JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Specialist — Finance & Accounting functions as the key operational finance lead for the Area Office on a daily basis, reporting to the Finance Director. This position oversees the entire scope of financial activities, encompassing transactional processing, statutory compliance, budgeting, donor reporting, and audit management. Serving as a strategic advisor to the Finance Director, the role fosters financial accountability, enhances internal controls, and guarantees adherence to HF HI policies, donor mandates, and relevant regulations. Additionally, the incumbent provides direct supervision to two team members and contributes to the development of financial expertise throughout the Area Office.
Manages critical responsibilities integral to the role, including overseeing key operational functions, leading strategic initiatives, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Requires strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to addressing challenges. Must demonstrate proficiency in relevant technical tools, possess excellent communication and organizational skills, and exhibit the capacity to collaborate effectively across teams. Additionally, the position demands meticulous attention to detail, adaptability to evolving priorities, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency. Prior experience in a similar capacity and a track record of delivering measurable results are essential.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee financial accounting and reporting functions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency in all financial disclosures. The ideal candidate will prepare, analyze, and present financial statements in accordance with regulatory standards, including GAAP and IFRS. Responsibilities include managing month-end and year-end close processes, coordinating audits, and maintaining general ledger systems. Proficiency in ERP software, advanced Excel skills, and strong analytical abilities are essential, along with excellent communication skills to liaise with stakeholders. A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, along with relevant certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA), is required.
Oversee the accuracy and completeness of the general ledger while managing month-end and year-end closing processes—such as journal entries, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations—ensuring timely completion in alignment with HF HI’s global financial calendar.
Prepare annual statutory financial statements and perform monthly reconciliations of donor grant-specific accounts, fund balance schedules, and intercompany transactions.
Administer the Workday ERP system, ensuring the integrity of the chart of accounts, configuring workflows, generating system reports, and providing first-line user support.
Handles financial operations including accounts payable, payroll administration, and treasury management to ensure accurate and timely processing of transactions, compliance with regulatory standards, and efficient cash flow optimization.
Ensure meticulous budget coding, thorough documentation, and strict adherence to all procurement transactions in alignment with HF HI’s established procurement and financial controls’ framework, fostering seamless collaboration with the Office Operations Coordinator.
Oversee the entire accounts payable process, encompassing invoice verification, approval workflows, payment scheduling, and quarterly vendor statement reconciliations, while maintaining full adherence to HF HI procurement standards.
Collaborate closely with Human Resources to guarantee precise and timely payroll processing, timely timesheet approvals, and accurate payroll allocation within the financial system.
Responsibilities include managing staff travel advances by ensuring prompt liquidation, meticulously reviewing expense reports for accuracy and compliance, and regularly updating an aged advance report.
Ensure consistent oversight of petty cash and Area Office liquidity through regular cash audits, timely submissions of HQ cash requests, and proactive management of banking partnerships to guarantee uninterrupted operational funding.
Oversee financial planning, monitor expenditures, and conduct thorough financial analysis to ensure optimal budget utilization and alignment with organizational objectives. Develop detailed financial reports, assess cost-saving opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations to enhance fiscal efficiency. Require proficiency in financial software, strong analytical skills, and a minimum of three years of relevant experience in budget management or financial analysis.
Assist with the Area Office budgeting process, encompassing the entire fiscal year cycle, from initial budget preparation to the ongoing monthly Budget vs. Actuals (BVA) reporting, by delivering detailed variance analysis and strategic forward-looking insights to guide management in making informed decisions.
Partner with the Finance Director to lead the forecasting process, proactively identifying budget risks and proposing strategic corrective measures.
Assist the Resource Development team by meticulously preparing, analyzing, and approving project proposal budgets, realignments, and cost extensions to uphold financial integrity and adherence to donor requirements.
Conduct audits, ensure adherence to compliance standards, and manage tax obligations as part of the Audit, Compliance, and Tax functions. Oversee financial records, verify regulatory compliance, and prepare accurate tax filings to mitigate risks and support organizational integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement policies, address discrepancies, and maintain alignment with legal and industry requirements. Stay informed on evolving tax laws and compliance frameworks to provide strategic guidance and ensure seamless operational execution.
As the Area Office lead, oversee all internal, external, and donor audits, managing schedules, audit document request lists, and management responses while ensuring audit-ready documentation is maintained and tracking the remediation of findings to closure.
Oversee all statutory tax obligations, such as withholding tax and corporate income tax filings, while staying vigilant to legislative updates to ensure internal processes remain compliant and up to date.
Oversee the financial authority matrix for all transactions and documentation, guaranteeing that each payment and commitment receives proper authorization prior to execution.
Manage grants administration and provides comprehensive support to the national office. Responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of grant activities, including application, award management, compliance monitoring, and reporting. Ensures adherence to funding guidelines, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements. Collaborates with program teams, finance, and legal departments to streamline processes and mitigate risks. Maintains accurate documentation, tracks deliverables, and facilitates communication between stakeholders. Analyzes grant performance to identify trends, recommend improvements, and support strategic decision-making.
Lead comprehensive grants administration for Area Office-managed funding initiatives, collaborating with Grants Officers and the Project Lead to ensure diligent oversight of sub-grantees, strict adherence to donor requirements, and accurate financial reporting.
Facilitate monthly Budget vs. Actuals review meetings alongside the Project Lead to monitor grant performance and implement timely corrective measures.
Collaborate with the Regional Finance Manager to guarantee that National Office fund requests are submitted to HQ and Global Fundraising Network Offices with precision and punctuality.
Provide technical grants and compliance assistance to National Offices, conducting reviews of financial submissions and offering practical guidance on donor requirements.
Maintain a meticulously structured, audit-compliant filing system—both electronic and physical—for all grants and financial documentation across the Area Office.
Oversee processes, implement enhancements, and provide leadership to teams to drive operational excellence and team performance.
Collaborate with the Finance Director to enhance finance processes and fortify internal controls by implementing robust SOPs, enforcing segregation of duties, and embedding robust anti-fraud and safeguarding measures.
Collaborate with the Finance Director to evaluate current financial processes, developing and implementing strategic enhancements that drive greater efficiency and scalability.
Develop and enhance financial literacy throughout the Area Office by offering practical guidance and orientation to non-finance personnel regarding policies, procedures, and compliance expectations.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and development to direct reports by establishing transparent performance expectations and cultivating an engaged, high-performing team.
Candidates must possess an accredited degree in a relevant field, with a minimum of a bachelor’s qualification required for consideration. Prior experience in an educational setting or related sector is strongly preferred, though entry-level applicants with demonstrated potential may be considered. The role demands a strong commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments and adapting to diverse student needs. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential to effectively engage with students, parents, and colleagues. Familiarity with current educational trends, assessment methodologies, and curriculum development is highly advantageous. Proficiency in technology, including learning management systems and digital teaching tools, is also a key requirement.
A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or an equivalent field is required for this position.
A professional qualification equivalent to CPA, ARCA, or similar credentials is required.
Minimum of three years of relevant work experience is required.
With a minimum of eight years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including at least three years in a senior or specialist capacity, candidates should ideally have worked in an international NGO or donor-funded setting.
Seeking candidates who meet the following preferred qualifications: a minimum of five years of relevant experience, proficiency in industry-specific software, and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools is highly desirable. Exceptional communication and teamwork skills are essential for collaboration across departments. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is also preferred.
Proficiency in ERP systems, with a preference for Workday, is required.
Professional experience within an international non-governmental organization or a donor-funded setting would be advantageous.
Proven track record in administering grants from prominent institutional donors, including UN Agencies, BMZ, the Adaptation Fund, and comparable organizations, is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 years
