Chief Financial Officer at RefuSHE

RefuSHE is seeking a CFO who is detail-oriented, culturally sensitive, and dynamic to lead all finance functions across our offices in Kenya. The CFO will set the vision and direction for budgeting, analysis, and forecasting in alignment with strategic objectives. The CFO will report directly to the ED/CEO in Kenya and be accountable to the Managing Director and finance team in the US. They will interact with both the Kenya and US Board of Directors. They will be ultimately responsible for ensuring all finances in Kenya meet the compliance standards set by RefuSHE Inc in the US and RefuSHE donors. They will serve as a key member of RefuSHE’s leadership team. This person will balance a strong vision for the finance team with a hands-on approach to managing the financial operations of a fast-paced organization.

S/he will be responsible for financial analysis, planning, and oversight to support effective financial management and implementation of the organization operational budget and aligned strategies and policies. S/he will oversee all aspects of financial management, including financial controls and systems implementation, budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting and accounting. S/he will be responsible for the management of funds in such a manner as to maximize operational effectiveness and efficiency while minimizing risk, and always ensure that an adequate control structures, policies, procedures and systems are in place over the organization funds. S/he will conduct financial analysis in areas such as forecasting, budgeting, engaging in cost reduction analysis, and reviewing operational performance. S/he will oversee and work as the internal auditor for the organization maintaining a high-level of oversight on procurement to ensure it is meeting the highest level of compliance and operational integrity. They will provide guidance and leadership in financial reporting, annual budget planning. They will lead the external audit preparations and assessment processes. S/he will be responsible for ensuring all financial reporting is delivered to the US Finance Team correctly and on time. They will be accountable and responsible for ensuring all finance and procurement in Kenya meet the standards and criteria set by the US Finance Team who will periodically audit Kenya’s finance and procurement systems and structure to ensure they are compliant and meet donor expectations.

The ideal candidate will have prior leadership experience in an executive capacity at non-profit organization or social enterprise. They should serve as a coach and mentor to the Kenya finance and procurement teams. They will have sound attention to detail and strong organizational and critical thinking skills. They will have the tenacity needed to ensure work product is done correctly, effectively, and accomplished in a timely fashion. We are looking for a candidate with the drive and tenacity to build out this position and to grow with the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management:

• Lead the Finance Team in Kenya in ensuring timely annual program planning and budgeting to be submitted for review and approvals by the Kenya Board of Directors and the US Finance Team.
• Hold overall responsibility for all financial aspects of the organization’s financial strategy in Kenya and supervises Kenya Finance Team.
• Lead financial analysis and implement recommendations based on the findings for the best outcomes.
• Manage the external audit process in Kenya by liaising with the auditors to ensure all documents and other requirements for smooth audit processes are in place.
• Ensure all materials needed for a successful US audit are provided and in place. Work with the US Finance Team on the US audit.
• Ensuring both external and project audit recommendations are implemented in a timely manner.
• Responsible for preparing and submitting quarterly cash forecast and financial reports in consultation with the Kenya Finance Team for submission to HQ.
• Managing the processes for financial forecasting and budgets by overseeing the preparation of all financial reporting to meet the standards and criteria set by the US Finance Team and RefuSHE donors.
• Maintaining all financial systems in Kenya, identifying areas that require improvements, and implementing necessary changes to support smooth financial, procurement, and program implementation.
• Ensuring robust financial systems that are compliant and support current activities and future financial growth of the organization.
• Presenting monthly, quarterly, and annual accounts for review and approval to CEO prior to submitting to RefuSHE HQ.
• Managing cash systems and policies whilst monitoring individual program investment rates (budget burn rates) in conjunction with the Finance Team in Kenya and ultimately advising and supporting programs managers to effectively and efficiently provide timely services to RefuSHE Persons of Concern.
• Work closely with the US Finance Team and Managing Director to prepare budgets for donor proposals, quarterly reporting, donor reporting, audits, and annual budget preparation.
• Create strong oversight systems for procurement to ensure all procurement meets the highest level of compliance and operational integrity. Lead monthly audit to ensure procurement meets standards, criteria, and operational integrity and expectations set by CEO, US HQ, and donors.
• Performing any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Financial and Grant Compliance:

• Working closely with the development, finance, and program teams in both the US and Kenya to manager and provide proper oversight of all existing grants and new ones, while monitoring burn rates within Kenya operation and other requirements as stipulated in the various LOAs. Must always keep CEO and Managing Director well updated on the same.
• Working closely with Grants and Finance Teams in both the US and Kenya to ensure quality and timely submission of all donor reports and/or proposal submissions.
• Responsible for ensuring financial systems are created and maintained to properly track expenses and budget allocation including by program, by donor, and by restricted vs. unrestricted funds.
• Responsible for monthly monitoring of expenses by donor and programs and adjusting accordingly to make sure budget spend is properly executed based on donor requirements and allocations.
• Responsible for notifying CEO, Managing Director, and US Finance Team of any potential overspend or underspend on grants (restricted and unrestricted) and provide immediate recommendations for mitigation and course correction. Immediately implement recommended course correction to ensure financial grant and annual budget compliance.

Strategic Leadership & Capacity Building:

• Provide leadership, direction, and management to the finance and accounting team along with the procurement and operations team.
• Provide leadership to the finance team through coaching and mentorship cultivating high sense of integrity, responsibility, diligence, honesty and teamwork.
• Participate fully in the development of RefuSHE strategies across all functions of the organization, address business challenges, and provide executive and strategic level decision-making as appropriate.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO, Managing Director, and Kenya and US Boards and advise on long-term business and financial planning.
• Consult and seek the CEO’s approval on key decisions and needed changes and improvements while keeping them abreast and well updated on all financial matters and financial status of the organization.
• Play role of financial advisor to the CEO, senior leadership team, and Board of Directors by providing sound financial advice, management, and accounting strategies to optimize the organization’s financial performance and strategic position.
• Establish high-level of credibility and manage strong working relationships with internal, external donors and partners.

Qualifications & Competencies

• A Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• 10-15 years of experience managing finances and accounting
• 10-15 years of nonprofit management with increasing responsibility, including 3-5 years in a senior management or executive leadership position. Equivalent experience in social enterprise or relevant private sector organization may be considered.
• Holder of CPA-K with good standing with ICPAK relevant professional membership body.
• Excellent English writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including a strong ability to turn data and numbers into concise and compelling narratives in English
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with a diverse group of stakeholders
• Experience with international programs, reporting compliance, and understanding of budgets and non-profit finances especially government funders like US State Department strongly desired
• In depth knowledge of Kenyan corporate financial law and risk management practices.
• Knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and principles as relevant to nonprofit entities receiving government funding from the US.
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods.
• Leadership skills with the ability to delegate, motivate and inspire team members
• Proficient in the use of MS Office, Quickbooks, and financial management software (e.g. ERP)
• Demonstrated experience working in program implementation.
• Grant writing and management experience a plus.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• The ability to work and live in Kenya, fluency in English and Kiswahili.
• A strong data and analysis orientation and a proven ability to use metrics to drive decisions and achieve strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to manage and maintain program budgets.
• Able to effectively address overlapping projects, deadlines, and budgets.
• An engaging and supportive leader, with a track record of motivating and inspiring others to achieve impact through creativity and teamwork and of leveraging individual strengths to meet organizational goals.
• A high-level of emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with people quickly.
• Adaptable and reliable in the face of crisis or changing priorities.
• Able to lead a team managing multiple and often simultaneous tasks and create a work environment recognized for high level of organization, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and results.
• Takes a coaching approach to talent development and supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization and with other staff members.
• Strong problem solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.
• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.

Expectations and Compensation

Salary is competitive and based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The benefits package includes medical healthcare coverage and pension.

Anticipated start date of January 4, 2021.