Accounting: Quickbooks
Alice Van Mierlo
Group CFO, Entrepreneur
Kigali
Summary
Experienced Group CFO with a strong financial background and an entrepreneurial mindset, driving success through financial strategies and empowering teams. Committed to achieving positive outcomes and excellence in all areas of business, and leaving a lasting impact.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Group CFO & Executive Director (Co-Founder)
Brioche
05.2013 - Current
- Co-founded Brioche and played a pivotal role in transforming it into a leading food service and manufacturing brand in Rwanda.
- Responsible for driving growth and innovation while ensuring compliance with rigorous financial, tax, and industry standards.
- Successfully expanded Brioche's presence to include a food manufacturing facility, 5 company-operated coffee shops, and 2 franchise coffee shops in Kigali, as well as 7 on-the-go coffee corners and 2 franchise restaurants in Nairobi.
- Created more than 100 direct jobs through Brioche's expansion, delivering simply tasteful products and experiences that contribute to the rising Africa and bring happiness and inspiration to customers.
- Led the setup of the finance department for a sister company, Probakery Limited (a bakery factory based in Nairobi), during a 12-month transition period while recruiting a full-time General Manager to take over operations.
- Guided the company through a strategic restructuring in 2023, consolidating operations to focus on high-performing coffee shop locations in Kigali, enhancing profitability and operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional customer experiences.
- Designed and implemented robust financial systems and controls to ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions (Rwanda and Kenya).
- Built and mentored cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence that solidified Brioche’s reputation as a trusted local brand.
Founder and Managing Director
Van Kays Associates
08.2009 - 05.2013
- Founded and led Van Kays Associates, a financial audit, advisory, and accounting firm in Rwanda, providing strategic financial expertise to international organizations, NGOs, the public sector, and the industrial sector.
- Spearheaded a wide range of financial management services, including customized accounting systems, financial reporting, tax compliance, and advisory, tailored to meet the needs of diverse clients.
- Gained valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Rwanda, particularly in the SME sector, while delivering impactful solutions that fostered business growth and sustainability.
- Built the firm's reputation for excellence, ensuring efficient, transparent, and compliant financial practices while helping clients navigate complex financial and regulatory landscapes.
Transaction Services Senior Manager
KPMG
10.2007 - 05.2009
- Established and led the Transaction Services Department at KPMG Tunisia, delivering comprehensive financial due diligence, business planning, and business restructuring services tailored to the needs of diverse industries.
- Provided strategic advisory to prominent private equity clients, including Carlyle Group, Kingdom Zephyr Africa Management, LAAICO, and North Africa Holding, on buy-side transactions, enabling informed investment decisions.
- Conducted in-depth analyses of financial data, operational structures, and market trends to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive value creation for clients.
- Developed customized financial strategies and frameworks that addressed client-specific challenges, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and industry standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders, building strong client relationships while gaining valuable insights into the complexities and operational nuances of businesses across sectors.
Audit Manager
PwC
09.2002 - 09.2007
- Led and managed complex audit assignments for major clients in the financial sector, including AXA Insurance, Euroclear, Rothschild Bank, and Chase Bank, ensuring compliance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and regulatory requirements.
- Conducted detailed financial audits and assessments, delivering actionable insights and recommendations to strengthen internal controls, improve operational efficiencies, and mitigate risks.
- Oversaw Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance projects, performing design effectiveness reviews of business processes and management systems to ensure robust financial governance.
- Managed multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and delivering high-quality audit engagements within tight deadlines and challenging environments.
- Gained deep expertise in financial reporting, accounting, and auditing, and developed a thorough understanding of effective financial management practices for global financial institutions.
- Built strong relationships with senior client stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor on regulatory compliance, financial performance, and audit best practices.
Education
Master of Arts - Marketing Communications
Bournemouth University
Bournemouth, UK 09.2000 - 2001.08
Master - Business & Administration
IAG School of Management, Université Catholique De Louvain
Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium 09.1998 - 2000.09
Bachelor - Economics And Business Administration
Facultés Universitaires Saint-Louis
Brussels, Belgium 09.1996 - 1998.06
Skills
- Financial Management (budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, financial reporting)
- Strategic Planning (developing and implementing financial strategies)
- Leadership (lead by example, walk the talk)
- Compliance (with financial regulations and standards)
- Analytical Skills (analyze financial data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions)
Software
Microsoft Excel (Pivot table, Vlookup)
ERP: Odoo
Certification
Stanford Seed Transformation Program East Africa (1 year program), Kenya
Additional Information
Board Member of SOS Children Village Rwanda, May 2016 - Dec 2018
References
Available on request
Timeline
Stanford Seed Transformation Program East Africa (1 year program), Kenya
12-2019
ACCA Member (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), UK
08-2017
Group CFO & Executive Director (Co-Founder)
Brioche
05.2013 - Current
Founder and Managing Director
Van Kays Associates
08.2009 - 05.2013
Transaction Services Senior Manager
KPMG
10.2007 - 05.2009
Audit Manager
PwC
09.2002 - 09.2007
Master of Arts - Marketing Communications
Bournemouth University
09.2000 - 2001.08
Master - Business & Administration
IAG School of Management, Université Catholique De Louvain
09.1998 - 2000.09
Bachelor - Economics And Business Administration
Facultés Universitaires Saint-Louis
09.1996 - 1998.06
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