Financial Systems & Control Associate

Wanted: Early-career (3-5+ years experience or MBA) business professional with top auditing, banking or corporate development background to build/ manage finance & accounting related systems, prepare budgets and make informed recommendations on achievable long-term financial targets for a young, international social business

Industry: Social Business/International Development/Start-Up/Non-profit
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Finance Systems & Control Associate
Commitment: 1 year minimum, 2+ years preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest, provides for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, Kenya
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: September 2011 (or earlier)

Overview

KOMAZA is an award-winning non-profit social enterprise working to end rural poverty by developing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s infertile and drought-prone regions.

Founded in 2006 and based in Kenya, our innovative grassroots model dramatically boosts household income for rural families by equipping them with resources, knowledge and market linkages to produce high-value climate-appropriate crops on their previously degraded land.

The Role

Working closely with KOMAZA managers, the Finance Associate will be responsible for managing the finance and accounting systems to support the typical day-to-day business and make informed decisions regarding allocation of budget for expansion initiatives, salaries and capital expenditures. Responsibilities will include:

Financial Budgeting and Forecasting: Prepare annual budgets closely with the leadership team which establishes salaries, general operating expenses, program expenses, and level of funding and manage financial budgeting and forecasting processes, to ensure alignment with and achievement of organizational strategies and priorities
Financial Reporting: develop and refine internal financial processes, including the production of detailed monthly expenses reports, quarterly budget vs. actual reports and mid-year/annual financial statements. Provide narrative and analysis for the leadership team to measure performance, identify problem areas, and support organizational decisions
Compliance: Work with external auditors (in Kenya and US) to prepare annual audited financial statements, including Form 990 and other filing requirements
Accounting Staff Management: Supervise the work of the accounting department; hire and retain support staff as needed in the future. Oversee standard monthly journal entries including prepaid items, equipment/depreciation, and other accruals/reversals
Improvements to Accounting System: Implement accounting policies, processes, and internal controls to improve and maintain systems for tracking expenses and increasing staff efficiency
Cost Saving Initiatives: Analyze historical expenses and suggest areas where KOMAZA can improve on its cost structure
Explore New Ventures: Determine financial feasibility of pursuing new ventures (e.g., carbon credits, non-tree crops, etc.)
Authorize Capital Expenditures: Authorize major capital costs budgeted to meet long-term objectives and prepare tools to monitor ROI

Qualifications

Education and Relevant Work Experience:
3-5+ years experience in auditing, banking, corporate development or similar industry that involved project management and developing financial tools to prepare budgets and long-term forecasts; or MBA with 1-2+ years of relevant experience
Evidence of the ability to excel in a position with complex operational systems
Analytical Whiz: Building/maintaining complex Excel models (strategic projections, operational); exceptional problem solving and analytical skills with outstanding business judgment, ability to think “big picture” as well as dig into details
Independent Manager: Self-managing; managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership over independent projects; budgeting; developing work plan, goals, and deadlines
Execution with Strong Attention to Detail: Executing projects/tasks and implementing recommendations with systematic attention to detail
Strong and Proactive Communicator: Personable yet persistent; contributing to important organization-wide decisions; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
Patience and a Sense of Humor: Please see FAQs on the KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria

Preferred:
Experience in non-profit accounting and international organizations
Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
Quickbooks (or similar) software experience
Accounting certification
Serious desire to commit to living and working overseas

More / LessHow to apply

Please apply online at www.komaza.org/recruiting/