Organisation: NATURAL STATE
Location: NATURAL STATE Research Centre near Lewa Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya.
Position Type: Full-time.
Report to: Director of Operations, Global.
Term: 1 year contract with possible extension.
Workstation: Nanyuki
Application instructions: Please follow the full instructions at the end of this job advert, failure of which may disqualify a candidate.
The Organisation
NATURAL STATE is a not-for-profit organisation head-quartered in the savannas of Kenya with the aim of catalysing nature restoration globally. We design and test new nature financing mechanisms and the supporting impact monitoring systems, and train local leaders to access this finance and deliver large-scale restoration projects. Our location on the doorstep of vast ecosystems means that our team can be in the field every day, testing solutions in the places, and with the people, facing the challenges.
Founded in 2021, we have built a team of 30+ team members who have a wealth of experience and proven track records in the fields of landscape monitoring, nature financing mechanism creation, the development of IT solutions, and the design and implementation of leading conservation education training programmes. It is important to us to nurture a new generation of experts in the region, so we also recruit talented career starters from the local communities who undergo rigorous on-the-job training under the wing of our more experienced team members.
Our partnerships make us stronger, and we believe that by bringing together the best-in-class partners, we will accelerate the creation of the transformative solutions needed to address the greatest issues facing humanity. We will scale our impact by making our solutions open science, packaging them up for use by the broader sector and into training programmes that we provide for local leaders to mobilise action on the ground.
We have a supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation in the US. For more information, visitwww.naturalstate.org.
The Role
NATURAL STATE is looking for a seasoned Finance Manager to lead and oversee the operations of the Finance department in Kenya, as well as the operations of the US office Finance Function. The successful candidate will be responsible for the diverse finance functions that include financial management, internal controls development and compliance, Donor reporting, Budgeting, External Audits management among others.
NATURAL STATE’s work environment is both challenging and exciting. To join our team, you will share our team’s determination to make game-changing impact for nature, be exceptional at what you do, be strategic, methodical, and have a positive attitude.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Financial Leadership:
Lead the Finance team to support the organization’s strategic goals. Oversee the accounting functions for both Kenya and the US office. Keep management updated on the financial performance of the organization against the set goals, providing strategic insights and guidance.
- Budgeting and Reporting
Oversee the preparation of annual plans and budgets, working closely with the technical teams. Follow through the implementation of the budget plans. Prepare/oversee the preparation of periodic burn rate reports for management. Prepare Donor reports as may be required by various donors. Manage subgrantees and ensure timely subgrantee reporting.
- Procurement
Oversee the procurement function. Work closely with the Director of Operations, Global, in streamlining the processes and procedures within the department.
- Financial Systems
Work closely with the Director of Operations, Global, to implement robust financial reporting systems. Work to digitize accounting and operational processes.
- Risk, Compliance, and Controls:
Manage relationships with external auditors and ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards; applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Contribute to the design and enforcement of internal control systems and ensure compliance with donor and Government regulatory requirements
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a distinguished career in finance, ideally within the not-for-profit sector, and a proven track record having held senior Finance roles in a multi-country context.
Required qualifications include:
- A relevant degree such as bachelor’s in commerce, Economics, Finance – from a recognized university.
Master’s degree an added advantage.
- Certified Public Accountant in Kenya (CPAK)
- 10 years’ experience 5 of which must have been in senior Finance positions handling strategic financial planning, budgeting, and managing financial operations in an international not-for-profit organization. Expertise in donor and project funding accounting.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to work with a geographically dispersed team.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including Donors, Partners and non-finance staff.
- Tech Savvy to facilitate digitization and transition of manual Finance and operational processes
Compensation
A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme and medical cover.
Please send a cover letter as well as your CV to [email protected]. Applicants submitting CVs alone will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. The deadline for applications is 5pm EAT on 21st October 2024.
