About us
We work across Kenya and East Africa to help government decision-makers and EdTech innovators choose and build solutions that actually work — through rigorous evidence generation, championing for evidence uptake and creating platforms for co-creation that bring together diverse stakeholders — in order to close the education inequality gap for 10 million learners in underserved and ASAL communities by 2035.
Job Description
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Finance Lead to own budget management and grant financial reporting across all our strategic program areas. This is a senior, high-trust role for someone who can operate independently, make sound financial decisions under time pressure, and catch discrepancies before they become problems. You’ll be the person program leads and leadership turn to for a clear, accurate picture of where money stands — and what to do about it.
Key Responsibilities.
Budget Management
Develop and Own the annual budgeting process for grant proposals across all strategic areas and work with program leads to build realistic, well-structured budgets
Track expenditure against approved budgets.
Identify areas of overspending and support cost-control initiatives.
Assist management in evaluating financial implications of business decisions against approved budgets
Financial Operations and Reporting
Record and maintain accurate financial transactions and accounting records.
Process invoices, payments, receipts, and expense claims.
Monitor accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Perform regular bank, cash, and ledger reconciliations.
Maintain accurate documentation for all financial transactions.
Assist with cash flow monitoring and forecasting.
Prepare weekly and monthly financial reports.
Assist in the preparation of management accounts and financial statements.
Analyze financial data and identify variances, trends, and anomalies.
Provide financial information and reports to management to support decision-making.
Maintain up-to-date financial records and schedules.
Grant Financial Reporting
Manage the full financial reporting cycle for institutional and foundation grants — tracking spend against grant budgets, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements
Maintain a master calendar of grant reporting deadlines and ensure nothing slips
Reconcile grant-restricted funds against organizational accounts; ensure proper allocation of shared/indirect costs
Manage sub grants and develop structures for financial oversight including disbursements and regulatory measures
Serve as the primary finance point of contact during funder audits or financial reviews
Payroll Support & Management
Serve as the primary finance point of contact during funder audits or financial reviews
Assist with monthly payroll preparation and verification in liaison with
Ensure payroll-related deductions and statutory contributions are accurately processed.
Reconcile payroll reports with accounting records.
Maintain confidential employee financial information.
Cross-functional Partnership
Act as a trusted financial advisor to program/strategic area leads, translating financial data into decisions they can act on
Present clear financial updates to leadership and, where relevant, the board or funders
Support annual audit preparation and liaise with external auditors/accountants
Payroll Management in liaison with the external accountants on compliance levels
Requirements
What You Bring
[3–5+] years in finance/accounting roles, including experience managing budgets across multiple programs or departments
Direct experience with grant financial reporting and restricted fund accounting (nonprofit/NGO experience preferred)
Proven ability to work independently and make sound judgment calls without heavy oversight
Sharp eye for detail — track record of catching discrepancies before they compound
Strong command of [accounting software/ERP — e.g., QuickBooks, Zohobooks NetSuite] and advanced Excel/Google Sheets
Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting financial information to non-finance stakeholders
[Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA Part II and above or equivalent is a plus]
What Success Looks Like in the First 6 Months
Full visibility established across all strategic-area budgets and grant reports
Clean reconciliation process in place with no unresolved discrepancies
Trusted relationships built with program leads and funders
At least one improvement made to reporting processes or controls
Benefits
Compensation range: KES 100,000kes to 150,000kes per month, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits summary: Medical cover, 24 days annual leave, professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and other applicable employee benefits.