Open to opportunities

Kananu Imathiu

@kananuimathiu

Message

Seasoned nonprofit finance leader driving financial controls, forecasting, and operational efficiency for impact.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a senior finance role in a mission-driven organization where I can lead financial operations, strengthen controls, mentor teams, and use data to optimise impact and funding efficiency.

I am a seasoned financial officer with almost 13 years' experience leading finance, operations, grant management and compliance across international non-profits and consulting engagements. I design and implement financial processes, build and develop finance teams, and provide data-driven analysis and strategic direction to maximise limited resources and ensure donor-compliant reporting.

My achievements include setting up finance structures in new country operations, managing multi-million dollar programme funds, negotiating with donors to mitigate funding cuts, and advising SMEs on profitability and cash flow. I bring deep nonprofit accounting knowledge, expatriate experience, a pragmatic problem-solving approach, and strong stakeholder and consortium management skills.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Country Finance Manager

Current

Polish Humanitarian Action

Sep 2024 - Present (1 year 4 months)

Senior management lead for country financial operations, establishing startup finance structures, controls and reporting; built and developed the finance team and ensured compliant donor reporting and tax compliance.

Financial Management Donor Reporting Internal Controls Team Building Tax Compliance Budgeting Grant Management Financial Reporting

Finance Manager

International Rescue Committee

Dec 2022 - Aug 2024 (1 year 8 months)

Managed national office finances and donor reporting for a USD ~4M fund portfolio, oversaw payroll for 700+ staff and used data-driven scenario mapping to secure additional funding and improve cross-departmental budget harmonization.

Budgeting Payroll Management Donor Reporting Financial Analysis Scenario Planning Grant Management Stakeholder Engagement

Founder & Finance Consultant

Red Beryl Consulting

Jul 2019 - Nov 2022 (3 years 4 months)

Founded a boutique advisory firm providing SME financial strategy, cash-flow management and financial modelling, delivering profitability improvements and investor-ready models for clients.

Financial Modelling Cash Flow Management Strategic Finance Process Improvement Accounting Support Reporting Advisory

Senior Audit Associate

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Jul 2016 - Jun 2019 (2 years 11 months)

Led and resourced audit engagements, conducted internal controls reviews and financial analysis, and advised clients on risk management and financial reporting improvements.

Audit Internal Controls Engagement Management Financial Analysis Risk Assessment Financial Reporting

Senior Consultant

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Apr 2013 - Jun 2016 (3 years 2 months)

Consulted on corporate strategy, market entry and business process improvement, produced thought leadership and supported clients with strategy and operations workstreams.

Strategy Consulting Business Process Improvement Research Stakeholder Management Thought Leadership Client Engagement Performance Improvement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Nairobi

Master of Business Administration, Finance

Completed a Master of Business Administration with a finance major, focusing on advanced financial management and strategic finance.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), Accounting

Achieved Fellowship (FCCA) status in the ACCA professional qualification, demonstrating senior-level competence in accounting and professional standards.