Jesee Wanjau

Senior management and governance leader with more than 15 years of experience managing multi-county portfolios in Kenya, strengthening operations, strategic human resource, administrative and financial accountability across different environments. Demonstrated success strengthening HR management systems, improving operational processes, and safeguarding resources. Trusted advisor to leadership teams on effective operations, financial stewardship, internal controls, and people management.

My strengths lie in my strong leadership capabilities and abilities to analyze, organize, interpret and solve organizational complex challenges through driving change initiatives, enhanced operational efficiency, effective supervision of Human resource functions while ensuring an effective performance management system that maintains a healthy working environment, and a motivated workforce.

HR Operations Manager - Micro – Choice Kenya Ltd - Nairobi, Kenya

(2021-07)

Micro Choice Kenya Ltd Is a Micro- Finance company that provides loan facilities to the small and medium businesses with branches in Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru counties. We provide customized solutions to assist the FMCGs business person deal with their short term cashflow challenges.

• Leading strategic business planning, performance monitoring and bridging the gap between people and the overall achievement of organizational goals.
• Oversee human resource management including talent acquisition, recruitment, onboarding, staff training, performance management, and employee development programs.
• Ensuring an efficiently run business activities that is profitable, sustainable while ensuring efficient human resource functions are well coordinated across multiple business units.
• Manage financial operations, budget allocation, and resource optimization to ensure operational efficiency.
• Direct branch operations supervise branch managers and coordinate multi-location activities to maintain organizational alignment which ensures harmony and collaboration across different locations
• Implement change management initiatives and crisis resolution strategies
• Prepare comprehensive financial and management performance reports.
• Maximize employee productivity by identifying performance gaps and developing effective customized solutions
• Financial management: developing and implementation of financial strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure efficient financial operations.
• Fostering a healthy and a safe working environment and maintaining motivation.
• Maintain performance management dashboards and review individual performance and give feedback.
• Successfully managed organizational restructuring and change management initiatives.
• Improved operational efficiency through implementation of standardized processes across branches.
• Enhanced employee productivity through targeted training and development programs.
• Maintained regulatory compliance and implemented robust internal controls
• Streamlined staff onboarding mechanisms

Finance, Admin & HR officer - Architect Ndarua & Associates Ltd - Nairobi, Kenya

(2018-09 - 2021-06)

Architect Ndarua & Associates Ltd is among the most established Architectural companies taking high end projects in Kenya and beyond

• Generated monthly management accounts highlighting performance versus budget, explaining variances, recommending solutions and implementing relevant control measure to keep the company on track towards its annual target and strategic plan.
• Responsible for an end-to-end HR management function in a diverse and dynamic construction environment, handling, negotiating and drawing contracts for other professionals that includes engineers, Quantity surveyors and contractors.
• Handled all administrative duties that includes meeting scheduling, proper management of office documentation, management of travel and other logistics.
• Provided accurate and timely financial service including setting and monitoring of budgets, forecasts, cash flow analysis, management and financial accounts and advice and support to inform decision making at all levels.
• Ensured bank reconciliations are done and any variances ironed out, suppliers paid on time, customers pay on
• Ensured timely and accurate payments to suppliers, fostering strong business relationships
• Actively pursued overdue invoices, enhancing cash flow and reducing outstanding debts
• Ensures that all salaries, advances and other staff payments are made on time. Ensures that all payments for utilities, licenses and the like are made on time.
• Responsible for all statutory reporting, compliance, annual accounts and VAT submissions.
• Developed finance policies and procedures and ensure that these are being consistently followed - including customer and supplier contracts, purchase orders, credit control, and ensuring timely invoicing by suppliers.
• All administrative work including being the custodian of company assets, booking of meetings and maintaining site visits schedules.
• I was actively involved in the development of the companies Human Resource polices and ensured a smooth onboarding process.
• Introduced a streamlined payroll system that improved efficiency and reduced processing errors.
• Cut administrative costs vendor negotiations, lease agreements and improved procurement practices.
• Played a key role in aligning HR and finance systems, improving interdepartmental coordination.
• Spearheaded formulation and implementation 100% tax compliance with KRA.
• Produced monthly management accounts and financial analysis that informed leadership decisions on performance and resource allocation.

Branch Manager - Micro – Choice Kenya Ltd - Nairobi, Kenya

(2015-07 - 2018-06)

This is a Micro credit company that was based in Nairobi town dealing with loan products for FMCG

• Oversaw all operational activities, including customer service, human resources, and administrative functions, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness
• Created financial forecasts, established financial goals, and developed business plans to drive organizational growth and success
• Compiled and analyzed monthly financial management reports, providing valuable insights into financial health of the organization.
• Handled staff payroll management, ensuring precise and timely payroll processing
• Supervised and optimized the financial system, maintaining its effectiveness and reliability
• Administered the budget and allocated funds, ensuring judicious use of financial resources
• Established and enforced financial controls, enhancing financial integrity and compliance
• Played a key role in ensuring growth of the loan portfolio and reduction of defaults to a P.A.R of 2%
• Led an accelerated growth of the organization
• Introduction of new loan products in the market
• Led a motivated workforce that enhanced productivity

Branch Manager - Success Africa Ltd - Nairobi, Kenya

(2014-01 - 2015-06)

This was a startup Micro Credit company in Kikuyu town offering different loan products

• Dealt with all the start-up challenges.
• Recruited, trained and monitored the initial staff of the organization
• Led business planning initiatives focused on growth and customer retention strategies.
• Conducted market analysis and identified sales opportunities within local markets.
• Managed portfolio performance and customer relationship development.
• Addressed customer service issues and employee satisfaction concerns.
• Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
• Developed networking strategies to enhance branch presence and company reputation.
• Managed all the startup challenges and managed to help develop a loan tracking system.
• Overcoming Initial market penetration challenges and navigation the complex market dynamics

Debt Collector - Barclays Bank of Kenya - Nairobi, Kenya

(2013-01 - 2013-12)

• Managed debt collection processes including payment reminders and follow-up procedures.
• Monitored default accounts and implemented recovery strategies.
• Developed customer solutions for payment challenges while maintaining positive relationships.
• Maintained detailed records of collection activities and customer interactions.
• Maintaining a healthy relationship with the loan defaulters.

Internal Audit Assistant - Milango Microfinance - Mombasa, Kenya

(2011-07 - 2012-10)

• Collaborated with Chief Internal Auditor to assess operational risks and implement audit plans.
• Reviewed control systems and evaluated compliance with organizational policies.
• Assessed financial and management information systems for reliability and security.
• Conducted process reviews and recommended operational improvements.
• Performed ad hoc investigations and special reviews as requested by management

Accountant Assistant - Milango Microfinance - Mombasa, Kenya

(2010-03 - 2011-06)

• Assisted in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Processed supplier and consultant payments ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Verified transaction authenticity through comprehensive documentation review.
• Conducted account reconciliations and maintained financial record integrity.
• Managed cash transactions, petty cash records, and bank reconciliations.

Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resource option - KCA University (2020)

Diploma in Business Administration - Business Administration - Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (2009)