James Njiru

Finance and operations leader with over fifteen years of progressive experience across construction, manufacturing, joinery, property, healthcare and professional services. Currently principal financial advisor to the Group CEO of a five-entity group, directing consolidated reporting, treasury and cash flow, statutory compliance (KRA, SHA) and HR and administration. CPA(K) with a record of building finance functions, strengthening internal controls, recovering aged receivables and giving executives and boards clear, decision-ready reporting.

Seeking a senior finance and operations role where disciplined stewardship and accountability drive organisational impact.

Group Finance & Operations Manager - Paksa Group Ltd - Nairobi

(2022-06)

Diversified group of five entities: Paksa Construction, Defurn Ltd (joinery and fit-outs), Delift (lift installation and maintenance), Dechem (tile adhesive manufacturing) and a Property Management Division.

• Principal financial advisor to the Group CEO, providing finance and operational leadership across five business units and a residential property portfolio.
• Direct group cash flow, treasury, budgeting and consolidated financial reporting to support strategic decisions.
• Own the group tax compliance calendar (VAT, PAYE, withholding and corporate tax), engaging KRA and SHA directly to manage regulatory exposure.
• Lead debtor management, project invoicing and revenue recovery; negotiate with creditors during cash flow pressure.
• Manage legal matters, including debt recovery litigation and employment disputes, with external counsel.
• Oversee HR and administration: payroll supervision, recruitment support, employee relations and policy implementation across all entities.
• Manage the residential apartment portfolio: rent collection, occupancy, tenant engagement, maintenance coordination and sales support.
• Recovered multiple high-value receivables through structured legal and commercial channels, improving group liquidity.
• Reduced regulatory exposure through proactive KRA, SHA and statutory compliance, avoiding penalties and disruption.
• Designed and rolled out an executive reporting framework across all entities, giving unified financial and operational visibility for the first time.
• Kept operations running without default through extended cash flow stress by negotiating with creditors and accelerating collections.

Accountant - Creative Joiners Ltd - Nairobi

(2018-03 - 2022-05)

Joinery, furniture manufacturing and interior fit-out for high-value residential and commercial clients.

• Owned end-to-end accounting and finance, establishing a disciplined financial management environment.
• Prepared monthly management accounts, cash flow plans and project costing reports for operational and commercial decisions.
• Managed payables, receivables, supplier payments and statutory deductions (VAT, PAYE, withholding tax).
• Processed payroll; maintained fixed asset registers and inventory records for accurate project costing.
• Coordinated external audits; primary liaison for banks and account reconciliations.
• Overhauled debtor follow-up, materially reducing outstanding receivables and shortening collection cycles.
• Strengthened internal controls and reporting, raising the standard of financial governance.
• Delivered consistent statutory compliance and timely tax filings over a four-year tenure, with zero penalty incidents.

Finance Manager - Mellech Engineering and Construction Ltd - Nairobi

(2016-01 - 2018-02)

Construction company.

• Led a finance team of four, overseeing monthly close, balance sheet reconciliations and adherence to financial policy.
• Prepared project budgets and monitored variances to improve project-level returns.
• Introduced process improvements that raised team efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Resolved a long-standing KRA tax dispute through negotiation and documentation, protecting the company from potential liabilities.

Accounts Assistant (Accounts Receivable Lead) - Chogoria Mission Hospital

(2012-09 - 2015-12)

• Led the accounts receivable department of six: debtor allocation, reconciliations and timely invoicing.
• Worked with the Health Information team to process patient insurance claims accurately and promptly.
• Introduced proactive follow-up on unsettled accounts, improving collections and reducing aged debt.

Accountant - Ragogo Masterbuilders and Construction Ltd

(2010-04 - 2012-10)

Construction company.

• Handled general bookkeeping, procurement, banking operations, casual labour payroll and payment processing.

Finance Consultant - Richemele International Ltd

(2017-01 - 2024-03)

HR consulting firm (advisory work alongside full-time roles).

• Built the finance department from the ground up: chart of accounts, internal controls and operating procedures.
• Established a full payroll system and drafted employment and engagement contracts aligned with Kenyan labour law.
• Advised on project profitability, sustainability, and tax and statutory compliance.

Finance Consultant (Tax & Accounting) - Silverball Group

(2017-03 - 2020-12)

Digital studio and web development company.

• Delivered tax advisory and filing services; designed accounting procedures that improved financial control and cost visibility.
• Advised management on cost management strategies to support profitability and assess the viability of commercial contracts.

CPA(K), Certified Public Accountant of Kenya - Meru National Polytechnic (2010 - 2013)

Bachelor of Commerce - Banking & Finance - Mount Kenya University (2028)