Francis Musyoka is currently serving as the finance director for Africa at GardaWorld Africa. His role involves leading cross-functional teams and implementing strategic financial planning initiatives, reinforcing his expertise in managing complex financial landscapes.
Before his current role, Francis held several significant positions at GardaWorld Africa, including head of finance for Africa and regional finance manager for corporate operations and tax. His career began at KPMG East Africa, where he advanced from senior tax advisor to manager of tax services. He provided comprehensive tax advisory services to clients across various sectors and gained international experience in transfer pricing during a secondment to KPMG US in Chicago. He also worked as a part-time accountant at GreenForest Foods early in his career.
Francis spoke to CFO East Africa about his career journey.
How did you end up as an accountant?
With the two-year gap after high school, while waiting to join university, my parents suggested Strathmore University's School of Accountancy to keep me occupied. I found accounting easy to grasp, which redirected my focus away from medical school and I have never looked back.
What have been the highs and lows of your career?
The significant moments in my career have included participating in the KPMG Chicago Tax Trek programme in 2013, which gave me a global perspective that continues to shape my approach. While a lucrative US career was tempting, the pull of home and the vast potential of Africa were stronger. Here, I’m surrounded by opportunities and a chance to make a real impact.
In my role as regional tax manager at Gardaworld, I took on greater responsibilities, including supporting M&A activity across Africa, which provided a significant learning opportunity. In March 2022, I embraced the challenge of becoming the acting MD in Zambia, a defining moment that led to my current role.
These experiences have taught me to fail quickly and use those lessons to drive transformation. I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes, both personally and professionally but the key is to learn from them quickly and move forward. This growth mindset has fuelled my continuous improvement.
Why did you join GardaWorld?
The company is the world’s largest private security company and joining its ranks allowed me to transition from advising clients to implementing strategies. The hands-on experience has been invaluable and I have had the opportunity to experience different working cultures. In Zambia, I encountered a more hierarchical environment, while Kenya fosters a more assertive, questioning and collaborative approach. Embracing these differences has been a key lesson in my leadership journey.
How do you define success both professionally and personally and what are your success factors?
For me, success is a combination of financial security and the freedom to control my time. Beyond that, it's about leaving a positive legacy for my family and community. Reaching this point in my career is a testament to consistent learning and adaptation. It's about putting in the hard work and embracing continuous improvement. As my wife, Rachel, says, "I am not lucky, I am blessed”. Faith plays a significant role in my journey.
How many people do you manage as CFO and what is your management style?
GardaWorld Africa has a physical presence in 10 countries across the continent and is continuing to grow. Each country has a finance team and a head who reports to me, along with a regional finance team of seven. My leadership style is built on approachability and a methodical approach, with fairness and integrity serving as the cornerstones of every decision I make, both within the company and in my interactions with the world.
Through personality tests for work, I’ve identified myself as analytical, detail-oriented, and adaptable. I also have a unique combination of impatience and resolute persistence, I am a deep feeler who often wrestles with internal challenges.
Tell us about Gardaworld, what does the company do and how does its purpose, culture and vision resonate with you as a person?
GardaWorld is a global leader in security services, integrated risk management, and cash solutions. Driven by a relentless entrepreneurial culture and core values of integrity, vigilance, trust, and respect, GardaWorld’s mission is to make the world a safer place by protecting clients’ people, assets and operations worldwide.
GardaWorld offers an environment rich with opportunities for personal growth and constantly challenges me to perform at my best by encouraging me to run the business as if it were my own. This ownership mentality fuels my drive and ensures I am always striving for excellence because when GardaWorld thrives, so do I.
Tell us about your family life.
My wife and I are blessed with two kids, Lione and Francine. It is a journey and I’m grateful for each day. Kids belong to God, mine is to guide, provide, love and nurture them with a lot of love, patience and gratitude. I have learned to not compare or contrast with other kids or between them. Each one is their own individual from birth. Fatherhood is a choice and balance between priorities of being present for my family and provision for day-to-day needs and future. It’s not easy but requires grace and patience, there’s no manual on how to operate and go about it. I try and emulate my dad for doing a great job with me and his family.
What else do you do outside of work?
I'm quite skilled behind the grill – I enjoy making great barbecue and hosting. It started as a childhood curiosity, observing the men in my family. Seeing my dad and uncles reinforced grilling as a worthwhile skill. I enjoy hosting friends and family, but I wouldn’t call myself an extrovert. Grilling keeps me busy as I make memorable experiences for others.
