Finance Officer at African Development Solutions (Adeso)

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the Short-Term Finance Officer will be a full-time member of the Adeso Finance team and will play a crucial role in supporting the finance affairs of Adeso and its subsidiaries and work closely with the Finance Manager with the following responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Support in the preparation of accurate financial records for the organization, ensuring timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, including income and expenditure reports, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Support in the preparation monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and key stakeholders, ensuring they are accurate, transparent, and in compliance with both internal policies and donor requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports for donors, ensuring compliance with the specific requirements of each donor agreement and contract.

 Budgeting & Financial Planning:

• Support the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and donor expectations.
• Regularly track and monitor budget performance, identifying variances and providing solutions to ensure projects and programs stay within budget.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to program managers and leadership teams to support informed decision-making.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management:

• Support in the management of the organization’s cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity for day-to-day operations and program activities.
• Reconcile bank accounts, monitor cash balances, and prepare cash flow forecasts.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of accounts payable and receivable, and manage relationships with suppliers and contractors to maintain smooth financial operations.

Ledger Reconciliation:

• Ensure that all ledger accounts are reconciled regularly, verifying the accuracy and consistency of financial data.
• Identify discrepancies or errors in the ledger and promptly resolve them to maintain accurate financial records.
• Support the Finance Manager in reviewing and finalizing the monthly and year-end ledger reconciliations.

 Internal Controls & Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to internal financial controls, policies, and procedures, safeguarding the organization’s assets and resources.
• Collaborate with the Finance Manager to implement best practices in financial management and reporting.
• Assist with the preparation of audits (internal and external), ensuring that the organization is in full compliance with relevant financial regulations, donor guidelines, and statutory requirements.

 Donor & External Reporting:

• Support in the preparation of detailed financial reports for donors, ensuring transparency and compliance with donor-specific regulations and guidelines.
• Track the use of restricted donor funds and ensure that all donor financial reports are submitted on time and in the required format.
• Support the development of proposals and financial budgets for new funding opportunities.

Accounts Payable & Receivable:

• Process and monitor the timely payment of invoices, vendor contracts, and any other outstanding financial obligations.
• Support the invoicing and collection processes for the organization's receivables.
• Ensure proper documentation for all financial transactions and that records are maintained for audit and compliance purposes.

Financial Systems & Capacity Building:

• Support the maintenance and improvement of the organization’s financial management systems to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide financial training and capacity-building support to staff across departments, ensuring that all employees understand financial processes and reporting standards.
• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and introduce new tools or systems to enhance operational efficiency.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Finance and Administration in non-profit and private sector organizations.
• Demonstrable knowledge in the following areas: compliance, donor rules and regulations, project management, logistics (including asset management, office management) procurement (including tendering processes, procurement plans).
• Excellent in both spoken and written English.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Strong command of software applications, such as Microsoft Navison, Word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Experience in writing, rolling out and institutionalizing policies and procedures.
• Personal qualities of integrity and commitment to the mission of Adeso.
• Strong decision making, team building and negotiation skills.
• Excellent management, leadership and people skills.