leadership colleagues, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring cost-effective procurement processes.
- Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
- Analyzed and tracked business metrics and made appropriate adjustments to meet supply and demand needs.
- Oversaw major infrastructure upgrades to support rapid growth while minimizing downtime or disruptions to existing services.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
General Manager
Co-op Bank Sacco Society Ltd
- Oversaw day to day activities of the SACCO
- Mobilized savings by recruiting members and proposing to the board Member Savings policies to meet this objective
- Managed efficient disbursement of credit to members and effective repayment
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with introduction of customer feedback system, leading to service improvements and repeat business.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Boosted employee retention by developing comprehensive benefits package and fostering positive work environment.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
General Manager
Waumini Sacco Society Limited
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Ensured efficient disbursement of credit to members and effective repayment in line with the Credit Policy, monitoring repayments and timely action on defaulted loans
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Addressing any weaknesses identified in the day to day verification or arising from the Internal Audit reports for system improvement
- Compliance with statutory requirements by putting up systems and procedures to avoid lapse
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Attend board meetings & advise the board where necessary.
- Developed and implemented SACCO's strategies to increase turnover and manage costs.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
Sacco Administrator
Celtel Sacco Society Limited
10.2004 - 11.2004
- Prepared reports to Board and made recommendations on key areas such as product pricing, loan defaults, etc
- Supervised the carrying out of daily Sacco operations.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Provided exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders through prompt response times and thorough issue resolution efforts.
- Supervised administrative support staff members, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship that contributed to their professional growth and development.
Accountant / Manager
King-size Sacco Society Limited
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Maintained accounting controls by establishing chart of accounts and defining accounting policies and procedures.
- Enforced and established proper accounting methods, policies and principles.
- Met accounting financial objectives by forecasting requirements, preparing annual budgets and scheduling expenditures.
- Avoided legal challenges by understanding current and proposed legislation, enforcing accounting regulations and recommending new procedures.
- Confirmed financial status by monitoring revenue and expenses.
- Enhanced internal controls, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Improved financial reporting accuracy by implementing new accounting software and processes.
- Served as primary liaison between finance department and external auditors during annual reviews.
- Achieved cost reductions with thorough expense analysis and budget management.
- Ensured data integrity by conducting regular account reconciliations, identifying discrepancies, and taking corrective action as needed.
- Oversaw the successful integration of acquired businesses into existing accounting systems and practices.
- Led a team of accountants to successfully complete annual audits on time and within budget.
- Generated monthly and quarterly financial statements for executive review.
- Managed journal entries, collection efforts, reconciliations, and payroll processing.
- Utilized financial software to prepare consolidated financial statements.
- Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
Assistant Internal Auditor
Transoms Sacco Society Limited
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Proactively identified emerging risks within the organization through ongoing research into industry trends and regulatory changes.
- Collaborated with external auditors to ensure timely completion of annual financial audits, maintaining a strong working relationship between both parties.
- Supported management decision-making by preparing clear and concise audit reports highlighting key findings and recommendations.
- Played an active role in special projects or investigations requested by senior management, contributing valuable insights and expertise to achieve desired outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with department managers fostering open communication lines for addressing potential issues or concerns before they escalated into larger problems during audits engagements.
- Contributed to a reduction in material misstatements by diligently reviewing accounting records and financial statements for accuracy and completeness.
- Improved company''s compliance with regulations by assisting in the development of robust internal policies and procedures.
- Enhanced internal control systems by conducting comprehensive audits and providing insightful recommendations.
- Assisted in the identification of potential fraud risks by performing detailed data analysis on financial transactions.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
Accounts Clerk / Cash Office Clerk
Transcom Sacco Society Limited
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Handling of Society’s debt management function
- Daily receipting and banking of cash & cheques
- Assisting the Accountant in preparing bank reconciliation statements
- Preparation of monthly cash-flow statements to guide Credit department in disbursement of loans.
Accounts Clerk
Psychological Services Limited
01.1989 - 01.1990
- Processing receipts & payments
- Preparation of invoices and collecting debts
- Preparation of bank reconciliation statements.
Casual clerk
Plastics & Rubber Industries Limited
01.1988 - 01.1989
- Prepared purchases orders to suppliers
- Received and confirmed invoices from suppliers against LPOs
- Posted monthly purchases to ledger.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks, ensuring timely completion of each assignment.
- Reduced errors in data entry by carefully inputting information into computer systems with attention to detail.
- Provided quality clerical support through data entry, document management, email correspondence, and overseeing operation of office equipment.
Education
Master of Science - Entrepreneurship
Jomo Kenyatta Univ. Of Agriculture & Technology
Nairobi, Kenya06.2024
Bachelor of Science - International Business Administration
United States International University - Africa
Nairobi, Kenya08.2011
Professional Certification - Certified Public Accountant
Kenya Accountants & Secretaries Nat. Exam. Board
Nairobi, Kenya06.2003
High School Diploma -
Giakanja High School
Nyeri, Kenya11.1985
Skills
- Co-operative Management
- Credit Unions Management
- Risk Management
- Executive Leadership
- Staff Management
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Growth
- Ethical Leadership
- Operational Efficiency
- Public relations
- Process Improvements
- Negotiation
- Relationship Management
- Budget Planning
- Policy Development
- Business Management
- Consulting
- Change Management
- Corporate Governance
- Leadership and People Development
- Results Orientation
Languages
English, Kiswahili and Kikuyu (Spoken and written)
Maritalstatus
Married
Religion
Christian
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 05/14/67
- Nationality: Kenyan
References
- Hon. Justice Patrick Kiage, JA, CBS, ICUDE, Former Chairman, Sheria Sacco Society Limited & Judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya, P.O. Box 34390 – 00100 Nairobi, +254 720 436 199, kiage2006@yahoo.com
- Kennedy Auka, Director, Projects & Finance, SPA Infosuv East Africa Limited, P.O. Box 3494-00506 Nairobi, +254 20 5100 234, +254 720 361 420, kenauka@gmail.com
- Jack Odhiambo, Internal Auditor, Head of Finance & Administration, Christian Health Association of Kenya, P O Box 30690 - 00100 Nairobi, 0721 – 286 752, jodhiambo@chak.or.ke OR jomondis@yahoo.com
Training
- 2003, Certificate in CMIS Sacco software, CODIC Limited
- 2004, Computer Driving License, Computer aided learning
Volunteer Experience
- Board Resource, AMREF Health Africa, Kenya (2024 to date)
- Member of the Advisory Committee of Development Finance Institute (K) (2023 to date)
- Council Member of the Operations Working Group, SACCO Central Society Ltd ( 2021 - March 2024)
- Steering Committee Member of Nairobi County Sacco CEOs Forum (2014 - March 2024)
- Member of the Sacco CEOs ICT forum (2011 - 2012)
- Member of the Select Committee charged with the task of forming and registering a Sacco for Kingdom Affirmation Church, Kasarani (2001)
Affiliations
- Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)
- Associate member CPA Australia
Timeline
Sacco Administrator
Celtel Sacco Society Limited
10.2004 - 11.2004
General Manager
Waumini Sacco Society Limited
01.2004 - 01.2011
Accountant / Manager
King-size Sacco Society Limited
01.1998 - 01.2004
Assistant Internal Auditor
Transoms Sacco Society Limited
01.1997 - 01.1998
Accounts Clerk / Cash Office Clerk
Transcom Sacco Society Limited
01.1996 - 01.1997
Accounts Clerk
Psychological Services Limited
01.1989 - 01.1990
Casual clerk
Plastics & Rubber Industries Limited
01.1988 - 01.1989
Chief Executive Officer
Sheria Sacco Society Ltd
Chief Executive Officer
Kimisitu Sacco Society Ltd
General Manager
Co-op Bank Sacco Society Ltd
Master of Science - Entrepreneurship
Jomo Kenyatta Univ. Of Agriculture & Technology
Bachelor of Science - International Business Administration
United States International University - Africa
Professional Certification - Certified Public Accountant
Kenya Accountants & Secretaries Nat. Exam. Board
High School Diploma -
Giakanja High School
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