Company Address: Address Busara Center for Behavioral Economics Daykio Plaza, 5th Floor, Ngong Lane, off Ngong Road Nairobi, Kenya

Senior Manager – People

About the Role
The Senior Manager – People, should be rigorous and compliance-oriented to ensure that Busara’s People function runs effectively and efficiently. The successful candidate should also possess the emotional intelligence and creativity to continually identify team needs and ways to address them. S/he will contribute to the overall organizational strategy through a human capital lens. This includes acting as a leader and thought partner in developing Busara’s strategic plans, organizational charts, and international expansion plans.
Duties and Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition and Management

Develop talent acquisition strategies and hiring plans for all Busara countries of operation
Anticipate hiring needs and work with the Senior Management team to build out hiring plans
In line with the hiring plan, support the Talent Acquisition Manager during the recruitment process
Assess and, as needed, redesign the recruitment processes to better reflect their employer brand and ensure candidates have a positive experience
Further craft their employer brand and value proposition for candidates and create content and/or events to position Busara as an employer of choice
Build and maintain relationships with organizations and individuals in Busara’s network who can help them find top talent, including partnerships with relevant institutions
Continually develop and iterate the hiring process to incorporate the best practices in using data and behavioural science to eliminate bias and recruit the best people for Busara

HR Administration

Continually strengthen Busara’s HR policies to address any changing needs, ensure compliance, and balance the needs of the organization and employee wellbeing
Oversee the Senior HR Officer in all matters related to HR administration, compliance, and recordkeeping
Ensure systems for redress are available, updated, and robust
Coordinate and liaise with legal counsel with respect to employment law in all countries, and lead the process of HR expansion in new markets

People Experience

Support the People Experience Officer in leading employee wellness through organizing events, monitoring wellness, and creating initiatives to drive wellbeing
Help ensure that the Busara culture scales with the organization through onboarding and offboarding processes
Oversee performance management at Busara by using metrics to create and present reports and identify priority areas for growth and improvement
Incorporate the latest research in qualitative and quantitative methods, behavioural science, psychology, economics, and development to provide creative solutions to staff needs
Lead mentorship, assessment and promotion processes to ensure the staff are growing, learning, and contributing to Busara’s approach
Help develop and monitor the internal training initiatives, designing skills assessments and training tools and coordinating within teams to design on and offsite training curriculum
Design and lead the development of compensation and rewards systems for all Busara staff

Desired Candidate Profile
Does this sound like you?

You have a Degree or advanced training in Human Resources or a related field. A Masters in Human Resources, organizational management, psychology, or sociology is a plus
You have 5+ years of experience in HR, organizational psychology, growth, talent, or a related field
You have a proven track record of contributing strategically to organizations at a high level, with an emphasis on people
You have an understanding of Busara’s business and organizational culture and how their people drive their work
HR knowledge in at least one of the markets where they work and the ability to quickly understand employment law and HR needs in new countries is a huge plus
You have the ability to work with and inspire people from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences
You have experience leading teams, with a particular focus on growth, talent, and culture
You are able to use data and state-of-the-art research in developing people-focused initiatives

October 26, 2024
Data Analyst

Job Description

The Busara Center for Behavioral Economics is a research and advisory firm that uses the latest state-of-the-art advances in experimentation, data science and behavioral science in pursuit of poverty alleviation. Busara is a US 501(c)3 organization with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and active project presence across Africa. Busara works with academics, policy makers, and private companies across all sectors.
Your role and responsibilities

Assist project teams in design of data collection tools, data downloading and uploading from mobile devices such as PDAs, Netbooks and smartphones.
Collate, query and clean data coming in from field and lab projects, including flagging out inconsistencies and/or errors arising from data obtained from the field as part of routine data checks
Data cleaning and preparation for analysis, including well labelled and appropriately shaped data
Maintain detailed and informative documentation on data cleaning, high frequency checks, error checking, and documentation
Statistical analysis on experimental and non-experimental datasets
Presenting data from analysis using appropriate tables and visualizations
Collaborate with project teams (associates, research specialists and analysts) throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that tools are designed in a way that study objective can be realized and that necessary hypotheses can be tested
Collaborate and work closely with the programming team to integrate statistical analysis within developed software applications.

Requirements

Over 1 year(s) working experience in an analytics or research capacity.
A relevant degree in Statistics, Economics or Mathematics
Extensive experience with and command of either Stata, R, or Python required.
Familiarity with interacting with SQL databases.
Knowledge of survey programming (SurveyCTO and ODK)
Demonstrated experience with statistical analysis and data modeling in both academic and professional settings
Applied experience with machine learning techniques.
Excellent management and organizational skills, strong communication skills.
Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and a team player.
Interest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment.
Fluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English.
Familiarity with Behavioral Sciences is a plus.
Familiarity with Version Control System e.g Git is a plus

October 26, 2024
Senior Backend Developer Senior Fullstack Developer Senior Frontend Developer Senior Mobile Apps Developer

Description:
This role is responsible for offering inspirational space for creation, development and maintenance of applications and integration to frontend services and external services. The role will champion best standards for development of backend applications.
Job responsibilities

Work as a part of a team of talented and motivated backend, frontend and UX developers.
Development and support of gaming apps
Implement and maintain the backend components, APIs etc.
Participate in architectural development and think process of software development.
Advice and develop best backend practices.
Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the project supervisors.

Requirements

Strong understanding of the backend stack and how it integrates to other development stacks including frontend, RESTful APIs, database systems, security and performance tuning, etc
Strong understanding of agile methodologies such as scrum
Analytical Skills -Ability recognize the needs of customers, and create new applications that answer those needs.
Communication -Ability to clearly communicate their ideas to coders, teammates and management.
Creatively and innovatively invent new ways of approaching problems and developing innovative applications.
Ability to understand business requirements and translate them into technical requirements
Proficient understanding of code versioning tools, such as Git
Experience working with the MVC/MVT
Understanding and experience in use of task management tools
Demonstrated experience with test driven development.
Interest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment.

Nice to Have

Strong understanding of any 2 of these stacks: django, flask, node, gaming tools, etc
In-depth understanding of SQL and NoSQL database management such as postgres, mySQL, mongo, elasticsearch, etc
Experience in creating and consuming restful APIs.
Experience with cloud hosting with AWS, GCE, etc and big data handling

Benefits: We will offer you a competitive salary and health insurance, dynamic work environment with an opportunity for growth and can-do attitude.

go to method of application »

October 25, 2024
Engagement Director

Job description
POSITION SUMMARY
Engagement Directors are the primary leaders in the projects division at Busara, responsible for leading the planning, strategy, and trajectory of Busara engagements. Engagement Directors have two primary responsibilities at Busara — structuring and supervising an active portfolio of projects, and developing partnerships to design and develop new engagements for their portfolio.
Engagement Directors are the primary portfolio managers for all external Busara projects, supervising a set of engagements each staffed with different project management teams. Engagement Directors are expected to be able to quickly gain an expert understanding of a particular problem or research question and use all tools at their disposal, both within and outside Busara, to design, structure, and supervise an engagement to the highest possible degree. Engagement Directors are expected to have strong management skills and be comfortable driving all aspects of potential Busara engagements. Engagement Directors will manage projects that apply rigorous research methods to identify novel, evidence-based solutions to challenging client needs. Engagement Directors will primarily supervise a team of talented associates to deliver research insights in a compelling way that lead to action.
Additionally, Engagement Directors take a larger role in supporting the growth and sustainability of the global operations. As you start to hone your industry and technical expertise, you will help build valuable relationships that generate business opportunities for Busara. Engagement Directors have a great deal of autonomy in the partnerships they build, and as such play a crucial role in shaping the strategy for the organization going forward.
Lastly, Engagement Directors play a crucial role in the organization as members of the senior management team. They will be both critical to developing and overseeing implementation of organizational strategy, defining expansion and growth priorities and playing a key role in internal processes such as hiring, recruiting, and coaching.
DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Engagement Directors will work to assemble a team of Busara advisors and researchers to structure successful projects that deliver value and knowledge to the client. Core delivery responsibilities include, but are limited to:

Manage and coordinate a portfolio of projects across multiple client bases (researchers, private sector, government etc.).
Structure, design, and deliver external and internal engagements to client’s satisfaction
Manage, motivate, and coach a team of associates and analysts to execute projects in your portfolio.
Strategically assemble teams on projects that maximize the probability of success, but also develop new skills and competencies among Busara’s talent pool and supporting divisions.
Stay current on the latest research in qualitative and quantitative methods, behavioral science, psychology, economics, and development to provide creative direction for engagements.
Responsible for final quality backstop on all work products produced and drafted for engagements by giving regular feedback to project teams, but also occasionally contributing to content.
Serve as the primary relationship manager for clients and partners. Understand and preempt needs of stakeholders through proactive communication and troubleshooting.
Structure successful project onboarding and offboarding exercises to support knowledge management between projects.
Design proposals, concept notes and pitch decks for new business opportunities and knowledge sharing. Present at conferences, networking events, or client meetings.
Contribute to the design, execution, and dissemination of Busara internal research projects.

PORTFOLIO GROWTH RESPONSIBILITIES:
In addition to project responsibilities, Engagement Directors also have the following growth responsibilities to ensure the growth and sustainability of the organization:

Develop a portfolio of projects that contribute to quarterly and annual business development targets for the organization
Proactively design internal research, thought pieces, and demos to help facilitate new market offerings, service lines, and potential revenue sources
Support Busara’s strategic planning by identifying markets of interest, future service lines, and priority investments.
Develop lasting relationship with clients to build long-term partnerships and promote behavioral science as an embedded tool within their organizations.
Serve as primary points of contact on large, multi-year projects and support VPs to develop effective engagement strategies for those projects.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lastly, Engagement Directors have the following organizational responsibilities to ensure a healthy and functioning organization:
Drive the strategy of the Projects Division by setting annual targets, managing any team building events, and ensuring clear, division harmony on priorities for the organization.
Serve as a core member of the senior management team, responsible for setting organizational strategy, holding other team members accountable, and making senior hiring decisions.
Manage communications to ensure clear internal knowledge management and harmonization across the Projects Division
Serve as Direct Managers to a team of associates and/or research specialists
Serve on internal committees when necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields.
Strong understanding and application of rigorous research methods to industry.
Experience managing or mentoring senior staff and young professionals (3+ years)
Strong previous experience in a client-delivery role (e.g. management consulting, internal innovation team etc.)
Proven interest in behavioral science.
5-7 years previous work experience.
Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with partner organizations.
Excellent management and organizational skills.
Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and a team player.
Interest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment.
Fluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English.
Ability to execute projects while sustaining a global focus and vision for institutional planning and decision making.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A Master’s degree or PhD in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields.
Previous experience running randomized controlled trials or lab experiments
Strong previous experience managing teams of researchers or consultants in East Africa
Experience sitting on senior management teams and developing organizational strategy
Extensive industry experience in a sector of focus for Busara (health, financial services, energy, governance, agriculture)

October 25, 2024
Accounts Receivable Assistant

The Accounts Receivable Assistant is responsible for keeping up to date records of all pending and paid disbursements from clients, ensuring that clients are invoiced on time and reminded of late payments, and ensuring that all payments are received in the correct account and according to contract, without additional deductions for foreign exchange or transfer fees.
The position is also responsible for additional finance and accounting duties within finance department as may be directed. The ideal person should be a CPA with accounting experience, is a proactive communicator, and has a high level of attention to detail.
Responsibilities

Maintain an up to date record of all accounts receivable that is continually accessible to the Senior Accountant and senior management
Continually liaise with the US-based part time accountant to stay up to date on funds received
Process incoming payments in compliance with Busara’s financial policies and procedures
Review all client contracts before they are sent out
Maintain excellent records of all client contracts and amendments
Prepare invoices in line with Busara’s financial policies and guidelines
Update and reconcile the accounts receivable ledger in the financial management system
Verify discrepancies by and resolve clients’ billing issues in a timely manner
Regular reporting on accounts receivable status on scheduled basis
Coordinate with Finance and Accounting Manager on the cash projection process
Perform any additional finance and accounting duties within finance department as maybe directed
Attend to all accounts receivable inquiries, clarifications, or requests from project teams
Maintain the VAT accounts for Busara

Requirements

Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
CPA or equivalent professional qualification
Accounts Receivable experience preferred
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and integrity
Prior experience with client contracts preferred
Experience making journal entries in accounting software
Excellent written communication
High level of attention to detail
Thorough knowledge of relevant accounting procedures
Accuracy and attention to detail

October 25, 2024
Director of Finance

Job Description:
Position Summary:

Busara’s Director of Finance is a key advisor to senior management through financial planning, analysis, and management of the accounting function.
The Director analyzes Busara’s financial performance, manages finance related risk, and is responsible for managing any financing Busara leverages to fund its day to day operations.

Based in our main office in Nairobi, the Director monitors Busara’s financial position, acting swiftly to address risks (legal, financial, fraud, etc.).
The Director also oversees Busara’s Finance and Accounting team, which manages accounting and finance for Busara globally.

The role involves direct management of the Nairobi-based team of three as well as one US based consultant accountant.
Additionally, the Director will formalize Busara’s accounting and financial policies. This will ensure that all relevant laws and regulations in all countries of operation are understood and adhered to.
We are looking for a high-capacity, action-oriented individual with senior finance experience who is keen to capitalize on that experience to help Busara continue growing our high-performing organization.
Core Responsibilities
Financial planning and risk management

Maintain constant awareness of the company’s financial position and act swiftly to prevent and address problems. This includes monitoring of:

Cash position,
Budget vs actuals for all projects, and
Net income.

Conduct financial analysis to make forecasts, report to senior management, and advise on our business model
Assess and manage financial risks, including foreign exchange (through hedging, physical location of cash management, etc.)
Drive the quarterly and annual budgeting process throughout the organization, following up by monitoring expenses and developing systems to detect variances
Support good corporate governance with respect to finance to ensure the long term success of the organization
Support development of a corporate fundraising strategy and manage relationships with financial stakeholders

Audit, internal controls, and compliance

Responsible for all areas of corporate financial compliance, including tax, legal entity, local governance, debt covenants, etc.
Oversee all audit and internal control operations, ensuring strict financial controls are in place and adhered to
Coordinate all external audits, delegating responsibilities to designated team members in each country office
Maintain up to date knowledge of financial regulations and relevant laws in all jurisdictions where Busara works
Ensure compliance with US nonprofit reporting requirements, USAID grant requirements (either directly or through oversight of staff), and all taxes and statutory payments

Cash management

Secure and manage any necessary financing (e.g., loans or other financing instruments)
Manage foreign currency transfers between entities, optimizing in order to save money
Oversee global cash management, delegating day to day responsibility to the Finance Manager
Set and manage cash reserve requirements and policies
Set up the tools and reporting Busara needs to access debt facilities and other types of financing

Strong oversight of Accounts Payable and Receivable

Oversee the Finance department to responsibly and efficiently issue a high workload of payments, often up to a few hundred per day
Manage the Finance team to tightly administer Accounts Receivable, continuously reducing the amount of time from invoice to payment by Busara’s clients

Accounting

Automate the monthly close process
Oversee Busara’s finance IT systems, including:
NetSuite, our accounting system
An internally developed requests and approval system
An internally developed mobile money payments platform

Reporting

Prepare quarterly and monthly financial reports and projections for Busara senior management, including:
Profit and loss by project, Engagement Director, cost center, etc.
Total sales per quarter
Actuals against budget for all projects and teams (and provide tools that help teams develop, track, and follow up on their projects)
Custom reports and analysis to help provide visibility into spending, what makes a profitable project, etc.

Requirements

An advanced degree in business, economics, finance, or a related field (MBA preferable)
Accounting qualification (CPA, CPA(K), ACCA, CA or equivalent)
Deep knowledge of standard accounting principles (GAAP, IFRS, etc.)
5+ years of finance and management experience, preferably with prior experience as a Director of Finance
Financial modeling and advanced Excel skills
Experience with consolidations and NetSuite highly preferrable
Prior professional experience in East Africa preferable
Ability to anticipate workload and prioritize team workflow and deliverables
Strong analytical skills with strategic abilities and an entrepreneurial mindset
Excellent organizational and leadership skills
Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
Self-motivated, with a desire for continual learning

October 25, 2024
Senior Backend Developer Senior Fullstack Developer Senior Frontend Developer Senior Mobile Apps Developer

Description:
This role is responsible for offering inspirational space for creation, development and maintenance of applications and integration to frontend services and external services. The role will champion best standards for development of backend applications.
Job responsibilities

Work as a part of a team of talented and motivated backend, frontend and UX developers.
Development and support of gaming apps
Implement and maintain the backend components, APIs etc.
Participate in architectural development and think process of software development.
Advice and develop best backend practices.
Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the project supervisors.

Requirements

Strong understanding of the backend stack and how it integrates to other development stacks including frontend, RESTful APIs, database systems, security and performance tuning, etc
Strong understanding of agile methodologies such as scrum
Analytical Skills -Ability recognize the needs of customers, and create new applications that answer those needs.
Communication -Ability to clearly communicate their ideas to coders, teammates and management.
Creatively and innovatively invent new ways of approaching problems and developing innovative applications.
Ability to understand business requirements and translate them into technical requirements
Proficient understanding of code versioning tools, such as Git
Experience working with the MVC/MVT
Understanding and experience in use of task management tools
Demonstrated experience with test driven development.
Interest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment.

Nice to Have

Strong understanding of any 2 of these stacks: django, flask, node, gaming tools, etc
In-depth understanding of SQL and NoSQL database management such as postgres, mySQL, mongo, elasticsearch, etc
Experience in creating and consuming restful APIs.
Experience with cloud hosting with AWS, GCE, etc and big data handling

Benefits: We will offer you a competitive salary and health insurance, dynamic work environment with an opportunity for growth and can-do attitude.

go to method of application »

October 25, 2024
Engagement Director

Job description
POSITION SUMMARY
Engagement Directors are the primary leaders in the projects division at Busara, responsible for leading the planning, strategy, and trajectory of Busara engagements. Engagement Directors have two primary responsibilities at Busara — structuring and supervising an active portfolio of projects, and developing partnerships to design and develop new engagements for their portfolio.
Engagement Directors are the primary portfolio managers for all external Busara projects, supervising a set of engagements each staffed with different project management teams. Engagement Directors are expected to be able to quickly gain an expert understanding of a particular problem or research question and use all tools at their disposal, both within and outside Busara, to design, structure, and supervise an engagement to the highest possible degree. Engagement Directors are expected to have strong management skills and be comfortable driving all aspects of potential Busara engagements. Engagement Directors will manage projects that apply rigorous research methods to identify novel, evidence-based solutions to challenging client needs. Engagement Directors will primarily supervise a team of talented associates to deliver research insights in a compelling way that lead to action.
Additionally, Engagement Directors take a larger role in supporting the growth and sustainability of the global operations. As you start to hone your industry and technical expertise, you will help build valuable relationships that generate business opportunities for Busara. Engagement Directors have a great deal of autonomy in the partnerships they build, and as such play a crucial role in shaping the strategy for the organization going forward.
Lastly, Engagement Directors play a crucial role in the organization as members of the senior management team. They will be both critical to developing and overseeing implementation of organizational strategy, defining expansion and growth priorities and playing a key role in internal processes such as hiring, recruiting, and coaching.
DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Engagement Directors will work to assemble a team of Busara advisors and researchers to structure successful projects that deliver value and knowledge to the client. Core delivery responsibilities include, but are limited to:

Manage and coordinate a portfolio of projects across multiple client bases (researchers, private sector, government etc.).
Structure, design, and deliver external and internal engagements to client’s satisfaction
Manage, motivate, and coach a team of associates and analysts to execute projects in your portfolio.
Strategically assemble teams on projects that maximize the probability of success, but also develop new skills and competencies among Busara’s talent pool and supporting divisions.
Stay current on the latest research in qualitative and quantitative methods, behavioral science, psychology, economics, and development to provide creative direction for engagements.
Responsible for final quality backstop on all work products produced and drafted for engagements by giving regular feedback to project teams, but also occasionally contributing to content.
Serve as the primary relationship manager for clients and partners. Understand and preempt needs of stakeholders through proactive communication and troubleshooting.
Structure successful project onboarding and offboarding exercises to support knowledge management between projects.
Design proposals, concept notes and pitch decks for new business opportunities and knowledge sharing. Present at conferences, networking events, or client meetings.
Contribute to the design, execution, and dissemination of Busara internal research projects.

PORTFOLIO GROWTH RESPONSIBILITIES:
In addition to project responsibilities, Engagement Directors also have the following growth responsibilities to ensure the growth and sustainability of the organization:

Develop a portfolio of projects that contribute to quarterly and annual business development targets for the organization
Proactively design internal research, thought pieces, and demos to help facilitate new market offerings, service lines, and potential revenue sources
Support Busara’s strategic planning by identifying markets of interest, future service lines, and priority investments.
Develop lasting relationship with clients to build long-term partnerships and promote behavioral science as an embedded tool within their organizations.
Serve as primary points of contact on large, multi-year projects and support VPs to develop effective engagement strategies for those projects.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lastly, Engagement Directors have the following organizational responsibilities to ensure a healthy and functioning organization:
Drive the strategy of the Projects Division by setting annual targets, managing any team building events, and ensuring clear, division harmony on priorities for the organization.
Serve as a core member of the senior management team, responsible for setting organizational strategy, holding other team members accountable, and making senior hiring decisions.
Manage communications to ensure clear internal knowledge management and harmonization across the Projects Division
Serve as Direct Managers to a team of associates and/or research specialists
Serve on internal committees when necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields.
Strong understanding and application of rigorous research methods to industry.
Experience managing or mentoring senior staff and young professionals (3+ years)
Strong previous experience in a client-delivery role (e.g. management consulting, internal innovation team etc.)
Proven interest in behavioral science.
5-7 years previous work experience.
Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with partner organizations.
Excellent management and organizational skills.
Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and a team player.
Interest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment.
Fluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English.
Ability to execute projects while sustaining a global focus and vision for institutional planning and decision making.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A Master’s degree or PhD in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields.
Previous experience running randomized controlled trials or lab experiments
Strong previous experience managing teams of researchers or consultants in East Africa
Experience sitting on senior management teams and developing organizational strategy
Extensive industry experience in a sector of focus for Busara (health, financial services, energy, governance, agriculture)

October 25, 2024
Accounts Receivable Assistant

The Accounts Receivable Assistant is responsible for keeping up to date records of all pending and paid disbursements from clients, ensuring that clients are invoiced on time and reminded of late payments, and ensuring that all payments are received in the correct account and according to contract, without additional deductions for foreign exchange or transfer fees.
The position is also responsible for additional finance and accounting duties within finance department as may be directed. The ideal person should be a CPA with accounting experience, is a proactive communicator, and has a high level of attention to detail.
Responsibilities

Maintain an up to date record of all accounts receivable that is continually accessible to the Senior Accountant and senior management
Continually liaise with the US-based part time accountant to stay up to date on funds received
Process incoming payments in compliance with Busara’s financial policies and procedures
Review all client contracts before they are sent out
Maintain excellent records of all client contracts and amendments
Prepare invoices in line with Busara’s financial policies and guidelines
Update and reconcile the accounts receivable ledger in the financial management system
Verify discrepancies by and resolve clients’ billing issues in a timely manner
Regular reporting on accounts receivable status on scheduled basis
Coordinate with Finance and Accounting Manager on the cash projection process
Perform any additional finance and accounting duties within finance department as maybe directed
Attend to all accounts receivable inquiries, clarifications, or requests from project teams
Maintain the VAT accounts for Busara

Requirements

Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
CPA or equivalent professional qualification
Accounts Receivable experience preferred
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and integrity
Prior experience with client contracts preferred
Experience making journal entries in accounting software
Excellent written communication
High level of attention to detail
Thorough knowledge of relevant accounting procedures
Accuracy and attention to detail

October 25, 2024
Director of Finance

Job Description:
Position Summary:

Busara’s Director of Finance is a key advisor to senior management through financial planning, analysis, and management of the accounting function.
The Director analyzes Busara’s financial performance, manages finance related risk, and is responsible for managing any financing Busara leverages to fund its day to day operations.

Based in our main office in Nairobi, the Director monitors Busara’s financial position, acting swiftly to address risks (legal, financial, fraud, etc.).
The Director also oversees Busara’s Finance and Accounting team, which manages accounting and finance for Busara globally.

The role involves direct management of the Nairobi-based team of three as well as one US based consultant accountant.
Additionally, the Director will formalize Busara’s accounting and financial policies. This will ensure that all relevant laws and regulations in all countries of operation are understood and adhered to.
We are looking for a high-capacity, action-oriented individual with senior finance experience who is keen to capitalize on that experience to help Busara continue growing our high-performing organization.
Core Responsibilities
Financial planning and risk management

Maintain constant awareness of the company’s financial position and act swiftly to prevent and address problems. This includes monitoring of:

Cash position,
Budget vs actuals for all projects, and
Net income.

Conduct financial analysis to make forecasts, report to senior management, and advise on our business model
Assess and manage financial risks, including foreign exchange (through hedging, physical location of cash management, etc.)
Drive the quarterly and annual budgeting process throughout the organization, following up by monitoring expenses and developing systems to detect variances
Support good corporate governance with respect to finance to ensure the long term success of the organization
Support development of a corporate fundraising strategy and manage relationships with financial stakeholders

Audit, internal controls, and compliance

Responsible for all areas of corporate financial compliance, including tax, legal entity, local governance, debt covenants, etc.
Oversee all audit and internal control operations, ensuring strict financial controls are in place and adhered to
Coordinate all external audits, delegating responsibilities to designated team members in each country office
Maintain up to date knowledge of financial regulations and relevant laws in all jurisdictions where Busara works
Ensure compliance with US nonprofit reporting requirements, USAID grant requirements (either directly or through oversight of staff), and all taxes and statutory payments

Cash management

Secure and manage any necessary financing (e.g., loans or other financing instruments)
Manage foreign currency transfers between entities, optimizing in order to save money
Oversee global cash management, delegating day to day responsibility to the Finance Manager
Set and manage cash reserve requirements and policies
Set up the tools and reporting Busara needs to access debt facilities and other types of financing

Strong oversight of Accounts Payable and Receivable

Oversee the Finance department to responsibly and efficiently issue a high workload of payments, often up to a few hundred per day
Manage the Finance team to tightly administer Accounts Receivable, continuously reducing the amount of time from invoice to payment by Busara’s clients

Accounting

Automate the monthly close process
Oversee Busara’s finance IT systems, including:
NetSuite, our accounting system
An internally developed requests and approval system
An internally developed mobile money payments platform

Reporting

Prepare quarterly and monthly financial reports and projections for Busara senior management, including:
Profit and loss by project, Engagement Director, cost center, etc.
Total sales per quarter
Actuals against budget for all projects and teams (and provide tools that help teams develop, track, and follow up on their projects)
Custom reports and analysis to help provide visibility into spending, what makes a profitable project, etc.

Requirements

An advanced degree in business, economics, finance, or a related field (MBA preferable)
Accounting qualification (CPA, CPA(K), ACCA, CA or equivalent)
Deep knowledge of standard accounting principles (GAAP, IFRS, etc.)
5+ years of finance and management experience, preferably with prior experience as a Director of Finance
Financial modeling and advanced Excel skills
Experience with consolidations and NetSuite highly preferrable
Prior professional experience in East Africa preferable
Ability to anticipate workload and prioritize team workflow and deliverables
Strong analytical skills with strategic abilities and an entrepreneurial mindset
Excellent organizational and leadership skills
Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
Self-motivated, with a desire for continual learning

October 25, 2024