Senior Finance Officer – NGO (Nairobi)

About the role

The Senior Finance Officer will oversee financial management for CWS Africa, preparing reports and budgets, monitoring project expenditures, maintaining accurate accounting records, supporting audits and ensuring compliance with donor and organisational requirements. The role provides financial guidance to programme teams and works closely with finance, HR, and operations staff.

Key responsibilities

• Follow sound accounting procedures in line with SOPs, GAAP, IFRS and OMB circulars to ensure accurate use of US Government funds.
• Coordinate external audit planning, execution and response to audit observations.
• Process payments to suppliers, interpreters and child minders within agreed KPIs.
• Review and monitor accounts aging reports, reconcile ledger and VAT ledger, and ensure proper documentation and approvals.
• Record and post supplier invoices in the ERP system and match purchase orders, goods received notes and invoices.
• Supervise and coach a Finance Officer, manage petty cash funds and support cash‑flow forecasting.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years progressive finance and accounting experience, at least 3 years in an INGO or donor‑funded environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field.
• Professional qualification such as CPA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Strong written and verbal English skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and child safeguarding policies.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel (including complex formulas and data analysis).
• Dynamic 365 Business Central or similar ERP system.
• Fund and accrual accounting principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).