Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKESK)

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the incumbent will be a key member of the Senior Leadership team responsible for leading the Finance, ICT, Procurement & Administration departments providing financial oversight of the overall performance of the organization as well as contribute to the development, execution, and monitoring of repositioning strategies. To this extent, the CFO will:

• Assure the financial performance of AKES,Kenya, and oversee operations including regional and central office, schools, and other programme units.
• Drive the annual operational budget cycle of AKES, Kenya.
• Review and strengthen the financial management policies, systems, and processes across all units to bring about cohesion and best practice.
• Build the capacity of the finance team in AKES,Kenya by providing regular training and mentoring to upgrade staff skills and performance.
• Identify and leverage opportunities for resource optimization through shared services and purchasing between field units and other AKDN agencies in East Africa.
• In consultation with the CEO, and working with the local finance team, play a lead role in the development of financial planning for AKES activities in Kenya including feasibilities and cash flows for new schools and programmes.
• Supervise grant management and donor-funded projects including budget development for external funding opportunities.
• Ensure that all financial management activities conform to best practices and comply with Institutional policies and government legislation, operating and programmatic licensing requirements.
• Review the internal control systems and risk management systems and suggest improvements and work with the Finance team to track the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Ensure that the books and records, annual statutory filings, and all aspects of inter-company transactions between the Head Office, other AKDN agencies in East Africa, other AKES units and the field units are well maintained and appropriately managed.
• Assist the CEO to manage Board/steering committee's relationships and to ensure statutory compliance for effective Board governance.
• Ensure total compliance with the procurement policy as well as Value for Money (VFM) assurance.
• Review all insurable risks and maintain insurance covers accordingly.
• Enforce the ICT policy and ensure the availability of effective and efficient software and hardware across AKES, Kenya.
• Ensure the safekeeping of contractual and legal documents and records.
• Review the capital projects' financial reports and monitor the financial performance of AKES capital projects in Kenya.
• Assess the performance of each unit against their respective capital expenditure budgets and ensure compliance with local rules and regulations, contracts, and insurance.
• Support the CEO and other senior management on operational management.

The requirements

The preferred candidate will have:

• Bachelor or higher degree in Finance or a related field
• Professional and internationally recognized qualifications preferably ACCA or CPA or equivalent Chartered Accountant
• Substantial experience in the financial management of multiple business units, and experience gained in an education organization would be an advantage
• Knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of business functions and systems, and expert in financial systems
• Additional experience in operational management, business analysis, audit, and compliance and familiarity with computer-based financial management systems would be valued
• Cultural awareness, understanding, and sensitivity
• High level of drive and personal motivation, coupled with the presence required to interact effectively with senior personnel across the AKES system and the wider AKDN, as well as at government and non-governmental levels
• Strong written and spoken English, including reports and proposal writing
• A high degree of professionalism, commitment, and integrity
• A clear understanding of strategy, as well as a keen sense of business.
• Ability to think creatively, solve problems, and make decisions based on sound judgment drawing on expertise from others.
• Willingness to travel as and when needed.