Financial Planning & Analysis Lead

Job Description: Financial Planning & Analysis Lead

Function: Finance

Reports To: Head of Finance

About S&S

S&S is a vertically integrated textile solutions provider based in Ruiru, Kenya. We design, produce, and distribute a vast array of textile consumer solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa under our brands, butterfly®, textyle® and Asili.

Our purpose is to Empower Africa’s Potential and Authenticity. We are a team of purpose-driven individuals committed to providing exceptional, proactive solutions that make our customers feel valued and fulfilled. We strive to add value in all we do, with the customer always at the heart of our actions.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join S&S, a vertically integrated textile solutions provider, as we continue to drive growth and operational excellence across Sub-Saharan Africa. As the FP&A Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the organization by providing strategic insights, driving robust planning processes, and influencing key business decisions. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, you will partner with cross-functional teams to optimize profitability, manage costs, and ensure that financial strategy aligns with our purpose of empowering Africa's potential. If you are a curious, data-driven finance professional with a passion for business partnering and a results-oriented mindset, this role offers you the chance to make a tangible impact in a purpose-driven organization.

Core Responsibilities

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Manage and oversee the annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes. Consolidate the comprehensive company-wide budget, linking functional budgets to business unit profitability.
• Financial Modelling & Reporting
• Develop and maintain complex financial models to support decision-making. Monitor profitability by business unit, generate consolidated reports, and translate business strategy into balance sheet and profitability impacts. Prepare investment appraisal reports on an ad-hoc basis.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities. Advise the Head of Finance on potential investments, including generating reports on payback periods and associated risks.

Cost Analysis & Management

• Conduct detailed cost analysis to identify optimization opportunities and process enhancements. Monitor product costing for accuracy and profitability. Implement cost control measures and track their bottom-line impact.

Business Performance & Strategy

• Drive business performance using key predetermined metrics. Support the Head of Finance in setting stretching yet realizable goals during annual planning. Implement and manage cost allocation methods for products and core business processes (production and sales). Advise on resource allocation based on business unit performance.

Process Improvement

• Support the implementation of forecasting tools, methods, and improvements, including shaping key assumptions, quantifying risks and opportunities, and developing mitigation plans.

Key Deliverables

• Annual Budget & Rolling Forecasts: Delivery of a fully consolidated, accurate, and timely annual budget and periodic rolling forecasts that are aligned with functional and business unit goals.
• Business Unit Profitability Reports: Monthly consolidated profitability reports by business unit, complete with actionable insights and recommendations for performance improvement.
• Investment Appraisal Models: Comprehensive financial models and appraisal reports (including payback period and risk assessment) for all significant capital and strategic investments, delivered on an ad-hoc basis.
• Cost Optimization Initiatives: Identification and implementation of cost control measures, with documented tracking and reporting on their impact on the bottom line.
• Strategic Financial Insights: Regular presentations to the Head of Finance and leadership team that translate business strategy into financial impacts and highlight emerging risks and opportunities.
• Process & System Enhancements: Successful implementation of improved forecasting tools, cost allocation methodologies, and financial planning processes that enhance accuracy and efficiency.

What You Bring (Skills & Competencies)

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a business-related field (MBA or advanced degree is a plus).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (ACCA), or Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) certification (or equivalent).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling, with at least 2 years in a functional or team leadership capacity.

Technical Skills

• High proficiency in financial modelling and analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel).
• Experience with financial planning software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial statement analysis, management reporting, and local regulations/statutory requirements.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business strategy into financial impacts and provide forward-looking insights.
• Analytical Rigor: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail capabilities with a results-oriented mindset.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills to partner effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Leadership & Coordination: Proven ability to coordinate, influence, and develop high-performing teams (even without direct reports).
• Thought Leadership: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities and driving continuous improvement.

Our Expectations

At S&S, we look for individuals who don't just do a job, but who live our values. You will be expected to:

• Understand and passionately execute the Company's strategy.
• Be commercially focused and driven by customer growth.
• Be a collaborative problem-solver and a supportive team player.
• Ultimately, be self-driven and accountable for realizing the company's goals.