Peter Mutuku

A result driven Accountant with over 9 years of accounting and finance experience, including Manufacturing, Transport and FMCG environments, specializing in statutory and audit compliance, fleet management, reconciliations, general ledger management, monthly management accounts, financial reporting budgeting and cash flow forecasting. Skilled in Bank, Receivables, Payables, Stock Reconciliations, and production and operational cost control, budget variance reporting and financial analysis. Adept in strengthening internal controls, improving and supporting financial accuracy and providing management with timely financial insights to support operational efficiency and profitability.

Financial Accountant at Nala Tea Company Limited | Zalika Foods Limited | Sereni Tea EPZ Limited (Zalika and Sereni are Subsidiaries of Nala Tea Co. Limited) (2023-06 – 2026-09)

• Manage the integrity of the general ledger by reviewing daily financial transactions, ensuring accurate posting, proper coding, and timely reconciliation of bank accounts, receivables, payables, and balance sheet schedules.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes by investigating and resolving accounting discrepancies, clearing unreconciled balances, and ensuring timely preparation of accurate financial records and reports.
• Work with the Production, Procurement and Warehouse Teams to budget and review production related expenses and improve financial accountability.
• Prepare cost analysis reports to support product profitability, operational planning and management decision.
• Analyze actual expenditure against budgets and forecasts, investigate for any significant variances and provide recommendations to management.
• Monitor and review manufacturing and operational costs, identify cost drivers and opportunities for improved cost efficiency.
• Prepare, Monitor and Review transport operational costs, including fuel, maintenance and Trip related costs.
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Conduct detailed financial and variance analysis against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods, providing actionable insights and recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Prepare and review financial statements, supporting schedules, and management reports in compliance with applicable accounting standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of statutory returns and financial disclosures while ensuring consistency, accuracy, and integrity of financial data across all reporting platforms.
• Support the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial performance reports by analyzing actual results against targets and recommending corrective actions where necessary.
• Monitor cash flow movements, prepare cash flow projections, and provide financial insights and cost-saving recommendations to ensure adequate liquidity and improved financial performance.
• Prepare and issue accurate monthly and periodic profit and loss statements, ensuring timely reporting of revenue, direct costs, operating expenses, and overall business profitability.
• Analyze profitability trends and key cost drivers while providing recommendations to management on strategies for improving financial performance and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with local tax laws, accounting standards, and statutory regulations by preparing and reviewing VAT, PAYE, withholding tax, corporate tax, and other regulatory returns accurately and on time.
• Liaise with tax authorities and regulatory bodies on audits, assessments, and compliance matters while identifying tax risks and recommending corrective measures to minimize financial exposure and penalties.
• Coordinate internal and external audit activities by preparing audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation while serving as the primary liaison for auditors, tax consultants, and regulators.
• Respond promptly to audit queries, implement audit recommendations, and strengthen internal control systems to improve compliance, accountability, and financial governance.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, financial procedures, and internal controls to enhance operational efficiency, safeguard company assets, and minimize financial risks.
• Monitor compliance with internal financial policies by conducting periodic reviews, ensuring proper segregation of duties, and identifying weaknesses in financial systems and control processes.
• Manage Daily, Weekly, Monthly and End Year warehouse operations by monitoring Tea Market Anaysis and Materials Purchase, vessel Estimated Arrival (EAT) and Departure Times (EDT) by monitoring Tea Purchased loading schedules and receipts in the warehouse, issues, transfers, dispatches, returns, and adjustments, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded and properly supported by documentation.
• Monitor Purchase, Payment, Loading, Offloading, Production, Weighing of finished products.
• Monitor Health and Cleanliness of Warehouse Staff including Form B, Staff Medical Reports, cleanliness and ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System (FSMS)) Compliance.
• Monitor the safety and security of the Tea and Materials Purchased.
• Monitor Clients Packing, Shipping and Documentation Requirements Container Collection and Fumigation.
• Issuing Invoices EPZ, Foreign and Local Teas for shipment purposes.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes by investigating and resolving stock discrepancies, clearing unreconciled balances, and ensuring timely preparation of accurate stock records and reports.
• Monitor and Ensure compliance with the local, international, regulatory and industry compliance governing the Tea Industry and Logistics.
• Monitor compliance with requirements from East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA), Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE),Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), KRA, KEBS, EPZA, customs, shipping lines, and other relevant authorities.
• Ensure clients order and contracts are well communicated and received by the warehouse teams as per type of shipment, port of delivery, quality, quantity, packaging, particular country documentation, pricing, and delivery requirements.
• Monitor Health and Cleanliness of Warehouse Staff including Form B, Staff Medical Reports, cleanliness and ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System (FSMS)),HALAL, Occupational Safety Health Authority (OSHA) Compliance.
• Maintain accurate both softcopy and physical records and ensure all transactions and processes are properly documented, traceable, and audit-ready by filing.
• Work with the Production, Procurement and other warehouse Teams to budget and review production related expenses and improve financial accountability.
• Prepare cost analysis reports to support stock, product profitability, operational planning and management decision.
• Analyze actual stock against budgets and forecasts, investigate for any significant variances and provide recommendations to management.
• Prepare Stock Gains and Losses and Damages and record Sample Tea Quality versus Physical Stock delivered in the Warehouse.
• Monitor all stock handling procedures to minimize damages, losses, misplacements and operational inefficiencies while ensuring proper utilization of warehouse space.
• Ensure all Incoming Materials and Outgoing finished products or damaged materials are properly documented, verified by weighing or any other applicable procedure in accordance with the companies policy.
• Oversee, Monitor and conduct physical daily, weekly, monthly and End of Year and identify gains, losses, shortages and damages.
• Investigate significant stock variances by reviewing invoices, warehouse receipts and other supporting documents, transaction records and warehouse movements, and provide recommendations to management for corrective action.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments by providing financial analysis, accounting guidance, and operational support for new projects, investments, and business initiatives.
• Assess financial risks, evaluate operational impacts, and support the implementation of new systems, policies, and process improvements to enhance business performance and decision-making.

Financial Accountant at Waso Tea Enterprise Limited (2020-10 – 2023-05)

• Oversee comprehensive financial planning processes for both short-term and long-term objectives, which includes creating budgets, forecasting financial outcomes, and managing working capital. This involves setting financial goals and evaluating current and future needs to maintain alignment with the company’s financial health.
• Lead the preparation and analysis of monthly financial reports, which includes monitoring expenditures and evaluating financial performance to keep leadership informed on budget adherence and financial goals.
• Develop and execute strategies to manage working capital efficiently, focusing on cash flow optimization to ensure the business has adequate funds to meet day-to-day operational expenses.
• Lead the preparation of capital and operational budgets, track spending against these budgets, and conduct financial modeling to evaluate potential scenarios and outcomes.
• Perform detailed financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic decisions, providing insights into market trends, performance metrics, and potential business growth areas.
• Strengthen internal financial controls across processes, from procurement to payments, to ensure accurate and secure financial transactions.
• Identify, assess, and manage financial risks, such as currency fluctuations, credit risk, and liquidity challenges. Develop and implement policies to mitigate these risks effectively.
• Supervise the collection process for outstanding debts, ensuring timely payments and minimizing overdue accounts.
• Regularly monitor banking activities to maintain sufficient cash flow levels, ensuring the organization can meet its financial obligations without disruptions.
• Lead the finance team by setting performance targets, offering ongoing coaching, and ensuring team members have opportunities for skill development. This fosters a high-performing finance department that achieves both individual and departmental goals.
• Supervise the preparation of internal and external financial reports to maintain transparency and adherence to regulatory standards. Ensure accuracy in reporting by implementing review processes that identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage internal and external audits, ensuring successful and compliant audit outcomes. This involves implementing audit schedules and working with auditors to ensure adherence to financial regulations.
• Maintain compliance with financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring that all financial statements meet required benchmarks for accuracy and transparency.
• Oversee global tax planning efforts, ensuring the organization adheres to local and international tax regulations, including Income Tax, VAT, and other statutory obligations.
• Serve as a liaison between the organization, employees, shareholders, and external stakeholders to address and resolve financial matters efficiently.
• Prepare and present financial reports tailored to the needs of investors, donors, and other stakeholders, maintaining transparency and confidence in the organization’s financial standing.

General Accountant at Summer Liner Company Limited | Aroma General Traders Limited (2016-01 – 2020-09)

• Produce accurate financial reports, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements for management review using SAP/QuickBooks (ERP).
• Oversee and maintain the organization’s financial records, ensuring they are accurate and comply with regulatory standards.
• Assist in the preparation of the organization’s budget, analyzing financial data for projections and forecasts.
• Manage both payable and receivable processes, ensuring timely payments and collections.
• Ensure all financial operations comply with relevant laws, regulations, and internal controls, supporting audit processes.
• Prepare and file tax returns, ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal tax laws.
• Oversee payroll functions, ensuring accurate and timely employee payments and compliance with payroll laws.
• Develop and enforce policies for maintaining internal controls and improving financial integrity.
• Perform regular reconciliations of bank accounts to ensure accurate cash balances.
• Provide cost analysis and financial advice to improve business efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Serve as a key point of contact between finance and other departments, auditors, and external stakeholders.
• Lead the month-end and year-end closing process, ensuring all financial statements are prepared and reviewed.
• Monitor cash flows to ensure the organization maintains sufficient liquidity to meet obligations.

Bachelor of Business Management in Banking and Finance Option – Mount Kenya University (2015)

Diploma in Business Information Communication & Technology – Institute of Advanced Technology (2011)

KASNEB: CPA Section 2-Intermediate Level – Visions Institute (2016)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education – Kwa Nthanze Secondary School (2009)