The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a leading development institution supporting innovative enterprises across Africa. With a mission to catalyze the private sector in agriculture and renewable energy sectors, AECF promotes inclusive and sustainable development by backing businesses that improve the lives of rural communities.
AECF is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join its finance team as Finance Manager. This is a pivotal role responsible for enhancing the organization’s financial health, ensuring proper budgeting, reporting, and compliance processes, and providing leadership in day-to-day financial operations.
If you are passionate about driving financial excellence in an impactful organization and meet the outlined requirements, this could be the right opportunity for you.
Position: Finance Manager
Department: Finance
Reports to: Associate Director of Finance (ADF)
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Purpose
The Finance Manager (FM) will form an integral part of the core finance team at AECF and will report directly to the Associate Director of Finance. This role involves oversight of financial operations, strategic planning and budgeting, audit support, and capacity building within the finance department. The FM will also liaise with project teams to ensure proper financial alignment with donor and institutional objectives.
Key Responsibilities
The Finance Manager will be entrusted with the following key functions:
1. Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Coordinate the financial planning process, supporting both proposal-based and institutional budgeting.
- Work closely with program managers and departmental heads to develop budgets that are aligned with strategic and donor priorities.
- Monitor performance against budgets, implementing financial controls to prevent overspending.
2. Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Ensure timely preparation and thorough review of donor financial reports and internal management accounts.
- Organize and lead monthly meetings to analyze and address financial issues raised in program and management reports.
- Review journal entries and ensure financial transactions are properly documented and compliant.
3. Audit and Regulatory Oversight
- Support both institutional and donor-specific audit processes by preparing necessary documentation and responding to audit queries.
- Ensure AECF’s adherence to tax regulations and donor financial compliance standards.
4. Cash Flow and Payment Oversight
- Manage cash flow forecasting to support ongoing operational and strategic financial commitments.
- Review all payments to ensure that documentation is complete and internal financial controls are followed.
5. Donor Engagement and Program Financial Support
- Maintain regular communication with program teams to ensure full understanding and compliance with donor budgets, regulations, and financial reporting requirements.
- Participate in budget revisions, donor discussions, and provide strategic advice on financial matters.
6. Capacity Building and Team Supervision
- Provide direct supervision and continuous mentorship to finance staff.
- Identify training needs and facilitate ongoing capacity development initiatives to strengthen the department’s capabilities.
Desired Competencies and Skills
AECF is looking for a candidate who possesses the following skills and professional experience:
- At least 8 years of progressive experience in financial management within an international non-profit organization, preferably with exposure to bilateral donor projects.
- A strong leadership background with proven experience in financial supervision and mentoring teams.
- Solid knowledge and experience working with institutional donor regulations.
- High proficiency in advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
- Knowledge of data management tools such as SQL, Microsoft Access, or Business Objects is an added advantage.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex financial information.
- Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French or any additional languages will be considered an asset.
Academic and Professional Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Commerce, Finance, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- Professional qualifications in finance such as CPA, ACCA, or an equivalent certification.
What Makes This Opportunity Unique?
Joining AECF offers you the chance to work in a mission-driven organization that partners with private sector entities to deliver long-term development impact across sub-Saharan Africa. You will be part of a diverse team working on sustainable, innovative solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Equal Opportunity Employer
AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are based solely on merit without regard to race, gender, age, religion, disability, or any other protected status.
Note: AECF does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process – from application to employment.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and believe you meet the outlined requirements, we encourage you to apply via the AECF recruitment portal.
Apply Now:
https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org
Applications must be submitted no later than May 7, 2025.
