Finance Manager – Kisumu, Kenya – Zone01 Kisumu

Finance Manager – Kisumu, Kenya – Zone01 Kisumu

Position: Finance Manager
Company: Zone01 Kisumu
Location: Kisumu, Kenya
Job Type: Full-Time
Reporting To: Executive Director
Application Deadline: November 30, 2024

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About Zone01 Kisumu

Zone01 Kisumu is a leading tech and innovation hub dedicated to nurturing talent in Kenya’s growing technology landscape. Our mission is to empower youth through digital skills, entrepreneurship, and tech literacy, bridging local talent with global opportunities. With extensive partnerships across government, tech industry giants, and international organizations, we foster a collaborative, dynamic environment aimed at sustainable economic development and social impact.

Job Overview

As the Finance Manager at Zone01 Kisumu, you will be essential in maintaining the financial stability and integrity of the organization. This role will involve strategic financial planning, comprehensive reporting, and ensuring compliance with internal standards and donor regulations. You’ll play a vital role in managing grants, driving financial growth, and supporting the financial aspects of the organization’s mission-driven initiatives.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Develop forecasts, conduct scenario analyses, and propose budget adjustments for strategic planning.
• Collaborate with project managers to oversee project budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation.

2. Financial Reporting

• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with donor agreements, regulatory requirements, and adherence to submission deadlines.
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis to inform senior management and the board’s strategic planning.

3. Accounting and Compliance

• Supervise daily financial operations, including accounting, payroll, and expense management.
• Ensure timely, accurate transaction recording according to accepted accounting standards.
• Develop internal controls and maintain adherence to financial policies, ensuring transparency.
• Comply with local tax laws, relevant financial regulations, and reporting standards.

4. Grant Management and Fundraising Support

• Coordinate closely with the fundraising team to manage grants and donor funding.
• Assist in developing financial proposals for grants and re-align budgets as needed.
• Oversee grant disbursements, ensuring compliance with donor expectations and project objectives.

5. Audits and Risk Management

• Lead the annual audit process with external auditors, ensuring readiness and adherence to audit standards.
• Identify financial risks and develop recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Manage financial aspects of service contracts to ensure fiscal responsibility.

6. Procurement and Asset Management

• Oversee procurement activities, ensuring integrity and competitive value.
• Manage fixed assets, including tracking, depreciation, and related financial reporting.

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Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; Master’s degree or certifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in financial management, ideally within non-profits, technology, or educational sectors.
• Competencies: Strong financial planning, reporting, and compliance experience in donor-funded environments.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Kenyan tax laws, accounting standards, and financial management software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero).

Required Skills and Competencies

• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex financial data and provide strategic insights.
• Leadership: Proven ability to manage teams and foster collaboration.
• Attention to Detail: Strong commitment to accuracy and financial integrity.
• Communication: Capable of presenting financial information to diverse audiences.
• Adaptability: Skilled at handling multiple priorities and working under pressure.

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Why Join Zone01 Kisumu?

Joining Zone01 Kisumu means becoming part of a transformative organization with a mission to leverage technology for societal impact. You will work in an inclusive, diverse team and have access to expansive networks and career development opportunities. In this role, you can make a real difference while advancing your career within a rapidly growing tech landscape.

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Application Process

Interested applicants should submit their CV, a cover letter, and three professional references to careers@01talent.ke by November 30, 2024. In your cover letter, highlight your financial management experience, commitment to social impact, and your motivation for joining Zone01 Kisumu.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Finance Manager Position

As a recruiting expert with over 30 years of experience, I’ve identified key strategies that can help you stand out when applying for the Finance Manager role at Zone01 Kisumu. Below are detailed, role-specific tips complete with tailored examples to enhance your application and increase your chances of success, including navigating through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

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1. Showcase Relevant Experience in Financial Management

Detail your specific experience in financial management within non-profit, tech, or educational sectors, as these are directly relevant to Zone01 Kisumu.

• Example: “At TechBridge Nairobi, a non-profit tech incubator, I managed an annual budget of KES 100 million, overseeing all financial planning, reporting, and compliance activities. I successfully implemented a financial restructuring that reduced operational costs by 15%, allowing us to allocate more resources to youth training programs.”

Action Points:

• Highlight any roles where you managed budgets comparable to or larger than those at Zone01 Kisumu.
• Emphasize experience with organizations focused on technology, education, or youth empowerment.

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2. Emphasize Your Expertise in Compliance and Local Tax Laws

Demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of Kenyan tax laws, accounting standards, and financial reporting requirements.

• Example: “While serving at EduTech Kenya, I ensured compliance with Kenyan tax regulations, successfully navigating complex VAT and PAYE filings. I led the organization through a KRA audit with zero penalties, showcasing my meticulous attention to compliance and detail.”

Action Points:

• Mention any specific tax laws or compliance standards you are proficient in.
• Provide instances where your expertise prevented legal issues or resulted in financial savings.

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3. Illustrate Strategic Financial Planning and Budgeting Skills

Provide concrete examples of how you’ve contributed to financial planning and strategic decision-making.

• Example: “At GlobalYouth Initiatives, I developed a multi-year financial forecast that identified potential funding gaps. By proposing diversified revenue streams and adjusting budget allocations, we increased financial sustainability by 25% over two years.”

Action Points:

• Discuss any strategic plans you’ve developed that had a measurable impact.
• Highlight experience with budgeting techniques like zero-based budgeting or scenario analysis.

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4. Highlight Grant Management and Donor Relations Experience

Showcase your experience in handling donor funds and interacting with international donors, a key aspect of the role at Zone01 Kisumu.

• Example: “Managed a USD 2 million grant from the World Bank at Youth Empowerment Trust, ensuring all expenditures aligned with donor requirements. I facilitated quarterly financial reports and hosted donor site visits, strengthening relationships that led to an additional USD 500,000 in funding.”

Action Points:

• Specify grants you’ve managed, including the amounts and donor organizations.
• Detail your role in financial proposal development and successful audits.

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5. Demonstrate Proficiency with Financial Software and Tools

Emphasize your hands-on experience with financial management software relevant to the role.

• Example: “Proficient in QuickBooks and Xero, I automated the financial reporting process at Innovation Hub Eldoret, reducing report preparation time by 40% and increasing accuracy by implementing double-entry checks.”

Action Points:

• Mention any advanced skills like setting up custom dashboards or integrating software solutions.
• Discuss how your proficiency improved efficiency or accuracy in previous roles.

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6. Quantify Your Achievements with Data

Use specific numbers and metrics to highlight your accomplishments.

• Example: “Reduced operational expenses by KES 10 million annually at TechConnect Africa through renegotiation of vendor contracts and implementation of cost-saving measures. Increased funding reserves by 20% within one fiscal year.”

Action Points:

• Include figures related to budgets you’ve managed, cost savings, or funding increases.
• Quantify the impact of your financial strategies on the organizations you’ve worked with.

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7. Showcase Leadership and Team Management Abilities

Demonstrate your capacity to lead financial teams and collaborate with other departments.

• Example: “Led a team of six accountants at EduInnovate, mentoring junior staff and implementing a new internal control system that reduced financial discrepancies by 30%. Collaborated with IT to integrate a new accounting software, enhancing cross-departmental efficiency.”

Action Points:

• Highlight any team management roles and the outcomes achieved under your leadership.
• Mention initiatives where you fostered collaboration across departments.

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8. Tailor Your Application to Zone01 Kisumu’s Mission and Values

Show genuine interest in the organization’s goals and explain how your values align.

• Example: “Passionate about leveraging technology for social impact, I am inspired by Zone01 Kisumu’s commitment to equipping Kenyan youth with digital skills. My experience in managing finances for tech-focused non-profits aligns with your mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Action Points:

• Reference specific programs like Zone01 Kisumu’s partnerships with international tech giants or government initiatives.
• Express how your personal values and career goals mesh with the organization’s objectives.

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9. Prepare for the ATS: Use Relevant Keywords and Phrases

Ensure your resume and cover letter contain keywords from the job description to pass ATS screening.

• Example: Include phrases such as “financial planning and budgeting,” “grant management,” “donor compliance,” “financial reporting,” “Kenyan tax laws,” and “accounting standards” throughout your application materials.

Action Points:

• Use exact terms from the job posting where applicable.
• Incorporate keywords naturally within the context of your experiences and skills.

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10. Provide Strong Professional References and Testimonials

Include references who can attest to your financial expertise and leadership abilities.

• Example: “References available upon request, including the former CFO of TechHub Nairobi, who can speak to my role in enhancing financial controls and reporting accuracy.”

Action Points:

• Obtain permission from references before including them.
• Choose references who can provide specific examples of your achievements and work ethic.

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Additional Tailored Tips:

A. Customize Your Cover Letter with Specifics

Write a personalized cover letter addressing the Executive Director by name, expressing enthusiasm for the role and aligning your experience with the organization’s needs.

• Example: “Dear Ms. Achieng, I am excited to apply for the Finance Manager position at Zone01 Kisumu. Your organization’s dedication to transforming lives through technology resonates deeply with my professional experience and personal values. My background in managing finances for tech-focused non-profits positions me to contribute effectively to your mission.”

B. Demonstrate Cultural Fit and Soft Skills

Highlight soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving that are crucial for the dynamic environment at Zone01 Kisumu.

• Example: “In the fast-paced setting of StartUp Hub Mombasa, I adapted quickly to changing financial landscapes, effectively communicating complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders, which facilitated informed decision-making across departments.”

C. Include Relevant Certifications and Continuous Learning

Mention any additional certifications or courses that enhance your suitability for the role.

• Example: “Completed a Certificate in Donor Fund Management from the Kenya Institute of Management, enhancing my ability to oversee international donor-funded projects effectively.”

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Ensuring ATS Compatibility:

• Use Simple Formatting: Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and avoid graphics or tables that may confuse the ATS.
• Clear Headings: Use straightforward headings such as “Professional Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
• Consistent Terminology: Use consistent job titles and dates to help the ATS parse your information correctly.

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Zone01 Kisumu is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining talent from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive work environment. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.