Senior Finance Manager

Job Summary

The Senior Finance Manager is a strategic leadership position responsible for providing overall financial management, donor compliance oversight, financial planning, reporting, audit coordination, and strengthening organizational financial systems in collaboration with the Finance Director. The role ensures effective management of large and complex donor-funded portfolios, including grants from bilateral, multilateral, and private donors. The Senior Finance Manager provides high-level financial analysis, supports strategic decision-making, strengthens internal controls, and contributes to organizational growth and sustainability.

Education

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is required.
• Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Economics, or a related field is required.
• Professional certifications in finance, audit, or grants management are highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting.
• At least 5 years of experience in senior financial management positions.
• Demonstrated experience managing large and complex donor-funded portfolios.
• Extensive experience with international donor regulations and compliance requirements, including USAID, FCDO, EU, UN agencies, World Bank, Mastercard Foundation, GPE, ECW, and other institutional donors.
• Proven experience in grant financial management, budgeting, forecasting, donor reporting, and financial analysis.
• Strong experience coordinating external audits and managing audit processes.
• Experience leading financial systems strengthening and organizational capacity development initiatives.
• Experience working in international NGOs, development organizations, or multi-donor environments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide strategic financial leadership and guidance to support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Assist the Finance Director and Senior Leadership Team with financial performance analysis, risk assessment, and identification of opportunities.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes for the organization and specific projects.
• Support the development of financial strategies aligned with organizational mission and strategic objectives.

Donor Grant and Contract Management

• Oversee financial management of large and complex donor-funded projects.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, grant agreements, and financial reporting requirements.
• Monitor grant expenditures against approved budgets and funding agreements.
• Provide financial guidance to program teams during proposal development, budget preparation, and project implementation.
• Lead donor financial reviews and respond to donor financial inquiries.
• Support project start-up, modification, closeout, and financial reconciliation processes.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Produce high-quality donor financial reports and management reports.
• Conduct financial analysis, variance analysis, cash flow projections, and cost recovery assessments.
• Develop financial dashboards and performance indicators to support management decision-making.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting according to donor requirements and organizational policies.

Financial Systems Strengthening

• Contribute to continuous improvement of financial policies, procedures, systems, and controls.
• Strengthen organizational financial management capacity and accountability mechanisms.
• Promote best practices in financial management, risk management, and compliance.
• Support implementation and optimization of accounting and financial management systems.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, automation, and financial reporting quality.

Internal Controls, Risk Management, and Compliance

• Establish and maintain effective internal control systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, and donor requirements.
• Contribute to financial risk assessment and mitigation measures related to finance and grants management.
• Monitor compliance across country offices and field operations.
• Ensure adherence to procurement, asset management, and financial policies.

Audit Management

• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Serve as a secondary focal point for auditors and donor financial assessments.
• Ensure timely resolution of audit findings and implementation of corrective action plans.
• Strengthen audit readiness across projects and organizational functions.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to junior finance staff.
• Support development of a high-performing finance team through performance management and professional development.
• Strengthen financial management capacity of program teams and implementing partners.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of IFRS, IPSAS, and international financial management standards.
• Advanced financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent understanding of internal controls, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong donor financial management and reporting expertise.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Financial Stewardship
• Integrity and Accountability
• Results Orientation
• Team Leadership and Coaching
• Effective Communication
• Stakeholder Management
• Planning and Organization
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead financial management of high-impact national programs.
• Engagement with major international donors and development partners.
• Professional growth within a dynamic and mission-driven organization.
• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance
• Economics / Statistics
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management