Optiven Group, a leading real estate and investment company, is seeking to hire a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to provide strategic leadership and direction to the Finance and Accounting function of the organization. This role is central in ensuring the financial integrity, long-term sustainability, and profitability of the group, while aligning the finance operations with the overall corporate strategy. The position will be based at the Global Office in Karen and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
This role requires a seasoned finance leader with the capacity to guide the organization through complex financial landscapes, optimize capital allocation, build and manage a high-performing team, and drive profitability in alignment with the company’s growth trajectory. The successful candidate will demonstrate foresight, analytical ability, and strong financial stewardship to position Optiven Group competitively in the market.
Job Title: Chief Finance Officer
Vacancies: 1
Company: Optiven Group
Department: Finance and Accounting
Location: Global Office – Karen
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Gross Salary: KES 350,000 – KES 400,000
Job Purpose
The Chief Finance Officer will be responsible for leading the Finance and Accounting function at Optiven Group. The role involves developing and implementing a long-term financial strategy, ensuring compliance and accountability in all financial operations, and optimizing the organization’s resources for growth and profitability. Additionally, the CFO will play a key role in risk management, financial reporting, and strategic planning, while fostering a high-performance culture within the finance team.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Planning
- Lead the long-term financial planning for the group in line with the overall corporate strategy, including all strategic business units.
- Act as a strategic partner to the CEO, offering financial expertise and data-driven insights to guide decision-making.
- Utilize macroeconomic trends such as inflation and urban growth to inform strategy and direction.
- Provide market analysis, regulatory risk assessments, and recommendations to the Board of Directors.
- Prioritize capital allocation toward high-potential land corridors and infrastructure projects.
- Align the budgeting process with master planning timelines to ensure proper resource allocation.
- Oversee the budget planning process within established timelines.
Team Leadership
- Provide leadership to foster a motivated, productive, and collaborative team environment.
- Build and manage a high-performing finance team across various functions.
- Oversee all finance team activities to ensure effective operations.
- Collaborate with the Human Resource department to set clear performance targets for team members.
- Lead performance management processes including monthly check-ins, quarterly reviews, and half-year evaluations.
- Foster a culture of accountability, ethics, and agility within the department.
- Ensure succession planning, talent development, and performance improvement across the team.
- Manage disciplinary and grievance issues in collaboration with HR.
- Lead change management processes to improve financial systems and processes.
- Ensure transparent communication and inclusive leadership development.
Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Oversee the preparation of accurate financial reports, budgets, and statements.
- Develop ROI and feasibility models for land acquisitions, subdivisions, and resale projects.
- Support leadership with in-depth financial insights to aid decision-making.
- Apply financial models to determine optimal pricing strategies for inventory items.
- Build capital models for phased development projects.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in all financial reporting processes.
Cash Management and Liquidity
- Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure the company can meet its obligations.
- Ensure availability of funds for operations, debt servicing, and capital projects.
- Manage receivables and collections to maintain liquidity and profitability.
- Optimize asset utilization and investment returns.
- Structure financing deals for land and capital investments.
- Maintain strong relationships with banks, investors, and financial partners.
Financial Operations and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with tax laws, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Streamline financial processes such as payments, receivables, and procurement.
- Collaborate with auditors to ensure compliance and manage risks effectively.
- Ensure timely reporting of cash flows and inventory values.
- Oversee vendor onboarding processes and ensure due diligence.
- Incorporate technology and data analytics to improve efficiency in financial operations.
- Maintain accuracy, transparency, and integrity in financial statements.
Growth and Profitability Optimization
- Collaborate with sales, projects, and legal teams to develop pricing and cash flow strategies.
- Identify opportunities for growth and cost reduction to improve profitability.
- Track costs across acquisition, titling, and infrastructure to protect margins.
- Establish controls over vendor payments and escrow accounts.
- Define revenue recognition policies for multi-phase sales projects.
- Implement cost reduction strategies through efficient planning.
- Monitor landholding costs and plan divestments where necessary.
- Use data insights to optimize marketing, pricing, and buyer conversions.
Risk Management
- Develop and implement internal controls to mitigate financial and operational risks.
- Identify financial, market, credit, and operational risks that could affect business continuity.
- Formulate action plans to mitigate identified risks.
- Advise the Board of Directors on risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including zoning and environmental regulations.
- Build systems to detect compliance breaches and market changes.
- Oversee anti-fraud measures, Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, and maintain audit trails.
- Ensure appropriate insurance, reserves, and legal protections are in place.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
Qualification and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.
- Master’s degree (MBA) in Finance or Strategic Management.
- Professional certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPAK) is required.
- Additional professional certification in investment management is an advantage.
- Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with at least 10 years in financial leadership roles.
- At least 3 years of experience leading a finance department.
- Must be a registered member of a professional body such as ICPAK or ACCA.
Competency Requirements
- Strong financial acumen and analytical ability.
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
- Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.
- Excellent reporting and presentation skills.
Application Details
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications to [email protected].
Deadline: Applications close on 26th September 2025.
Shortlisting: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Recruitment Fee: Optiven Group does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Communication: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Disqualification: Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
Consent: By submitting an application, candidates consent to background checks as necessary.
Equal Opportunity: Optiven Group is an equal opportunity employer.