The Position
The Senior Finance Officer – Grants Reporting and Compliance will deliver CFO-focused validation over the integrity, accuracy, regulatory adherence, and audit readiness of grantee expenditures prior to their recognition in the ERP system. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as the CFO’s representative in Grant Committee proceedings and confirm that grantee expenditures are legitimate, properly incurred, adequately documented, accurately categorized, and recorded 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 robust documentation protocols and addressing discrepancies at their origin. Furthermore, the position will guarantee end-to-end 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 analysis, liquidation processes, recoverability assessments, and collection follow-ups. Additionally, they will pinpoint recurring control deficiencies and collaborate on remedial measures to minimize audit findings, downstream adjustments, and reporting discrepancies. The role entails delivering consistent reports and assurances to management regarding grantee expenditure quality, receivable balances, audit preparedness, and financial reporting risks.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of essential duties and responsibilities to ensure operational excellence and team productivity. Lead and manage daily activities, fostering collaboration and efficiency across departments. Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational objectives while maintaining high standards of performance. Monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and provide actionable insights to drive continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices to mitigate risks and uphold accountability. Serve as a key liaison between leadership, employees, and stakeholders to facilitate seamless communication and alignment of goals.
Transform the grants financial management function into a rigorously controlled, audit-ready assurance framework.
Ensure financial integrity throughout every stage of the grant’s lifecycle by verifying that all expenditures are precise, properly documented, compliant with regulations, and fully aligned with donor specifications.
AGRA’s second-line oversight framework will be enhanced by implementing structured verification, reconciliation, and compliance review processes to ensure robust oversight and accountability.
Enhance and systematize donor financial reporting upholding excellence, uniformity, punctuality, and trustworthiness.
Enhance grants financial governance, systems, and reporting fostering ongoing improvement, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and insights that support informed decision-making. Assume the role of institutional leader for grants financial compliance, reporting, and audit preparedness, working in tandem with the Head of Grants to strengthen strategic initiatives.
Collaborate closely with Finance, Grants, Programs, M&E, and IT departments to establish and uphold robust financial discipline and reporting standards throughout the organization.
Serve as the main liaison between external auditors and donors, addressing financial reporting, compliance, and audit-related inquiries.
Work collaboratively with Legal to ensure grant agreements incorporate accurate financial reporting requirements, necessary compliance measures, and thorough audit provisions.
Deliver objective assurance insights to senior leadership regarding compliance risks, financial exposure, and portfolio performance.
Prepare clear, evidence-based updates on risks and financial performance to support senior management reporting, including GRC and Expo communications.
Demonstrate leadership by advising, educating, and elevating country and program teams to consistently comply with established policies, even in the absence of direct managerial oversight.
Develop organizational capacity by providing training to staff and grantees on reporting standards, documentation protocols, and compliance requirements.
Perform independent reviews of grant expenditures to confirm their alignment with allocated budgets, donor stipulations, and accompanying supporting documentation.
Design and deploy risk-based frameworks for conducting compliance reviews throughout the grant portfolio.
Identify, escalate, and monitor instances of non-compliance, unauthorized spending, and deficiencies in internal controls.
Maintain and oversee the financial risk register for grants, with a particular focus on high-risk grants and the corresponding mitigation strategies.
Design and oversee the implementation of internal control frameworks, such as those aligned with COST, throughout the duration of the grant.
Assist in compiling and verifying donor financial reports to confirm they are accurate, thorough, and fully compliant with the terms specified in grantee reporting agreements.
Transform and streamline grantee reporting frameworks to ensure uniformity in templates, adherence to established timelines, and consistency in procedural execution.
Ensure that grantee financial data is seamlessly incorporated into all 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 rates, and potential financial risks.
Act as the primary liaison for YE FFA grant-related audit activities, guaranteeing that all documentation is thorough, systematically arranged, and prepared for audit review.
Ensure audit responses are coordinated efficiently, guaranteeing prompt resolution and consistent follow-through on corrective actions.
Conduct pre-audit evaluations and establish comprehensive documentation protocols to enhance audit readiness.
Ensure accurate and timely preparation of regulatory reports and disclosures specifically concerning grants, including statutory filings.
Verify alignment between the grants’ management system (AMIS) and the General Ledger, addressing and resolving any discrepancies that arise.
Enhance the reliability, accuracy, and uniformity of data within financial and grants management systems.
Collaborate with the Grants, IT, and Finance teams to enhance system integration, reporting capabilities, and user engagement.
Manage financial data across multiple systems, guaranteeing consistency and accuracy across all reporting platforms.
Deliver comprehensive financial insights at the portfolio level for grantees, focusing on grant performance, utilization rates, future projections, and potential risk exposure.
Design and oversee dashboards and key performance indicators to facilitate informed leadership decisions.
Convert financial information into easily understandable, strategic insights tailored for senior leadership and the Board.
Develop and execute comprehensive training initiatives for employees and grantees, focusing on financial reporting standards, meticulous documentation practices, and adherence to regulatory compliance requirements.
Spearhead efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency, elevating reporting standards, and strengthening control mechanisms.
Foster an organizational culture characterized by accountability, precision, and preparedness for audits.
Qualifications and Experience Required:
Candidates should possess a relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in a related field, supplemented by a proven track record in a comparable role. Experience in managing complex projects, delivering measurable results, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is highly desirable. Proficiency in industry-specific software, tools, and methodologies is essential, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance—or its equivalent in practical experience—is required.
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is highly advantageous.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is required for this role, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of accounting practice and ethics. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of progressive accounting experience, with a strong emphasis on financial reporting, tax preparation, and audit procedures. Proficiency in U.S. GAAP and experience with financial software systems are essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex financial data. Excellent communication abilities are necessary to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present findings to stakeholders.
Requires a robust background in accounting, finance, or financial oversight, demonstrating expertise in financial management and regulatory compliance.
Proficiency in international and local government accounting frameworks is required.
Prepares and evaluates financial reports with a proven track record, delivering accurate insights to senior management for strategic decision-making.
Applies expertise in auditing methodologies, financial risk mitigation strategies, and relevant financial regulatory frameworks.
Exhibits advanced skills in utilizing computer applications, with particular expertise in spreadsheets, presentation tools, reporting systems, and accounting software.
Should you meet the qualifications for this role, kindly forward your application—complete with a comprehensive CV that includes your email address and telephone number—to recruit@agra.org, ensuring the job reference number SFO/GRC/05/2026 is clearly stated in the subject line of your email. Please note that applications will only be accepted until 5th June 2026. Given the anticipated high volume of submissions, only those selected for further consideration will receive a response.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
