Head of Finance

Job Title: Head of Finance

Locations: Nairobi, Kenya

Reports to: Director of Operations

Start Date: January 2021

The AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a development institution which supports early and growth-stage businesses to innovate, create jobs, leverage investments and markets in an effort to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa.

AECF’s strategy is focused on agribusiness/agriculture and renewable energy sectors with increased support to climate-smart technologies deepened focus on gender, youth, and employment, aimed at attaining the institution’s vision of ‘A Prosperous and Enterprising Rural Africa’.

The ideal candidate for the Head of Finance role is to be self- driven, has a strong work ethic with a high standard of attention to detail and quality. The incumbent will be a member of the AECF Senior Management Team and will be responsible for providing oversight and leading the work of the Finance function in line with the AECF strategic goals. The role holder will have overall responsibility for managing and reporting AECF’s finances.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the Finance & Accounting functions of AECF;

• Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends in order to assist the Board and senior management team in executing their responsibilities, and ensuring that all tax, audit and compliance aspects are addressed in a timely manner;

• Ensure AECF’s compliance with relevant accounting standards and reporting in AECF’s countries of operation;

• Oversee the company’s transaction processing systems, monitoring cash balances, developing cash projection processes, and providing timely financial information and reports;

• Ensure timely, accurate and transparent financial reporting to donors and other partners as required;

• Oversee the production of cash flow reports, annual budget, and forecasts working effectively with Senior Management Team;

• Ensure that effective internal controls are in place and ensure compliance with IFRS and all applicable laws and rules for financial and tax reporting;

• Develop financial and tax strategies, together with performance measures and monitoring

systems that support the AECF’s strategic direction

• Support the acquisition of capital assets and ensure that assets are properly recorded, amortized, and disposed of as appropriate;

• Oversee the management of the budget ensuring targets are met without exceeding budget allocations and develop procedures to measure cost-effectiveness including variance reporting;

• As a member of the senior management team, be central in the development and implementation of the AECF strategy, corporate culture and values;

• Management of the Finance team and accountability for its performance and decisions;

Required qualifications and experience **

• Masters’ degree in accounting, finance, or business administration; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or hold an equivalent professional accounting qualification e.g. ACCA;

• 8+ years working experience in a senior role, including responsibility for financial management and control, at least part of which should have been in sub-Saharan Africa;

• Knowledge of donor reporting processes specifically bilateral donors;

• Experience in implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system;

• Ability to create a strong vision for the team and inspire others to greater performance, professional standards and results

• Ability to engage with a diverse range of teams and partners and comfortable building strong working relationships.

• Encourages a high-performing culture in the team.

• Fluency in English with French being desirable.