The Position
The Senior Finance Officer – Grants Reporting and Compliance will deliver CFO-level assurance regarding the completeness, accuracy, compliance, and audit readiness of grantee expenditures prior to their recognition in the ERP system. This role involves representing the CFO in Grant Committee meetings and validating that grantee expenditures meet the criteria of validity, proper occurrence, adequate documentation, correct classification, and timely recording in the appropriate accounting period under accrual accounting principles. The successful candidate will enhance financial reporting integrity at both the grantee and country office levels by enforcing stringent documentation standards and addressing discrepancies at their origin. Additionally, the position will establish full traceability of financial data, from grantee submissions through the GMS ERP.
The successful candidate will oversee and evaluate grantee receivable accounts, focusing on outstanding advances, aging, liquidation, recoverability, and collection follow-up. Additionally, they will detect recurring control deficiencies and assist in implementing corrective measures to minimize audit findings, downstream adjustments, and reporting discrepancies. The role will supply management with consistent updates and validation regarding grantee expenditure quality, receivable balances, audit preparedness, and financial reporting risks.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of essential duties and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and industry standards.
Transform and enhance the grants financial management function into a rigorous control-driven framework that ensures audit readiness and compliance assurance.
Maintain rigorous financial accuracy, adherence to compliance standards, and alignment with donor specifications throughout the entire grant lifecycle to safeguard financial integrity from initiation to completion.
Enhancing AGRA’s second-line oversight framework involves implementing structured verification, reconciliation, and compliance review mechanisms.
Enhance the accuracy, uniformity, clarity, and punctuality of donor financial reporting upholding its quality, consistency, and credibility.
Enhance grants financial governance, systems, and reporting fostering continuous improvement, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and actionable insights for decision-making. Lead institutional efforts in grants financial compliance, reporting, and audit preparedness, supporting the Head of Grants in executing their strategic responsibilities.
Collaborate with Finance, Grants, Programs, M&E, and IT teams to instill robust financial discipline and enhance reporting standards throughout the organization.
Serve as the primary liaison between external auditors, donors, and the organization regarding financial reporting, compliance protocols, and audit-related issues.
Work closely with the Legal team to guarantee that grant agreements incorporate correct financial reporting standards, adherence to compliance requirements, and provisions for audits.
Deliver objective assurance insights to senior leadership regarding compliance risks, financial exposure, and portfolio performance.
Produce concise, data-driven updates on risk exposure and financial performance for senior leadership reports, including governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and executive committee (Expo) presentations.
Through strategic guidance, targeted training initiatives, and escalation protocols, you will shape the decisions and actions of country and program teams, fostering consistent policy compliance even in the absence of direct oversight.
Develop organizational capacity by providing training to staff and grantees on reporting standards, documentation practices, and compliance requirements.
Perform autonomous verification of grant expenditures by cross-referencing them with allocated budgets, donor-imposed stipulations, and relevant supporting documentation.
Develop and execute compliance review frameworks grounded in risk assessment principles across the entirety of the grant portfolio.
Identify, document, and escalate any instances of non-compliance, unauthorized expenditures, and deficiencies in internal controls, ensuring timely resolution and corrective action.
Maintain and oversee the financial risk register for grants, with a focus on identifying high-risk grants and implementing appropriate mitigation actions.
Embed and maintain robust internal control frameworks, such as those aligned with COST, throughout the entirety of the grant’s lifecycle.
Assist in the compilation and verification of financial reports for donors, with a focus on ensuring accuracy, thoroughness, and adherence to contractual obligations regarding grantee reporting.
Develop and implement uniform grantee reporting templates, timelines, and procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency across all reporting activities.
Revise and integrate grantee financial data into organizational reporting outputs, including donor reports, Board papers, and annual reports.
Deliver detailed financial analysis and actionable insights for grantees, focusing on budget versus actual performance, expenditure rates, and potential financial risks.
Act as the central hub for YE FFA grant-related audits, verifying that all documentation is thorough, systematically arranged, and prepared for audit review.
Ensure audit responses are coordinated effectively, guaranteeing prompt resolution and consistent follow-through on corrective measures.
Conduct pre-audit evaluations and establish enhanced documentation protocols to bolster audit readiness.
Facilitate the preparation and submission of regulatory reports and disclosures pertaining to grants, including statutory filings, to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
Maintain accurate alignment between the grants systems (AMIS) and the General Ledger, promptly addressing and resolving any discrepancies that arise.
Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data within financial and grants systems.
Collaborate with Grants, IT, and Finance teams to enhance system integration, reporting capabilities, and overall user adoption.
Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the integrity of financial data as it moves between various systems, guaranteeing consistency and accuracy across all reporting platforms.
Deliver comprehensive financial insights at the portfolio level for grantees, focusing on grant performance, fund utilization, projections, and risk exposure.
Design and oversee interactive dashboards and key performance indicators to provide leadership with actionable insights for informed strategic decision-making.
Convert financial data into comprehensible and strategic insights tailored for senior leadership and the Board to facilitate informed decision-making.
Develop and implement training initiatives aimed at educating staff and grantees on financial reporting, documentation, and compliance standards.
Devise and implement strategic projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, elevating the quality of reporting, and strengthening control mechanisms.
Foster an organizational culture characterized by accountability, precision, and consistent audit preparedness.
Qualifications and Experience Required:
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, computer science, or business administration, and demonstrate at least three years of professional experience in a related industry. Proficiency in data analysis, project management, and proficiency with industry-specific software are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment are also required.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance—or relevant professional experience—is required.
A master’s degree in a pertinent field is highly beneficial.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is required for this role, ensuring expertise in accounting principles, tax regulations, and financial reporting standards. Candidates must possess a minimum of two years of progressive accounting experience, with a strong preference for those who have worked in public accounting firms. The position demands meticulous attention to detail, exceptional analytical abilities, and the capacity to meet strict deadlines while maintaining accuracy. Responsibilities include preparing and reviewing financial statements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and providing strategic financial guidance to clients or stakeholders. Proficiency in accounting software, such as QuickBooks or Excel, and excellent communication skills are essential for effective collaboration and client interactions.
Requires demonstrated expertise in accounting, finance, or financial monitoring through prior professional experience.
Proficiency in international and national governmental accounting standards is required.
Experienced in compiling and evaluating comprehensive financial reports for senior leadership, ensuring accuracy and strategic insights.
Possesses a comprehensive understanding of auditing methodologies, financial risk mitigation strategies, and applicable financial regulations.
Demonstrates advanced competency in a range of computer applications, such as spreadsheet tools, presentation software, reporting systems, and accounting platforms.
If you meet the qualifications for this role, kindly submit your application, including a comprehensive CV with your email and telephone details, to recruit@agra.org. Ensure the job reference number SFO/GRC/05/2026 is clearly indicated in the subject line of your email. Applications must be submitted no later than 5th June 2026. Given the high volume of applications typically received, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
