FINANCE SPECIALIST

WHO WE ARE  

Nyanam is a restorative justice organization, preparing widows and their children to lead positive community transformation through integrated programs in leadership, health, livelihoods, human rights and justice and youth education. Our work alleviates widowhood poverty, mitigates the impact of HIV/AIDS, and gives widows the tools to tackle oppressive cultural, economic, and social practices that undermine widows’ dignity and limit their agency.  

Position Title: Finance Specialist 

Location: Kisumu, with frequent field work in Kisumu and Siaya  

Position Type: Full Time 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITY 

The Finance Specialist will be responsible for strategic financial management, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic objectives and promoting financial sustainability. This role involves leading financial planning, budgeting, reporting, ensuring compliance, and providing financial insights to support decision-making and organizational growth. This position is critical to the finance department of the organization. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Develop, implement, and maintain strong financial systems (policies, procedures, structures, and templates) that ensure accurate record-keeping and efficient financial operations 

  • Prepare and deliver comprehensive financial reports for internal (management, board) and external (donors, regulatory bodies) stakeholders, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and legal requirements. 

  • Establish, implement, and continuously monitor a robust system of internal controls to safeguard organizational assets, mitigate financial risks, and prevent fraud. 

  • Lead the development and management of organizational budgets, provide accurate financial forecasts, and ensure alignment of financial planning with strategic goals. 

  • Develop and implement financial strategies to enhance the organization's sustainability, including exploring income-generating activities and supporting resource mobilization efforts. 

  • Monitor and manage the organization's cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity for operations and provide operational support to program managers on expenditure management. 

  • Accurate and timely processing of monthly payroll, including adjustments, salary payments, and statutory deductions. 

  • Align all expenditures with approved budgets, proactively monitor budget commitments, and advise program managers on financial performance and potential overspending. 

  • Oversee the maintenance of the fixed asset register and ensure compliance with government taxation regulations. 

  • Manage balance sheets and profit and loss statements, ensuring accurate reconciliation of accounts payable and receivable, and conduct year-end account reconciliations. 

  • Prepare and submit annual financial returns to the NGO board and other regulatory bodies, including the annual financial report. 

  • Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely provision of accurate information and the implementation of audit recommendations. 

  • Contribute to awareness of grant regulations and ensure financial compliance with donor requirements. 

  • Supervise, mentor, and build the capacity of junior finance staff, ensuring effective allocation of work. 

  • Collaborate with operations and program teams to align financial resources with organizational goals. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 
Education: A master's degree finance/management, and a qualified accountant, CPA-K/ACCA. Additional technical skills in human resource management are added advantage. 

Leadership Experience: At least 5-7 years of finance senior management experience, with 2 years of proven experience preferably in a nonprofit, NGO, or community development context. Experience in overseeing financing and funding implementation and team development is essential. 

 COMPETENCIES 

  • Strong expertise in accounting principles, financial reporting, and budget management, including the preparation of financial statements and forecasts, as well as variance analysis.  

  • Skilled in analyzing financial data to support strategic decision-making, with a solid grasp of internal control systems and audit processes.  

  • Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, with potential knowledge of Power BI for data analysis.  

  • Brings a strategic understanding of how finance aligns with organizational goals.  

  • Possesses excellent communication skills for engaging donors and stakeholders, upholds high ethical standards and confidentiality, and exhibits strong leadership in developing teams.  

  • A proactive self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.  

How to apply: 

If you meet the requirements above and are confident that this is you, Apply Here by 20 April 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Jackline Odhiambo