ORGANISATION OVERVIEW: The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a non-profit, public charity organisation that supports, strengthens and promotes science innovation in Africa. Its goal is to address the continent's most pressing developmental needs by generating scientific knowledge that solves problems and informs decision-making. The Foundation serves the African research ecosystem by funding excellent research and innovation ideas, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, building environments conducive for scientists to thrive, and producing quality, locally relevant research.
POSITION OVERVIEW: Department – Financial Management; Reporting to – Manager, Finance Operations; Location – Nairobi, Kenya.
JOB PURPOSE: The Senior Financial Accountant – Financial Control, Compliance & Operations is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the Foundation's accounting records, strengthening internal controls, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, coordinating finance-related audits, and overseeing day-to-day financial operations. The role serves as custodian of accounting quality, financial compliance, operational finance controls and transaction integrity.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Financial Accounting and General Ledger Management: oversee integrity, accuracy and completeness of accounting records and the general ledger; review journals, account reconciliations and supporting documentation; lead monthly, quarterly and annual financial close processes; monitor balance sheet reconciliations; ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards.
- Financial Controls and Compliance: support implementation and continuous monitoring of internal control frameworks; conduct periodic reviews of financial controls; monitor adherence to financial policies, procedures and delegated authorities; identify control weaknesses and recommend corrective actions; support fraud prevention and financial risk mitigation.
- Audit Coordination and Assurance: coordinate internal and external finance audits; prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation; serve as primary point of contact for audit requests; track implementation of audit recommendations.
- Statutory and Regulatory Compliance: coordinate preparation and submission of statutory returns; ensure compliance with tax obligations; monitor legislative changes; liaise with tax authorities and regulators.
- Financial Operations and Transaction Management: oversee accounts payable and receivable; review payment requests; monitor vendor payments and statutory remittances; support payroll finance review and reconciliation; monitor outstanding receivables and operational finance risks.
- Process Improvement: contribute to finance SOPs, strengthen controls and support automation of routine finance processes.
- Stakeholder Support: provide technical accounting and compliance support to internal stakeholders and budget holders.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Information Systems or a related field. CPA(K), ACCA or equivalent professional accounting qualification, with membership in a recognised professional accounting body. Minimum seven (7) years relevant professional experience, including financial accounting and reporting, coordinating audits and statutory reporting, and managing financial operations and compliance processes. Experience in donor-funded, grant-making or international development environments is desirable, along with experience using ERP and financial management systems. Strong reconciliation and analytical skills, attention to detail, planning and organisational capability, communication and stakeholder management skills, high integrity and accountability, and technical leadership.
ORGANISATIONAL VALUES: Respect, Accountability, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, and Excellence.
Closing date: 2026-09-01
HOW TO APPLY:
Should you meet the competencies above, please submit your application via the APPLY link: https://sfafoundation.seamlesshiring.com/job/view/10445?application_source=Direct#/ — The application deadline is Tuesday, 1 September 2026. SFA Foundation has a commitment to safeguarding people and the environment, and this forms part of our background checks.