Rose Gathu

ROSE WANJIRU GATHU Senior Finance Strategist & Pricing Specialist E - -  Nairobi, Kenya SUMMARY EDUCATION Accomplished Senior Finance Specialist with over 15 years of extensive experience in finance strategy, pricing, and process optimization within multinational environments. Proven track record of delivering strategic financial solutions that optimize profitability and drive business growth. Expertise in financial analysis, accounts receivable/payable management, and compliance, supported by proficiency in leading ERP systems. Strong leadership abilities with a history of managing complex projects and teams, fostering operational excellence and continuous improvement. Seeking to leverage skills to drive impactful outcomes in a dynamic corporate setting. Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) TECHNICAL SKILLS JD Edwards Siebel Risk Analysis Catholic University of Eastern Africa 2009 Nairobi, Kenya CERTIFICATIONS Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Parts 1, 2, &3 INDUSTRY EXPERTISE Financial Modeling Compliance Management Forecasting Process Optimization Deal Structuring Finance Strategy Financial Analysis PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Pricing Management Services Pricer EMEA Technology • • • • • Process Optimization 01/2015 - Present Delivered accurate IBM Logo and Multivendor service pricing solutions, ensuring alignment with client needs and company profitability objectives. Provided comprehensive financial support to sales and operations teams, facilitating informed decision-making and successful project execution. Enhanced pricing team performance through proactive education on new services and expertise in complex pricing scenarios. Conducted contingency analysis to mitigate profitability risks from exchange rate fluctuations and supply chain constraints. Led proposal project management for high-risk, multi-country tenders/RFPs, ensuring competitive and compliant pricing strategies. • • • • • 01/2012 - 12/2014 Performed detailed financial analysis to support business functions, providing critical insights for strategic decision-making. Acted as the primary pricing expert for Technology Services, ensuring competitive and profitable pricing aligned with customer requirements. Provided leadership with valuable insights from financial forecasts, supporting business initiatives and operational planning. Championed continuous improvement and policy development initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance standards. Mentored and guided analysts to improve performance and foster a culture of excellence within the team. Senior Accountant HP E.A Ltd • • • • 04/2009 - 12/2011 Used SAP LH1 and BW1 for accounting execution, encompassing treasury, GL, AR, and AP, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. Managed monthly/quarterly accounting activities and reconciliations, ensuring timely and accurate financial closing. Provided banking and treasury support, resolving queries promptly and supporting the financial reporting process. Assisted with adhoc projects and supported the Finance Manager in improving processes and achieving operational efficiencies. • • • STRENGTHS Expertise in Finance Strategy and Pricing Adept at formulating and implementing finance strategies that optimize profitability and drive business growth. Demonstrated leadership in managing complex projects and teams across multicultural environments. Financial Analysis and Decision Support Strong analytical skills with a keen attention to detail. Proficient in financial modeling, forecasting, and risk analysis to support informed decisionmaking and strategic planning. Process Optimization and Compliance Expertise in optimizing finance and accounting processes, including accounts receivable/payable management and compliance. Skilled in implementing controls to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels. AWARDS Accountant Reckitt Benckiser East Africa Ltd Accounts Receivable Management Leadership and Project Management Sales Support Management Analyst HP E.A Ltd Accounts Payable Management 05/2006 - 03/2009 Maintained positive relationships with distributors, facilitating smooth operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Acted as the principal escalation point for accounts receivable, overseeing effective debt collection and credit control processes. Fostered teamwork and contributed to process improvements in financial operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Leadership Recognition: Global Pricing Harmonization Project Acknowledged for leadership in harmonizing global pricing processes and tools at IBM, enhancing efficiency and profitability across regions. ACHIEVEMENTS AWARDS Global Pricing Harmonization Project Best-in-Class Accounts Receivable Report Led the worldwide harmonization of pricing processes and tools across multiple regions at IBM, resulting in improved efficiency and profitability. Complex Deal Management Recognized for developing and implementing an outstanding accounts receivable report at Hewlett Packard East Africa, significantly improving collection processes and financial performance. Successfully managed a $5 million complex deal for a multinational client at HP, integrating diverse financial considerations such as penalty calculations and non-standard terms to ensure profitability. Leadership Program Nomination and Selection Accounts Receivable Process Improvement Nominated for and selected to participate in leadership programs at IBM, reflecting exemplary performance in finance and strategic roles. Implemented a robust accounts receivable report at Hewlett Packard East Africa, recognized as best-in-class in Africa, significantly enhancing collectability and reducing debtor days. Operational Efficiency Enhancements Spearheaded initiatives at various organizations, including HP and Reckitt Benckiser, to streamline financial processes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency, resulting in measurable operational improvements. Exemplary Performance Recognition Received multiple accolades throughout career stages for consistently delivering exceptional results and driving impactful initiatives within finance and pricing domains. Recognition and Leadership Development LANGUAGES Nominated for leadership programs and recognized for exemplary performance, including selection for a shadowing program with the Africa Finance Director and leadership training at IBM, highlighting leadership and professional growth. English Proficient Swahili Native