The Position
The Senior Finance Officer – Grants Reporting and Compliance will deliver CFO-level assurance regarding the integrity, accuracy, compliance, and audit readiness of grantee expenditures prior to their recognition in the ERP system. This position will represent the CFO in Grant Committee meetings and confirm that grantee expenditures meet validation criteria, including proper authorization, adequate documentation, accurate classification, and timely recording in the correct accounting period under accrual accounting principles. The successful candidate will enhance financial reporting standards at both the grantee and country office levels by enforcing rigorous documentation protocols and addressing discrepancies at their origin. Furthermore, the role will maintain full traceability of financial data from grantee submissions through the GMS ERP system.
The incumbent is responsible for overseeing and evaluating grantee receivable accounts, with a focus on outstanding advances, aging schedules, liquidation status, recoverability assessments, and collection follow-ups. Additionally, this role will pinpoint recurring control deficiencies and collaborate on corrective measures to minimize audit findings, subsequent adjustments, and inaccuracies in financial reporting. The position will deliver consistent reports and assurances to management regarding grantee expenditure quality, receivable balances, audit preparedness, and potential financial reporting risks.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational excellence. Lead critical initiatives, manage cross-functional projects, and maintain rigorous adherence to established policies and procedures. Collaborate effectively with stakeholders to drive strategic outcomes, optimize processes, and enhance overall productivity. Monitor performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions to sustain high standards of quality and efficiency. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous development within the team.
Spearhead the conversion of grants financial management into a rigorously controlled, audit-prepared assurance function.
Ensure financial accuracy, transparency, and compliance throughout the entire lifecycle of the grant, guaranteeing that all expenditures are precise, properly documented, and fully aligned with the specifications set forth by donors.
AGRA’s second-line oversight framework will be fortified through systematic verification, reconciliation, and compliance review mechanisms.
Enhance and systematize donor financial reporting upholding superior quality, uniformity, promptness, and reliability.
Drive ongoing enhancements in grants financial governance, systems, and reporting bolstering transparency, accountability, and insights that inform strategic decisions. Lead the institution’s efforts in grants financial compliance, reporting, and audit preparedness, supporting the Head of Grants in their executive responsibilities.
Collaborate with Finance, Grants, Programs, Monitoring & Evaluation, and IT teams to integrate robust financial discipline and reporting frameworks throughout the organization.
Serve as the main point of contact for external auditors and donors regarding financial reporting, compliance, and audit-related issues.
Work in partnership with the Legal department to incorporate accurate financial reporting, compliance, and audit provisions into grant agreements.
Deliver objective assurance insights to senior leadership regarding compliance risks, financial exposure, and portfolio performance.
Prepare executive-level reporting—including governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and Executive Committee (Expo) briefings—by delivering concise, data-driven insights on risk exposures and financial outcomes.
Provide leadership and support to country and program teams by offering guidance, conducting training sessions, and managing escalations to ensure consistent policy compliance, despite lacking direct supervisory authority.
Develop organizational capacity by providing staff and grantees with training on reporting standards, documentation protocols, and compliance obligations.
Perform independent audits of grant expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets, donor stipulations, and relevant supporting documentation.
Develop and execute compliance review frameworks tailored to the risk profile of the grant portfolio.
Proactively detect, document, and escalate instances of non-compliance, unauthorized spending, and gaps in internal controls, while maintaining a systematic record of findings to ensure timely resolution and corrective action.
Ensure diligent oversight and continuous review of the grants’ financial risk register, with particular emphasis on identifying high-risk grants and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
Establish and oversee internal control frameworks, such as those aligned with COST standards, throughout the entirety of the grant’s operational lifecycle.
Provide assistance in compiling and verifying donor financial reports, with a focus on maintaining precision, thoroughness, and adherence to contractual obligations governing grantee reporting.
Standardize grantee reporting templates, timelines, and processes to ensure consistency and efficiency across all submissions.
Ensure seamless incorporation of grantee financial data into organizational reporting deliverables, including donor reports, Board papers, and annual reports.
Deliver comprehensive financial analysis and strategic insights for grantees, focusing on budget performance comparisons, expenditure tracking, and the identification of potential financial risks.
Act as the primary liaison for YE FFA grant-related audits, maintaining meticulously organized and complete documentation to ensure readiness for review.
Prepare audit responses by overseeing the timely completion and follow-through of corrective measures, ensuring all actions are addressed efficiently and effectively.
Conduct thorough pre-audit evaluations and establish comprehensive documentation protocols to enhance audit readiness.
Facilitate the preparation and submission of regulatory reports and disclosures concerning grant-related activities, including statutory filings, to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
Ensure seamless reconciliation between the grants’ management system (AMIS) and the General Ledger, promptly identifying and resolving any discrepancies to maintain financial accuracy.
Enhance the accuracy, thoroughness, and uniformity of data across financial and grant management platforms.
Collaborate closely with the Grants, IT, and Finance teams to enhance system integration, reporting capabilities, and user engagement.
Responsible for managing financial data flows between various systems, guaranteeing consistency and accuracy across all reporting platforms.
Deliver comprehensive financial analyses at the portfolio level for grantees, focusing on grant performance, fund utilization, future projections, and potential risk exposures.
Craft and oversee dynamic dashboards and performance metrics, providing leadership with actionable insights to facilitate informed decision-making.
Transform financial data into coherent, strategic insights accessible to senior leadership and the Board, enabling informed decision-making.
Design and implement comprehensive training programs tailored for staff and grantees, covering key areas such as financial reporting, documentation standards, and compliance protocols.
Drive efforts to enhance operational efficiency, elevate reporting standards, and strengthen internal controls.
Foster an organizational environment characterized by accountability, precision, and readiness for audits.
Successful candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience in a related industry. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data interpretation are essential, along with the ability to communicate complex information clearly. Prior experience with project management or team leadership is advantageous, and familiarity with industry-specific software or tools is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance—or relevant professional experience—is required.
A master’s degree in a relevant discipline significantly enhances qualifications.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is required for this position, demonstrating expertise in accounting principles, tax regulations, and financial reporting standards. Candidates must possess at least two years of relevant experience in public accounting, auditing, or tax preparation, with a strong foundation in GAAP and regulatory compliance. Proficiency in accounting software, such as QuickBooks or SAP, and advanced Excel skills are essential for analyzing financial data and preparing accurate reports. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and compliant financial operations, as well as advising clients or stakeholders on complex financial matters. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities are critical to success in this role.
Requires demonstrated expertise in accounting, finance, or financial monitoring through prior professional roles.
Proficiency in international and jurisdiction-specific accounting standards is required.
Experienced in developing and interpreting financial reports for senior leadership, ensuring accurate and insightful analysis to support strategic decision-making.
Possesses a comprehensive understanding of auditing methodologies, financial risk mitigation strategies, and applicable financial regulatory frameworks.
Possesses advanced skills in utilizing computer applications, such as spreadsheets, presentation tools, reporting systems, and accounting software.
If you meet the qualifications for this role, kindly send your application along with a comprehensive CV—including your email and telephone contact details—to recruit@agra.org, ensuring the job reference number SFO/GRC/05/2026 is included in the email’s subject line. Applications must be submitted by June 5, 2026. Given the anticipated high volume of submissions, only applicants selected for further consideration will receive a response.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
