Finance Manager

Responsibilities

Leadership and strategic operations:

• Participate in Executive level management decisions and provide input to funding proposals.
• Lead and coordinate the development of the organization's annual operating budget.
• Provide finance technical support and advice to the COMRED’s management and Programme Staff, including capacity building in financial management & planning.
• Adopt, disseminate, operationalize and ensure compliance with COMRED’S finance and compliance policies & procedures (e.g. SOPs, COMRED’s financial systems and management tools), donor rules & regulations and respective laws of Kenya. 

‍Transaction processing, accounting and payroll:

• Ensure all transactions are promptly and accurately recorded in finance systems.
• Support users and oversee the performance of COMRED’s finance and accounting system.
• Oversee all relevant monthly reconciliations to ensure that all balance sheet accounts are fully accounted for.
• Oversee accurate and timely payroll generation.
• Verify that requests for commitment of funds and/or payments, meet all requirements.
• Review transactions and ensure that they are duly justified.

‍Financial planning and reporting:

• Improve financial management practices and internal control mechanisms as per the varied grant management requirements.
• Monitor grant budgets against expenditure and provide accurate financial reporting and performance, in close collaboration with field Teams to ensure no over or under-expenditure, and timely mitigate such situations.
• Using financial software, prepare and present financial reports and ensure programme staff have sufficient financial data for routine programme reforecasting, within donor limitations.
• Lead and coordinate the periodic review of COMRED’s financial performance by conducting monthly financial review & analysis meetings.
• Oversee regular cost analysis of COMRED activities to provide information useful in cost efficiency and cost recovery in program implementation.

Capacity building:

• Develop and train relevant staff members to prepare internal and external budgets as needed, including project budgets, donor cost.
• Capacity building of staff in financial management, accounting and control.
• Capacity building of staff and community in microfinance and business development.

Banking, procurement and control environment:

• Ensure all banking and payment controls are compliant with COMRED’s global policies and processes.
• Ensure a strong control environment around procurement and the management of cash to prevent errors and fraudulent activity.
• Ensure that all logistics and procurement manuals are up to date – including policies and procedures, security, health, safety and safeguarding, and relevant operations documents and that COMRED’s operations comply with them.
• Guide the development of strong procurement policies and procedures to minimize opportunities for irregularities and fraud.

Compliance:

• Ensure COMRED is compliant with all local tax requirements and always adhering to government reporting deadlines 
• Ensure timely preparation of accounts for audit (internal, external, donor, etc.) and oversee that management comments are addressed, and recommendations implemented

‍

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, accounting, economics, or similar or related area.
• Chartered accountant - CPA (K) qualified or equivalent professional qualification in financial management.
• Significant and demonstrable years (7 years - or more) of experience in financial management and/or audit, with preference in the non-profit context.
• Have a proven track record in leadership and Management of teams both directly and indirectly.
• Experience in capacity building in microfinance and business development.
• Knowledge and experience in grant management, contract management and procurement.
• Knowledge and experience of managing funds from a programmatic perspective.
• Experience and proficiency working with QuickBooks or any other financial management software or ERP as well as advanced IT skills.
• Experience in setting up a financial management structure.
• Knowledge of principles of good governance in regards to accounting/ financial legislation and regulations.
• Excellent command of English and Swahili both oral and written and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders and project managers to ensure delivery of KPIs.
• Analytical skills (ability to analyze budgets and make financial forecasts) and communicate the same to management.
• Proven ability to work independently under minimal guidance, pressure, and tight deadlines.
• Confident working with, navigating, and developing new systems and processes to drive improvements and efficiencies.
• Motivated to complete routine tasks and ability to come up with practical solutions to administrative challenges.
• A diplomatic, but firm approach to obtain buy-in and contributions from a range of staff.
• Ability to motivate and support colleagues.
• High level of self-organization and ability to work independently.
• Willingness to continuously update know-how and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural context.

We would also love to see 

• Excellent experience in report writing.
• Excellent experience in donor rules and regulations and validation procedures.
• Knowledge and skills in cash-based interventions and financial service alternatives such as microfinance.
• Specializations in accounting and / or Audit desired.
• People-centered experience, particularly the poor and vulnerable is desirable.
• Experience working in complex contexts.
• Experience working with implementation partners.

You will be a great fit if

• You show a commitment to COMREDs’ mission and values, evidenced by a high level of personal and professional integrity and humility.
• You demonstrate commitment for action and comfort with the uncertain.
• You are motivated to move forward, make decisions, and finalize details quickly once information is available.
• You’ve shown a willingness and ability to challenge the status quo creatively and productively.
• You have an analytical mindset and orientation toward measurement, outcomes and continuous improvement and learning. You value in others, and yourself, data-driven and consultative decision-making.  
• You think critically and put a high value on offering and receiving constructive feedback and criticism.
• You’re a natural relationship builder and have a proven ability to work collaboratively with others in a complex organization, demonstrating professional curiosity, team building and facilitation skills. You enjoy collaboration and have a genuine interest in learning from and developing others.
• You’re a people person who is comfortable with an engaging workplace with cultures and environments for staff at all levels and from varied backgrounds.  
• You are a passionate professional who combines strong leadership skills with patience and a humble approach.
• You use exemplary interpersonal skills to establish relationships of trust and influence building teams, nurturing relationships, and tackling challenging people-related issues
• You’re detail-oriented and compliance-minded.
• You demonstrate excellent organizational skills, an ability to marshal resources, and continually improve systems and processes.
• You show self-motivation, flexibility, and the ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment.
• You’re trustworthy in managing sensitive situations and information; you are discrete, professional, and possess excellent judgement.
• You are comfortable with a playfully professional workplace culture.  

‍

This job description details the main duties and responsibilities for the position. However, team members are required to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description.  

We are a mission-driven organization, and senior staff in particular are expected to show willingness to adapt to unexpected changes that come with growth − this may include occasional work whenever or wherever requested by their line manager.  Where any task becomes a regular part of someone’s responsibilities, the job description will be updated in consultation with the team member. 

COMREDs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people we work with and expects all members of staff to share this commitment.  

‍

Applicants should apply online (via this website) by 9^th November, 2023. 

All shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.

‍

• Official office working hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday except for official public holidays.
• Field working days and hours will depend on the nature of the assignment.

‍