The Position
The Senior Finance Officer – Grants Reporting and Compliance will deliver assurance to the CFO regarding the thoroughness, precision, compliance, and audit readiness of grantee expenditures prior to their recognition in the ERP system. This role will also act as the CFO’s delegate in Grant Committee meetings and validate that grantee expenditures are legitimate, properly incurred, adequately documented, correctly categorized, and recorded within the correct accounting period under accrual accounting standards. The successful applicant will enhance financial reporting integrity at both the grantee and country office levels by upholding documentation requirements and addressing discrepancies at their origin. Furthermore, the position will ensure full traceability of financial data from grantee submissions through the GMS ERP system.
The incumbent will oversee and evaluate grantee receivable accounts, focusing on outstanding advances, aging, liquidation, recoverability, and collection follow-up. Additionally, the role will pinpoint recurring control deficiencies and assist in implementing corrective measures to minimize audit findings, subsequent adjustments, and inaccuracies in reporting. The position will deliver consistent reporting and validation to management regarding grantee expenditure quality, receivable balances, audit preparedness, and financial reporting risks.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards; responsibilities include managing workflows, coordinating team efforts, and maintaining compliance with established protocols. Additionally, the role involves analyzing performance metrics, identifying opportunities for enhancement, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive productivity and efficiency. The position also requires fostering collaboration across departments, resolving complex issues, and upholding accountability for deliverables while adhering to deadlines and resource constraints.
Transform financial grant management into a robust, audit-ready assurance function, emphasizing strong controls and compliance readiness.
Oversee the complete financial accuracy and integrity of the grant throughout its entire lifecycle, verifying that all expenditures are precise, properly documented, compliant with regulatory standards, and fully consistent with the donor’s stipulated conditions.
Enhancing AGRA’s second-line oversight framework by implementing structured verification, reconciliation, and compliance review processes.
Elevate and standardize financial reporting processes for donors to guarantee superior quality, consistency, timeliness, and credibility.
Revitalize grants financial governance, systems, and reporting bolstering transparency, accountability, and insights that inform strategic decisions. Assume leadership for grants financial compliance, reporting, and audit preparedness, working in tandem with the Head of Grants to reinforce their strategic oversight.
Collaborate closely with Finance, Grants, Programs, M&E, and IT teams to institutionalize robust financial discipline and enhance reporting standards throughout the organization.
Serve as the key liaison between the organization and external auditors and donors, addressing all aspects of financial reporting, ensuring compliance, and managing audit-related inquiries.
Work alongside the Legal team to ensure grant agreements incorporate accurate financial reporting, adherence to compliance requirements, and robust audit provisions.
Deliver objective and strategic assurance insights to senior leadership regarding compliance risks, financial exposure, and portfolio performance.
Prepare executive-level management reports—including governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and Executive Committee (Expo) updates—delivering concise, fact-driven insights on risk exposure and financial performance.
Influence country and program teams through guidance, training, and escalation, ensuring adherence to policies without direct authority.
Enhance organizational effectiveness by equipping staff and grantees with essential skills in reporting standards, documentation, and compliance requirements through targeted training initiatives.
Verify grant expenditures independently by cross-referencing them with allocated budgets, donor stipulations, and relevant supporting documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Develop and execute compliance review frameworks that prioritize risk assessment across the grant portfolio.
Identify, document, and report compliance breaches, unsupported expenditures, and weaknesses in internal controls for further action.
Maintain and monitor the financial risk register for grants, with a focus on identifying and addressing high-risk grants and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
Implement and oversee internal control frameworks, such as those aligned with COST, throughout the entirety of the grant’s lifecycle.
Assist in compiling and examining donor financial reports to verify their precision, comprehensiveness, and adherence to contractual obligations regarding grantee reporting.
Standardize grantee reporting templates, timelines, and processes to ensure consistency, efficiency, and clarity across all submissions.
Ensure grantee financial data is seamlessly incorporated into organizational reporting outputs, including donor reports, Board papers, and annual reports.
Deliver comprehensive financial analyses and actionable insights for grantees by evaluating budget versus actual expenditures, assessing burn rates, and identifying potential financial risks.
Act as the primary liaison for YE FFA grant-related audits, meticulously verifying that all documentation is thorough, systematically arranged, and prepared for audit review.
Facilitate the preparation and submission of audit responses while overseeing the timely completion and implementation of corrective measures.
Conduct thorough pre-audit evaluations and establish rigorous documentation protocols to enhance audit readiness.
Prepare regulatory disclosures and filings associated with grants, such as statutory submissions, to ensure full compliance with applicable requirements.
Ensure accurate reconciliation between the grants’ management system (AMIS) and the General Ledger, identifying and resolving any discrepancies that may arise.
Enhance the accuracy, reliability, and uniformity of data within financial and grant management systems to ensure comprehensive and coherent reporting.
Collaborate with Grants, IT, and Finance teams to enhance system integration, strengthen reporting capabilities, and drive user adoption.
Supervise the seamless flow of financial data across various systems, ensuring consistency and alignment across all reporting platforms.
Deliver comprehensive financial insights at the portfolio level for grantees, focusing on grant performance, fund utilization, projections, and potential risk exposure.
Create and oversee dynamic dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to facilitate informed strategic decisions by senior leadership.
Convert financial data into lucid, strategic insights that guide key decisions for senior leadership and the Board.
Develop and implement comprehensive training initiatives tailored for staff and grantees, focusing on financial reporting, documentation standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Develop and implement strategies aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, the accuracy of reporting, and the strength of internal controls.
Establish and uphold a culture characterized by accountability, precision, and preparedness for audits throughout the entire organization.
A strong background in [specific field or industry] along with several years of hands-on experience in a comparable role is essential. Candidates should possess a [relevant degree or certification, if applicable], complemented by a proven track record of success in [key responsibilities or areas of expertise]. Additionally, proficiency in [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is required, along with the ability to [specific skills or competencies]. Previous experience in [industry-specific or role-specific context] is highly advantageous, as are strong problem-solving capabilities and exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance—or commensurate professional experience—is required.
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline represents a significant competitive edge.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification represents a distinguished credential in the accounting profession, signifying a high level of expertise in financial accounting, auditing, and regulatory compliance. To obtain this certification, candidates must fulfill stringent educational prerequisites, including a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, along with a minimum number of credit hours in accounting and business courses. Additionally, they must pass a comprehensive four-part examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which evaluates proficiency in areas such as taxation, financial reporting, and business environment concepts. Candidates are also required to accumulate relevant work experience, typically under the supervision of a licensed CPA, and adhere to the ethical standards and continuing education requirements mandated by state boards of accountancy. This certification enhances career prospects, credibility, and earning potential for accounting professionals while ensuring adherence to industry best practices.
A minimum of three years of practical experience in accounting, finance, or financial monitoring is required.
Proficiency in international and local financial reporting regulations and standards is essential.
Proven expertise in developing and evaluating financial reports tailored for senior management.
Possesses in-depth expertise in auditing methodologies, financial risk mitigation strategies, and the complexities of financial regulatory frameworks.
Possesses advanced skills in utilizing computer applications, with particular expertise in spreadsheets, presentation tools, reporting systems, and accounting software.
If you think you meet the qualifications for this role, kindly send your application along with a comprehensive CV—including your email address and telephone number—to recruit@agra.org. Ensure the subject line of your email includes the job reference number SFO/GRC/05/2026. All applications must be submitted no later than June 5, 2026. Given the anticipated high number of applicants, we will only reach out to those selected for further consideration.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
