CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

Description

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) | AQUASANTEC INTERNATIONAL

Lead financial strategy. Shape business performance. Drive regional growth.

Aquasantec International is seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic financial leadership across its multi-country operations and play a pivotal role in the Group’s next phase of growth.

Aquasantec is a regional manufacturer and distributor of essential Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), agricultural and industrial solutions. Founded in Kenya, the Group has grown into a recognized regional business, with operations across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia. 

Its flagship Kenyan brand, Kentank, has been ranked number one in its category on multiple occasions.

We are looking for a commercially astute, analytically rigorous and execution-focused finance leader who can translate financial insight into business performance, strengthen governance and controls, optimize working capital, and support sustainable, profitable growth across the Group.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CFO will serve as a peer executive to the COO and a standing member of the Executive Committee (ExCo), with direct engagement with the Board and key external stakeholders.

This is a strategic leadership role for a finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with sound commercial judgement, operational understanding and the ability to lead finance teams across multiple jurisdictions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Group Financial Strategy & Performance

• Lead Group-wide financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance management.
• Deliver accurate, timely, IFRS-compliant management accounts, consolidated financial reports and Board packs.
• Monitor EBITDA performance, analyze variances, and provide actionable insights into profitability drivers.

Translate financial data into clear recommendations that inform executive and Board decisions.

2. Commercial Finance & Profitable Growth

• Partner with the CEO and COO to identify growth opportunities, improve operational efficiency and strengthen returns.
• Analyze product-level costs, margins and pricing across subsidiaries.

› Evaluate major contracts, investments and financing proposals through robust financial modelling and risk-return analysis.

• Drive working capital optimization, cash flow discipline, liquidity management and inventory efficiency.

3. Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish and maintain consistent Group-wide financial policies, controls and reporting standards.
• Oversee tax, statutory and regulatory compliance across operating jurisdictions.
• Manage financial risks, capital structure and lender covenant obligations.
• Lead external audit processes and maintain accurate, reliable financial records.

4. Capital, Stakeholder & Lender Management

• Serve as a key financial counterpart to lenders, investors, external auditors and regulators.
• Oversee debt covenant monitoring, compliance reporting and financial risk management.

> Support capital-raising initiatives and financing decisions that advance the Group’s strategic priorities.

5. Executive Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, develop and strengthen the capability of Country Administration and Finance teams.
• Drive accountability, disciplined execution and consistency across country operations.
• Collaborate with the ExCo to align financial priorities with commercial and operational objectives.

• Present complex financial matters with clarity, confidence and sound judgement.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related discipline.

• A strong professional accounting qualification; Chartered Accountant status is preferred, while CPA, ACCA or CIMA will be considered.
• An MBA or postgraduate qualification in Finance is an added advantage.
• Proven senior financial leadership experience in a multi-country or multi-subsidiary manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• A Big Four audit firm background is a mandatory requirement.
• Strong expertise in financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, IFS reporting and management of financial controls.
• Experience managing lender relationships, debt covenants and financing obligations will be strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead finance teams across multiple jurisdictions and engage confidently with Boards and executive leadership.

› A strong understanding of commercial drivers, operational finance, working capital and business profitability.

• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and stakeholder-management skills.
• High integrity, sound judgement, attention to detail and a strong bias for execution.
• Knowledge of East African markets and their regulatory environments will be an added advantage.

LOCATION & MOBILITY

This is a Group-wide executive appointment.

The successful candidate must be willing and able to be based in any of the Group’s subsidiaries. depending on business requirements, and to travel across the Group’s operating markets as required.

Candidates should therefore be comfortable leading across borders, working with diverse teams and adapting to the demands of a growing regional business.

WHY JOIN AQUASANTEC?

• Executive influence: Work directly with the CEO, COO, Board and Executive Committee.
• Regional impact: Shape financial strategy and performance across a multi-country business.
• Commercial ownership: Influence growth, profitability, investment decisions and operational efficiency.
• Leadership opportunity: Build strong finance capabilities and drive consistent standards across subsidiaries.
• Purpose-driven business: Contribute to a business delivering essential water, sanitation, agricultural and industrial solutions across the region.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are a strategic finance leader with the technical depth, commercial insight and executive presence to make a measurable difference, we invite you to apply.

Submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant leadership experience and suitability for this role.

Email: resume@kentainers.asti-group.com

Subject line: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER – AQUASANTEC INTERNATIONAL

Application deadline: 31 October 2026

Please indicate your experience in multi-country manufacturing or FMCG finance, your Big Four audit background, and your willingness to be based in any of the Group’s subsidiaries.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To apply for this job email your details to resume@kentainers.asti-group.com.