ABOUT AFRICAN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION
AATF is an international not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to promote food security and enhance livelihoods of smallholder farmers in SSA. AATF works with African governments, private and public technology owners and developers, NGOs, seed companies and African small holder farmers to identify and access technologies that address farmers’ key problems and empower them through availability of a choice of agricultural innovations that generate wealth and health for their families and communities.
AATF is a registered charity under the laws of England and Wales and has host country status with the Government of Kenya. The Foundation depends on the ongoing support and collaboration of different partners and investors to meet its objectives.
Please visit the AATF website at https://www.aatf-africa.org/ for further details.
ROLE OVERVIEW: FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Reporting directly to the Director, Corporate Services, the Financial Controller, is a hands-on financial manager responsible for payroll, budget and planning, financial and management accounting, and reporting as well as tax matters.
The Financial Controller has a senior role within the foundation and is responsible for designing and implementing adequate internal controls and procedures to support effective program implementation and the conduct of efficient audits and reviews. He or She will provide the support and analysis required for both internal and external reporting.
The Financial Controller will work closely with program and administration staff to explore how the finance function can more effectively support operations. He or She will also assist with the development and implementation of a strategic finance delivery service.
KEY FUNCTIONS
A. Treasury and Risk Management
- Engaging with the Internal Auditors and External Auditors and ensuring an effective follow through on audit and risk matters including the Risk Register
- Reviewing all draft audit reports and taking necessary action, following up on completion, issues raised and implementation of recommendations.
- Tracking currency risks and instituting an effective process for managing currency risks.
- Leading key analysis and preparation of the Treasurer’s report and reports of the Foundation Risk Management Committee, taking minutes and follows up on matters arising.
- Approving transfer of funds, reimbursements, and related matters requiring authorization per the delegation of authority matrix.
- Overseeing the administration of the Foundation’s insurance policies and ensuring that there is in place an effective insurance program to provide adequate protection of the Foundation’s assets against insurable risks at a minimum practical cost.
- Provides expert perspectives and analysis for use by the Director, Corporate Services in assessing financial implications of risks, opportunities and decisions.
- Anticipating and identifying financial and administrative risks and takes appropriate action in terms of reviewing and/or developing new policies and procedures and recommending audits.
B. Financial Management
- Reviewing within delegated authority the book entries covering year-end adjustments for reserves, contingencies and other major or unusual items
- Reviewing the proposals to donors to ensure that financial matters are adequately addressed.
- Reviewing financial reports, expenditure, variances, and donor reports.
- Approval of procurement services, specific procurement contracts, payments, and adjustments journals within the delegation of authority matrix
- Accurate and timely financial processing and posting of transactions.
- Provide hands on direction and support to budget, grants, accounting, and payroll staff.
- Directly supervise the budget and forecast development process.
- Responsible for the Cost Recovery across the programs within the foundation
- Monitors project and organization wide expenditure against budgets
- Ensure programs are spending down funds appropriately and in a timely manner to maintain projected income.
C. Reporting Internal Control Environment – Processes and Procedures
- Establish and implement rigorous internal control systems.
- Lead the Unit in the most cost-efficient way, ensuring that financial services meet the expectations and needs of internal and external stakeholders.
- Review and manage procurement needs, related contracts costs, Internal/external suppliers, to ensure optimal benefit to the foundation.
- Ensuring that the Foundation’s financial operations are conducted in accordance with Foundation policies and procedures and that both financial controls and value for money regimes are in place.
- Analysis and development of any new system needs for the foundation.
- Development and maintenance of the Delegation of Authority Matrix
- Ensures that financial records and reports are in compliance with all applicable accounting standards, donor requirements and other regulations.
- Coordinate and lead NICRA proposal development and submissions.
- Responsible for accurate cost allocation of expenditure.
- Continuously assess the design and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and systems in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance department.
- Work with the IT and other departments to identify new solutions to accounting and reporting challenges.
- Review and approval of payment and other processing documents to ensure adequacy and accuracy.
- Provide mentorship, training and support to staff as needed.
D. Reporting
- Design and maintenance of the Finance Reports DASHBOARD for the Foundation and social enterprises.
- Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for funding agencies, senior management, and Board of Trustees.
- Responsible for the analysis of all General Ledger accounts at the end of each month
- Preparation and maintenance the Foundation’s reporting calendar
- Any other tasks as directed by the supervisor.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.
- Must be a seasoned professional with CPA or Chartered Accountancy certification with a Bachelor’s degree in any financial field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of non-profit accounting, business, and management principles.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in grants financial management in a non-profit setting is a must;
- Minimum of 10 years’ Experience in International Development is preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years’ management experience, coordination of people and resources.
- Excellent working knowledge of accounting in Microsoft office applications.
- Effective problem solving, critical thinking and systems evaluation skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written);
- A strong service orientation to colleagues.
- Ability to both delegate and take responsibility.
- Experience with filing Form 990, and CFR 200 regulations and UK SORP reporting will be advantageous.
- Demonstrated experience with Gates, USAID, DFID, CIDA and donor agencies and their grants management, report and audit requirements is a plus;
- Supervision experience.
- Fluency in English is required, Proficiency in French is a plus.
- Proven experience in developing policies at strategic corporate level.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Effective problem solving, critical thinking and systems evaluation skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written)
- A high level of self-discipline, capacity to multitask, and function well under pressure.
- A strong service orientation to colleagues.
- Ability to both delegate and take responsibility.
- Cross-cultural competency
WHY JOIN AATF AS A FINANCIAL CONTROLLER?
The new AATF strategy (2023 – 2027) empowers staff to impact over 30M smallholder farmers in Africa through tailored technologies. AATF’s reputation spans 24 countries, where it has already achieved significant results. The organisation offers an appealing salary and benefits package, fostering individual growth and success. AATF’s culture is collaborative, results-oriented, and purpose-driven, facilitating collective achievement.
Employees work together to reach as many smallholder farmers as possible, supported by a collegial environment. AATF provides a conducive setting where individuals thrive and contribute to its mission of agricultural advancement in Africa.
LOCATION AND CONTRACT TERMS
The position’s holder will be stationed in Nairobi, Kenya. The Financial Controller is recruited on a two (2) years renewable contract, based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
AATF provides a competitive salary package and promotes a multicultural workplace that supports gender parity, teamwork, and respect for diversity.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send your cover letter, detailed CV, and the names and contact information of three references to: Aatf_financialcontroller@adelkoconsult.com, on or before 10th May 2024.
*Only Kenyan nationals are eligible to apply.
AATF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, and performance.
