Finance Officer – Nairobi, Kenya | The Green Belt Movement

Finance Officer – Nairobi, Kenya | The Green Belt Movement

Organization Summary

The Green Belt Movement is a renowned non-governmental organization founded in Kenya in 1977 by Professor Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The Green Belt Movement focuses on environmental conservation and community empowerment by engaging rural women and communities through environmental education. The organization is dedicated to supporting climate change mitigation efforts in Kenya while establishing livelihood safety nets at the household level.

Position Summary

As a Finance Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting the mission and goals of the Green Belt Movement. You will report to the Finance Manager and provide accurate, timely, and professional financial services. Your primary responsibilities will include financial planning, cash flow management, donor reporting, and updating financial systems. This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and requires strict adherence to the organization’s financial policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Preparation of Annual Budgets: Collaborate with the program team and the Finance Manager to prepare the annual budgets for programs and the organization.
• Donor Budget Preparation: Work with the programs team to create donor-specific budgets for proposals, ensuring alignment with donor requirements.
• Cost Monitoring & Control: Ensure that all costs fall within the approved project budget. Evaluate requests for cost-effectiveness and compliance with financial policies.

Grants Management

• Grant Income Recording: Accurately record and report all grant income received from donors.
• Donor Receipts Follow-Up: Collaborate with the resource mobilization office to follow up on donor receipts.
• Budget Uploading: Ensure that all new grants are uploaded into the QuickBooks system.

Cash Flow Management

• Due to and Due from Accounts: Ensure the timely clearance of due to and due from accounts.
• Staff Advances: Monitor staff advances and ensure they comply with the organization’s procedures.

Imprest Management & Reconciliation

• Imprest Liquidation: Review imprest requests and ensure correctness and compliance. Timely liquidation and reconciliation of imprest accounts in the system are essential.
• Bank Reconciliation: Prepare and process monthly bank reconciliations for all bank accounts.

Payroll & Statutory Compliance

• Payroll Processing: Ensure timely processing of the payroll and submission of all statutory deductions to the relevant authorities.
• Filing Annual Returns: Facilitate the filing of annual returns with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the NGO Board.

Financial Reporting

• Monthly Management Accounts: Produce monthly management accounts, including Budget vs Actuals and projections.
• Aging Analysis: Generate monthly Aging Analysis reports for accounts receivables and payables.
• Exception Reports: Prepare exception reports related to imprest recoveries, shortages, payroll deductions, and possible fraud investigations.

Additional Duties

• Acting Finance Manager: Step in for the Finance Manager when required.
• Records Management: Ensure that all financial documents related to donor transactions are properly filed and accessible when needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (BCOM) or Business Administration, majoring in Accounting or Finance.
• Professional Accountancy Qualification such as CPAK or ACCA.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Financial Accounting, bookkeeping, and project accounting.
• At least 3 years of experience using QuickBooks Accounting System.
• Knowledge and experience with MPESA Bulk Payment System is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages and advanced knowledge of Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to prepare presentations and listen effectively.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with integrity and maintain professionalism under minimal supervision.

Skills and Attributes

• Attention to Detail: Accuracy and thoroughness in preparing financial reports, reviewing budgets, and managing grants are crucial.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze financial data and make sound financial decisions in compliance with organizational policies.
• Problem Solving: Proactively identify and resolve financial discrepancies and issues.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in managing multiple responsibilities, meeting tight deadlines, and handling unexpected challenges.

Application Instructions

To apply for this exciting role as a Finance Officer at the Green Belt Movement, please send a cover letter and your CV (combined into one document) to jobs@greenbeltmovement.org. The subject line should clearly state: Finance Officer Application. The deadline for submission is 25th September 2024. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note: Applicants should not send copies of their certificates with their application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Green Belt Movement is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or disability.

TELEGRAM CHANNEL

Are you passionate about contributing to environmental conservation and community empowerment in Kenya? Do you have the financial expertise to support impactful programs? If so, apply today and become a part of the Green Belt Movement’s mission to create a sustainable future for Kenya.

By implementing these best practices in financial management and adhering to Green Belt Movement’s policies, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the organization’s resources are effectively managed and utilized for maximum impact.

Please Share This Opportunity!
If you know someone who may be interested in this role, kindly share this job opportunity with them. Sharing will help us reach passionate and qualified individuals eager to make a difference in environmental conservation and community empowerment.