Interim CFO
Fixed Term ContractJob Overview
Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.
High-Level Overview
Project:
The client is seeking an Interim CFO, appointed by and reporting directly to the Board, with full authority over finance decision-making, to stabilize financial operations and liquidity management for a Kenya-based manufacturing company undergoing a critical scale-up phase. The business is backed by leading international investors and is approaching commissioning of a major production facility, positioning it as a key player in its segment nationally.
This assignment presents a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in the final stage of a major capital project, supporting the transition into operations and revenue generation. With commissioning expected in the near term and strong investor backing in place, the role offers both immediate impact and the opportunity to shape the long-term financial foundation of a high-potential platform.
The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in complex financing environments, cash flow management, and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to operate independently and drive financial discipline in a high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environment.
Role and Responsibilities
Role: Interim CFO
Direct Report: Company Board
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Direct Report: Company Board
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
- Take full ownership of short-term liquidity management, including stabilizing a near-term funding gap and implementing tight cash control measures
- Establish accurate, reliable cash flow forecasting (including 13-week rolling forecasts) and restore confidence in financial reporting
- Implement immediate financial discipline across the business, including enforcing cash controls, payment prioritization, and improved working capital management
- Lead all financial aspects of ongoing and upcoming debt processes, including refinancing, lender engagement, covenant management, and scenario planning
- Support the business through final commissioning and transition to operations, ensuring financial readiness for revenue generation and sustainable cash flow
- Define and implement a fit-for-purpose long-term finance function, including hiring or transitioning to a permanent CFO and building a capable finance team.
Requirements
Experience Required:
- Proven experience operating as a CFO or senior finance leader in complex, high-pressure environments requiring immediate stabilization
- Demonstrated track record managing liquidity constraints, financial restructuring, or cash-critical situations
- Experience working directly with boards and investors, including navigating governance dynamics and providing independent financial leadership
- Strong experience leading debt processes, including refinancing, restructuring, and active lender engagement
- Experience building, upgrading, or restructuring finance functions in underdeveloped or rapidly scaling organizations
Technical Requirements:
- Strong command of liquidity management in constrained environments, including cash prioritization, trade-off decision-making, and short-term stabilization
- Deep understanding of capital structure management, including debt layering, refinancing strategies, and financing under uncertainty
- Ability to operate with imperfect or unreliable financial data and rapidly establish decision-grade financial visibility
- Experience designing and enforcing financial controls, governance frameworks, and reporting standards in complex or underdeveloped environments
- Strong commercial and operational financial acumen, with the ability to link financial decisions to business performance and scalability
Other Skills:
- Strong leadership with the ability to operate independently
- Ability to influence and align senior stakeholders across management and board levels
- Proven capability to navigate sensitive organizational dynamics
- High accountability and ownership mindset
- Resilience and sound judgment in high-pressure, ambiguous situations
Working Arrangement
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (hybrid) - minimum 3 days per week with at least 1 day onsite
Language: English required; role will work closely with the existing CFO during a managed transition period
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: Mid-late April 2026
Contracting Period: 6-12 months
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (hybrid) - minimum 3 days per week with at least 1 day onsite
Language: English required; role will work closely with the existing CFO during a managed transition period
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: Mid-late April 2026
Contracting Period: 6-12 months