Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Languages

Timeline

Hi, I’m

Robert Kebabe

Summary

Robust professional with Commercial Finance experience coupled with Strategic planning and insights dexterity in all aspects of Revenue and Resource management optimization. This experience is in a multi-cultural work environment which is also heavily regulated. My experience spans across 17 markets within East Africa, Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Islands. This is coupled with my leading an Area team based in 6 countries. I have grown Area Net Turnover, Gross Margin in high single digits year on year, whilst utilizing limited brand and non brand spend to grow volumes and market share in a heavily regulated trading and operating macro and micro environment. This was executed in a heavily taxed environment. The above coupled with my team leadership abilities have been fundamental in ultimately driving the successful execution of growth strategies to the bottom-line in my markets informed with appropriate pricing decisions.

Motivated Head of Finance promoting more than 15 years of proficiency in identifying and analyzing commercial finance trends and partnering with other departmental leaders. Action-oriented individual with experience tracking actual business results against plans, delivering high single digit growth year on year. Experienced in commercial growth strategies in the FMCG and renewable energy sector. Offering exceptional issue resolution and staff mentorship and training skills.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

D.light Kenya

Head of Finance

12.2022 - Current

Job overview

Company Overview: d.light Ltd is a Global leader and pioneer in delivering affordable solar-powered solutions for people in the developing world without access to electricity grid. D.light has four hubs in Africa, China, South Asia and the United States.
Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the company's vision, mission, and long-term objectives.
Identify growth opportunities, assess financial risks, and recommend strategic initiatives to optimize financial performance.
Oversee the annual & quarterly budgeting and forecasting processes to ensure accuracy and alignment with business goals.
Driving margin reviews and ensuring revenue and Gross margin growth in the Kenya business.
Ensure timely and accurate monthly financial reporting in accordance with relevant accounting principles and regulatory requirements.
Oversee treasury functions, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and foreign exchange risk management.
Collaborate with stakeholders to secure necessary funding for expansion and other strategic initiatives & projects.
Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance.
Identify and assess financial risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, and monitor risk exposure across the organization.
Build and lead a high-performing finance team, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Conduct in-depth financial analysis, variance analysis, and performance metrics reporting for various business units and projects.
Manage grant funding from our partners e.g SHELL.
Track carbon credit revenue, help drive focused commercial growth decisions so as to support business growth.
Logistical management for our imported products from China.
Enhanced internal control systems and procedures to mitigate risk and support opportunities.
Analyzed financial statements against forecasts to prepare high-level variance analysis.
Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new department employees.
Implemented and regularly reviewed financial controls to generate accurate and reliable financial data.
Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Conducted financial due diligence on potential investments and acquisitions.
Utilized financial software to prepare consolidated financial statements.
Created financial dashboards to provide insights into key performance indicators.
Collaborated with C-level executives and stakeholders to develop long-term financial plans.
Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
Performed detail month MIS analysis and reviews.
Improve bottomline performance by proactively managing and optimizing overheads by over 40%.

British American Tobacco Kenya

Commercial Finance Manager ECAA (Revenue)

10.2013 - 03.2020

Job overview

Robust professional with Commercial Finance experience coupled with Strategic planning and insights dexterity in all aspects of Revenue and Resource management optimization
This experience was in a multi-cultural work environment which was also heavily regulated by the government.
My experience spans across 17 markets within East Africa, Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Islands as i played an above market oversight role.
I grew Area Net Turnover, Gross Margin in high single digits year on year, whilst utilizing limited brand and non brand spend to grow volumes and market share in a heavily regulated trading and operating macro and micro environment.
Pricing margin calls for the value chain i.e From Distributors, wholesalers and Retailers. I led the price margin calls for the various countries.
Running various pricing scenario analysis based on various expected macro and micro changes.
Led New product innovations (NPI) introduction and pricing to Kenya and east Africa
Engagement with key external stakeholders e.g Distributors, wholesalers, retailers & government authorities coupled with pricing scenario planning was a part of my day to day job
Driving pricing, excise & tax strategy both long and short term.
Pricing modelling across the different markets in ECA (East and central Africa) was a fundamental aspect of my role.
Performing long term budgeting 10 years, 5 years for the 17 markets.
Leading the annual budgeting process and quarterly forecast reviews.
The above coupled with my team leadership abilities have been fundamental in ultimately driving the successful execution of growth strategies to the bottom-line in my markets informed with appropriate pricing decisions
Competition monitoring & analysis in East Africa.
Business partnering to the Commercial team and having a dotted reporting line to the Marketing Director
Commercial Finance experience coupled with marketing spend tracking & budgeting for brand and non brand spend.
ROI reviews on various marketing spends.
Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
Collaborated with C-level executives and stakeholders to develop long-term financial plans.
Complied with established internal controls and policies.
Created financial dashboards to provide insights into key performance indicators.

British American Tobacco Kenya

Compliance Manager

01.2012 - 09.2013

Job overview

Managing cluster and end-market compliance with group policies and guidelines
Upskilling various local teams to ensure understanding and alignment with group best practices & policies
Advised Finance Director of all complex compliance risk areas, acting as the first port of call for different compliance queries
Liaised and worked collaboratively with business partners, understanding areas of success and where improvement was required
Collated and reported on KPIs, analyzing areas of shortfall and taking various actions to drive improvements
Confirmed business is current with regulatory compliance, ensuring the continuation of legal trade
Reviewed company compliance program to identify potential gaps and opportunities for improvement
Generated regular reports to control governance group on contract certainty
Gauged business risk and evaluated compliance violations, reporting findings to senior management
Monitored company compliance with regulations and internal policies to verify that relevant standards and requirements were met

British American Tobacco Uganda

Operations Finance Manager ECAA (Revenue)

06.2011 - 12.2012

Job overview

Company Overview: Uganda was one of the main Regional global leaf centers of excellence in BAT
Optimizing main tobacco product cost element of Leaf growing costs and minimizing supply chain costs
Tracked and logged expenses, ensuring spending remained within approved budgets
Evaluated finances to assess budget and controls and identify areas for improvement
Uganda was one of the main Regional global leaf centers of excellence in BAT

British American Tobacco Kenya

Strategy & Planning Manager

10.2008 - 06.2011

Job overview

Undertaking and Consolidating group company plan and quarterly group reporting
Maintained strict compliance with data security protocols, safeguarding sensitive company data from vulnerabilities
Conducted thorough business evaluations to assess strengths, weaknesses and operational efficiency
Conducted in-depth market analysis, reviewing competitor and consumer behaviours to inform strategic planning
Presented findings, projections and recommendations for business improvements, suggesting amendments to increase operational performance
Monitored project progression closely, promptly implementing changes to underperforming sectors
Presented recommendations based on current market trends and opportunities, maintaining relevance in competitive markets
Performed market analysis to gather industry insights and inform strategic plans
Aligned business planning and financial processes with performance improvements
Organized data and modelled information for use in key decision-making

British American Tobacco Kenya

Senior Internal Auditor

07.2006 - 09.2008

Job overview

Performing international and local audits across Africa and Middle East to ensure adherence to set out controls, policies and guidelines
Communicated with all levels of management to address areas of concern and change work practices to fulfil audit requirements
Monitored execution of required follow-up activities on audit outcomes for timely realization of improvements
Led multiple assignments simultaneously, taking responsibility for completion before set deadlines
Investigated financial statements to confirm compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable laws
Took a proactive role in fraud prevention and detection across business units
Liaised with the manager on audit plan, extent and duration of work to map out workflow for maximum efficiency
Identified potential problems and areas of risk and used initiative to proactively propose solutions

British American Tobacco Rwanda

Finance Manager

01.2005 - 06.2006

Job overview

Financial Accounting, budget control and undertaking business right-sizing financial analysis in Rwanda
My job entailed up-skilling local teams with relevant financial know how
I was part of the team that right-sized Rwanda
Coordinated smooth operation of monthly payroll, facilitating timely employee payments
Trained and mentored junior finance team members in accounting processes to enhance overall team performance
Collated, prepared and interpreted reports, budgets, accounts and financial statements to assist senior management decision-making
Oversaw all financial business affairs, verifying they are conducted legally and professionally with full regulatory compliance
Represented organization with regulatory bodies and key stakeholders
Directed financial team, established controls and set policies for optimum operational results
Partnered with senior operations leadership on budgetary and financial management decisions
Produced year-end financial statements in line with regulatory standards

British American Tobacco Kenya

Financial Analyst

01.2003 - 01.2004

Job overview

Undertaking performance reviews of actual performance versus plan and driving desired corrective action
Performing management presentations on business unit performance
Brand performance reviews
Country OHs optimization
CAPEX management
Conducted new business development to create new market pathways and encourage business growth
Re-forecasted through collection of crucial data points, driver-based trend analysis and input from finance partners
Conducted ad-hoc analysis and problem-solving to secure relevant information and identify critical issues

British American Tobacco Kenya

Graduate Management Trainee

01.2001 - 12.2002

Job overview

Graduate Trainee program undertaken over 2 years with local and regional exposure across all facets of Finance

Kenya Power & Lighting Company Limited

Revenue Accountant

10.1999 - 10.2000

Job overview

Revenue protection officer dealing with company debt scheduling and company debt collection in line with agreed targets

Education

Strathmore College
Nairobi

Certified Public Accountant from Accounting And Finance

06-2005

Kenyatta University
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya

Bachelor of Commerce from Finance And Accounting

Skills

Cross-functional team leadership
Business process improvement
Corporate governance
Internal controls implementation
Business forecasting
Budget planning
Analytical and critical thinking
Profit maximization techniques
Cost reduction strategies
Stakeholder relationship management

Strategic financial planning
Cash flow management
Financial reporting and analysis
ROI delivery
Internal controls management
Reporting
Performance metrics evaluation
Financial forecast model development
KPI tracking

Languages

English, Swahili, German

Native language

Timeline