Henry Karani

A highly skilled and results-driven finance professional with a strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, cost control, and compliance. Proficient in IFRS, GAAP, and tax regulations, ensuring accuracy in financial statements and adherence to statutory requirements. Adept at financial planning and analysis (FP&A), forecasting, and risk assessment, supporting strategic decision-making and driving business growth.

Expertise in cash flow management, auditing, and internal controls has led to improved financial transparency and operational efficiency. Well-versed in ERP systems such as SAP and Oracle, streamlining processes and enhancing reporting accuracy. Strong stakeholder management skills foster collaboration across finance, procurement, and executive teams, aligning financial strategies with corporate goals.

A proven ability to optimize cost efficiencies, identify financial risks, and implement corrective measures contributes to long-term organizational success. Passionate about driving financial integrity and operational excellence in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Committed to delivering data-driven insights, financial sustainability, and process improvements, making a valuable impact in finance leadership roles.

Cost Controller - Mantrac Kenya Limited

(2013-07)

• Budgeting & Cost Management – Develop and implement cost control strategies to maintain financial sustainability. Monitor budgets across departments, ensuring expenditures align with financial plans. Identify and address cost variances to enhance profitability and efficiency.
• Financial Analysis & Reporting – Conduct variance analysis to compare actual and projected costs, identifying key financial trends. Prepare detailed reports and forecasts to support decision-making. Provide insights on cost structures to optimize financial planning and resource allocation.
• Expense Monitoring & Optimization – Track and analyze company expenses to ensure cost-effective operations. Identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality and performance. Implement strategies to minimize waste and improve budget adherence.
• Inventory & Procurement Cost Control – Monitor inventory valuation and stock levels to prevent financial losses. Control procurement costs by negotiating favorable supplier contracts and optimizing purchasing strategies. Ensure efficient supply chain management by balancing cost control and operational needs.
• Compliance & Risk Management – Ensure all financial activities comply with internal policies and industry regulations. Collaborate with auditors to verify accuracy in financial statements and reports. Identify and mitigate financial risks related to budgeting, expenditures, and cost control.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Process Improvement – Work closely with finance, procurement, and operations teams to improve cost efficiency. Develop and implement cost control procedures to enhance financial discipline. Drive automation and process improvements to improve cost tracking and reporting accuracy.

Acting Management Accountant - Mantrac Kenya Limited

(2022-11 - 2023-04)

• Financial Planning & Budgeting – Developed, implemented, and monitored financial plans to align with business objectives. Prepared annual budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses to ensure financial control. Provided recommendations to optimize budget allocation and enhance cost efficiency.
• Management Reporting & Financial Analysis – Prepared detailed financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. Conducted financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for business growth. Presented financial insights to senior management to support data-driven decision-making.
• Cost Control & Expense Management – Monitored operational costs and implemented cost-saving strategies to improve profitability. Reviewed company expenditures, identified inefficiencies, and recommended corrective actions. Ensured all financial transactions complied with company policies and budgetary constraints.
• Taxation & Regulatory Compliance – Ensured adherence to tax regulations, financial reporting standards, and corporate governance requirements. Prepared and submitted tax returns, VAT filings, and other statutory reports. Coordinated with auditors and regulatory bodies to maintain financial transparency.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management – Managed cash flow to ensure the availability of funds for daily operations. Optimized working capital by monitoring receivables, payables, and inventory levels. Developed financial strategies to maintain liquidity and improve cash flow efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Financial Advisory – Collaborated with department heads to provide financial guidance and strategic planning support. Advised on financial implications of business decisions, investment opportunities, and risk management. Fostered partnerships between finance, procurement, and operations teams to enhance financial efficiency.
• Process Improvement & Systems Optimization – Enhanced financial reporting systems and internal controls to improve accuracy and efficiency. Identified and implemented process improvements to streamline financial operations. Leveraged accounting software and automation tools for better financial data management.

Credit Controller - Mantrac Kenya Limited

(2012-07 - 2013-07)

• Credit Policy Implementation & Risk Management – Developed, enforced, and continuously improved company credit policies to minimize financial risks. Assessed customer creditworthiness and set appropriate credit limits to maintain a balanced risk-reward approach. Ensured compliance with internal credit control guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Accounts Receivable & Debt Collection – Managed accounts receivable and implemented effective debt collection strategies to maintain a healthy cash flow. Monitored overdue accounts, followed up with clients, and negotiated payment plans to recover outstanding debts. Collaborated with legal teams to escalate persistent defaulters and initiate recovery actions.
• Customer Credit Assessment & Approval – Reviewed customer credit applications, conducted financial background checks, and provided recommendations to the credit committee. Analyzed customer payment behavior and industry trends to mitigate potential credit risks. Maintained updated records of customer credit history and payment performance.
• Financial Reporting & Credit Analysis – Prepared credit reports and aged debt analysis for management review. Generated detailed reports on outstanding balances, bad debts, and payment trends to support strategic decision-making.
• Computed and posted debtor provisions in line with company policy and financial reporting standards.
• Legal & Compliance Oversight – Issued demand letters to defaulting customers and facilitated legal proceedings where necessary. Verified bank guarantees, financing letters, and other financial instruments in collaboration with issuing banks. Ensured adherence to legal frameworks and best practices in credit management.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management – Liaised with internal departments, including sales and finance, to ensure a seamless credit approval process. Engaged with customers to maintain positive relationships while ensuring timely payments. Conducted regular debtor meetings to resolve disputes and enhance cooperation.
• Process Improvement & System Optimization – Enhanced credit management processes by identifying inefficiencies and recommending automation solutions. Improved internal controls to mitigate fraud and enhance transparency. Provided training to staff on credit control best practices and financial risk management.

Payables Accountant - Mantrac Kenya Limited

(2007-07 - 2012-07)

• Accounts Payable Management – Processed supplier invoices, verified accuracy, and ensured timely payments to maintain strong vendor relationships. Reviewed and reconciled supplier statements to resolve discrepancies and prevent overdue balances. Maintained updated records of all payables and ensured compliance with company policies.
• Invoice Processing & Verification – Examined purchase orders, contracts, and invoices to ensure proper authorization and accuracy. Matched invoices with supporting documents, including delivery notes and receipts, before processing payments. Investigated and resolved discrepancies between invoices and purchase orders.
• Payment Processing & Cash Flow Management – Scheduled and processed vendor payments via bank transfers, checks, and electronic payment systems. Monitored payment cycles to optimize cash flow and maintain sufficient liquidity for operations. Ensured all payments adhered to company policies and tax regulations.
• Reconciliation & Financial Reporting – Conducted monthly supplier and general ledger reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy. Prepared aging reports and accounts payable summaries for management review. Assisted in financial close processes by providing accurate payable balances and expense accruals.
• Tax & Regulatory Compliance – Ensured compliance with tax regulations by processing VAT, withholding tax, and other statutory deductions. Coordinated with tax authorities and auditors to provide necessary documentation and explanations. Maintained accurate records of tax payments and ensured timely remittances.
• Audit Support & Internal Controls – Assisted in internal and external audits by providing payables records, reconciliations, and supporting documents. Strengthened internal controls by enforcing approval workflows and payment authorization processes. Ensured proper documentation and record-keeping for audit readiness.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Relations – Communicated with suppliers to resolve payment issues, negotiate payment terms, and build positive business relationships. Collaborated with procurement and finance teams to streamline invoice processing and enhance efficiency. Provided financial insights and recommendations to management for improved cost control.

Assistant Accountant - Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd

(2005-01 - 2007-07)

• Financial Transactions & Ledger Management – Processed daily financial transactions for Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, and ledger updates. Maintained accurate and up-to-date accounting records, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory standards. Assisted in the preparation of month-end and year-end financial statements for Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable – Managed supplier invoices for Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd, verified payments, and reconciled supplier statements to ensure timely settlements. Monitored customer accounts, issued invoices, and followed up on outstanding balances to maintain positive cash flow. Processed payments and receipts, ensuring proper documentation and authorization within Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd's financial framework.
• Bank Reconciliation & Cash Flow Management – Conducted regular bank reconciliations for Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd to identify discrepancies and prevent errors. Assisted in cash flow forecasting by tracking inflows and outflows to ensure adequate liquidity for company operations. Coordinated with banks to process payments and resolve financial discrepancies.
• Tax Compliance & Statutory Deductions – Prepared and filed VAT, withholding tax, PAYE, and other statutory deductions in compliance with tax regulations applicable to Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd. Ensured timely remittance of taxes and liaised with tax authorities for audits and clarifications. Maintained accurate tax records and supported compliance with legal requirements for Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd.
• Inventory & Cost Management – Assisted in monitoring stock levels at Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd, verifying inventory records, and reconciling stock discrepancies. Collaborated with procurement and warehouse teams to track material costs and optimize stock management. Provided financial insights to support cost control initiatives within Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd.
• Payroll Processing & Employee Benefits – Assisted in payroll preparation for Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd, ensuring accurate calculation of salaries, deductions, and statutory contributions. Verified payroll reports, processed employee reimbursements, and handled staff-related financial queries. Ensured compliance with labor laws regarding payroll administration within Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd.
• Financial Reporting & Budget Support – Assisted in preparing financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and expense reports for Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd. Supported budgeting processes by providing financial data and variance analysis. Provided financial insights and recommendations to management for informed decision-making.
• Audit & Internal Controls – Assisted in both internal and external audits by providing financial records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Ltd. Strengthened internal controls by ensuring adherence to accounting procedures and approval workflows. Maintained accurate documentation for audit readiness and compliance purposes.

Master of Business Administration - Business Administration and Finance - University of Nairobi (2011-02 - 2013-12)

Bachelor of Arts - Business Studies, Economics and Mathematics - Kenyatta University (2000-01 - 2004-12)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - Mutuma Trinity Secondary School (1997-02 - 1998-09)