The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is seeking a competent and proactive Finance Officer to provide maternity cover for a fixed-term basis of five (5) months. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, statutory compliance, timely reporting, and the implementation of robust financial controls, reporting directly to the Financial Accountant. This role is suited to a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting and Grants Management
Prepare financial reports for review by the Head of Finance & Program Leads for submission to donors, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and templates.
Coordinate with staff to compile donor reports and implement necessary corrective actions.
Monitor program advances and follow up with staff and grantees to ensure timely accountabilities.
Ensure compliance with donor rules, internal finance policies, and local government regulations.
Prepare supporting schedules for financial statements to facilitate annual audits and assist in fieldwork.
Assist the Head of Finance in responding to donor audit requests, developing financial tools, and managing close-out processes.
Maintain a clear audit trail of processed transactions and ensure linkage to the accounting system.
Assist program leads in budgeting, budget monitoring, realignments, and proposal budget preparation.
Prepare monthly Budget vs. Actual (BVA) reports for review by Project Leads.
Financial Management
Review payment vouchers to ensure adequacy and accuracy of supporting documentation.
Validate and approve purchase requests and co-sign for payments.
Review financial commitments and payment requests to ensure compliance with internal policies.
Prepare adjusting journals for monthly accruals and annual accruals for approval and posting in MS Navision.
Perform monthly bank and balance sheet control account reconciliations by stipulated deadlines.
Monitor bank balances, project cash flow needs, and request account refills from the Head of Finance & Grants.
Carry out project-related financial planning to ensure optimal utilization of funds.
Petty Cash Management
Maintain custody of the safe, petty cash, and cheque books; ensure timely disbursement for travel and supplies.
Review petty cash reimbursement requests and documentation from staff.
Ensure the petty cash ledger is updated promptly with all approved transactions.
Conduct monthly cash counts and ensure safe balances match the cash books.
Qualifications and Experience
Master’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Management, Auditing, or its equivalent.
Must be a CPA/ACCA holder and an accredited member in good standing.
At least 5 years’ experience in grants management, budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting, preferably in an NGO context.
Knowledge of accounting software such as MS Navision Dynamics or Serenic Navigator is an added advantage.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of French is desirable.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to handle confidential information and a large volume of work accurately.
Key Competencies & Skills
Strong technical accounting skills adhering to IFRS and ICPAK standards.
Solid understanding of tax laws and statutory reporting requirements.
Experience with multi-donor budget management and foreign currency transactions.
Possession of a valid passport and ability to travel as required.
Commitment to inclusion, professionalism, and the AAS mission.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to fill out the application form and submit their updated CV to the Executive Director, African Academy of Sciences via email: recruitment@aasciences.africa with the subject ‘Finance Officer’ by 25th May 2026, 17:00 hours EAT.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by following these two steps:
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