The Position
The Senior Finance Officer – Grants Reporting and Compliance will deliver CFO-level validation regarding the completeness, accuracy, compliance, and audit readiness of grantee expenditures prior to their recognition in the ERP system. This role will also serve as the CFO’s representative in Grant Committee discussions and confirm that grantee expenditures meet criteria for validity, proper authorization, adequate documentation, correct classification, and timely recording in the appropriate accounting period under accrual accounting principles. The selected professional will elevate financial reporting standards at both the grantee and country office levels by enforcing rigorous documentation requirements and addressing discrepancies at their origin. Furthermore, the position will establish full traceability of financial data from initial 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, liquidation status, recoverability, and collection follow-up. Additionally, this role involves pinpointing recurring control deficiencies and aiding in corrective measures to minimize audit findings, downstream adjustments, and reporting inaccuracies. The position delivers consistent reporting and validation to management regarding grantee expenditure quality, receivable balances, audit preparedness, and financial reporting risks.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of critical duties and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Deliver high-quality performance in all assigned tasks while maintaining adherence to established policies, procedures, and industry regulations. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive project success, enhance productivity, and foster a cohesive work environment. Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements, cost efficiencies, and innovative solutions to support sustainable growth and long-term organizational success. Demonstrate leadership by mentoring team members, delegating responsibilities appropriately, and upholding a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous development.
Transform the grants financial management function into a robust, audit-ready assurance framework with a strong focus on control and compliance.
Ensure comprehensive financial accuracy and integrity throughout the entire grant lifecycle, verifying that all expenditures are meticulously recorded, properly documented, fully compliant, and strictly adhere to donor specifications.
Enhancing AGRA’s second-line oversight framework involves implementing structured verification protocols, reconciling discrepancies, and conducting thorough compliance reviews to ensure robust governance and accountability.
Enhance and streamline donor financial reporting processes to uphold quality, uniformity, punctuality, and trustworthiness.
Enhance grants financial governance, systems, and reporting fostering ongoing improvements in transparency, accountability, and the delivery of actionable insights. Assume primary responsibility for institutional leadership in grants financial compliance, reporting, and audit preparedness, while supporting the Head of Grants in executing their strategic objectives.
Collaborate with Finance, Grants, Programs, Monitoring & Evaluation, and IT teams to reinforce robust financial discipline and reporting standards throughout the organization.
Serve as the main point of contact for external auditors and donors, addressing financial reporting, compliance, and audit-related inquiries.
Work collaboratively with the Legal team 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 senior management reports, including GRC and Expo deliverables, by delivering clear, evidence-based updates on risks and financial performance.
Through mentorship, educational initiatives, and escalation protocols, you will guide country and program teams, fostering strict adherence to established policies—all while operating without direct managerial authority.
Develop organizational capacity by delivering training sessions to staff and grantees on reporting standards, documentation protocols, and compliance requirements.
Verify grant expenditures independently by cross-checking them against approved budgets, donor stipulations, and relevant supporting documentation.
Develop and deploy compliance review frameworks grounded in risk assessment methodologies throughout the grant portfolio.
Identify, document, and report compliance breaches, expenditures that lack proper support, and areas where internal controls are deficient.
Oversee and regularly assess the grants’ financial risk register, with a focus on grants deemed high-risk and the corresponding mitigation strategies.
Establish and oversee internal control frameworks (such as those aligned with COST) throughout the entire duration of the grant.
Assist in compiling and verifying donor financial reports to maintain precision, thoroughness, and adherence to contractual obligations governing grantee reporting standards.
Standardize grantee reporting templates, timelines, and processes to ensure consistency and efficiency across all reporting activities.
Ensure the seamless incorporation of grantee financial data into all organizational reporting deliverables, including donor reports, Board papers, and annual reports.
Conduct comprehensive financial analyses and deliver valuable insights regarding grantee expenditures, comparing budgets against actual performance, assessing burn rates, and identifying potential financial risks.
Act as the primary liaison for YE FFA grant-related audits, guaranteeing that all documentation is thorough, systematically arranged, and prepared for audit review.
Oversee the preparation and submission of audit responses, maintaining strict adherence to deadlines while ensuring comprehensive follow-through on all corrective actions.
Conduct thorough pre-audit evaluations and establish robust documentation protocols to enhance audit readiness.
Facilitate the preparation and submission of regulatory reports and disclosures pertaining to grants, including statutory filings.
To guarantee alignment between the grants’ management system (AMIS) and the General Ledger, discrepancies must be identified and resolved efficiently.
Enhance and maintain the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and uniformity of data within financial and grant management systems.
Collaborate with Grants, IT, and Finance teams to enhance system integration, reporting capabilities, and user engagement.
Manage financial data flows across various systems, verifying consistency and accuracy across all reporting platforms.
Deliver comprehensive financial insights at the grantee portfolio level, focusing on grant performance, utilization, projections, and risk exposure.
Craft and oversee dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to facilitate informed, strategic decision-making by senior leadership.
Convert financial data into comprehensible, strategic insights tailored for senior leadership and the Board.
Design and implement comprehensive training initiatives for staff and grantees, focusing on financial reporting, documentation protocols, and regulatory compliance.
Spearhead programs aimed at enhancing efficiency, elevating reporting standards, and strengthening control measures.
Foster a work environment characterized by accountability, precision, and preparedness for audits throughout the organization.
Seeking a candidate with a strong educational background and relevant professional experience. Applicants must possess the necessary credentials and expertise to fulfill the role effectively. Proficiency in specific technical or industry-related skills is essential, along with a proven track record in similar positions. Prior to work experience in a related field is strongly preferred, and familiarity with key tools or methodologies is required.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance—or relevant practical experience in the field—is required.
A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly advantageous.
Certified Public Accountant license represents a rigorous professional credential signifying expertise in accounting principles, tax regulations, audit procedures, and financial reporting standards. Candidates must fulfill stringent educational prerequisites, typically involving a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field from an accredited institution, followed by completion of 150 semester hours of coursework as mandated by most state boards. Additionally, candidates are required to accumulate relevant work experience, generally ranging from one to two years under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. The Uniform CPA Examination, administered by the American Institute of CPAs, serves as a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s proficiency across four core sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation.
Requires demonstrated expertise in accounting, finance, or financial monitoring through relevant professional experience.
Proficiency in international and country-specific governmental accounting standards is essential.
Compiles and evaluates financial statements to provide strategic insights for senior leadership, leveraging extensive hands-on experience in reporting and analysis.
Proficient in auditing methodologies, financial risk mitigation strategies, and compliance with financial regulations.
Exhibits exceptional skill in utilizing various computer applications, such as spreadsheets, presentation tools, reporting systems, and accounting software.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a comprehensive CV, including email and telephone contact details, to recruit@agra.org. Kindly include the job reference number SFO/GRC/05/2026 in the subject line of your application email. Please ensure your application reaches us no later than 5th June 2026. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
