Senior Finance Officer

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in in the private sector.
• Strong technical competence in accounting and financial management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills; ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to consolidate and interpret financial data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
• Good command of English, with the ability to prepare clear and well-structured reports.

Personal Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills; able to deliver results in dynamic or unstructured environments.
• Proven ability to implement best practice policies and processes.
• Self-motivated, confident, and passionate with excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrates high levels of integrity, resilience, accountability, and commitment.
• Data-driven in decision-making while maintaining a people-oriented approach.
• Respects and understands local culture and values while working within international standards and ethics.

About the Pharo Foundation

Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organization working to build a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. Our development efforts are focused on three core pillars:

• Education – Providing access to high-quality, affordable education that equips students for success in a rapidly changing world.
• Water – Ensuring that communities across Africa have access to clean, safe, and affordable water.
• Productivity – Removing barriers to employment and increasing economic opportunity for individuals and families.

Our for-profit arm, Pharo Ventures, operates sustainable businesses across Ethiopia and Somaliland to drive job creation and economic growth. With over 700 employees across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, Pharo Foundation is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a liaison office in London, UK.

Role Summary

The role holder will support budgeting, financial planning, and reporting by preparing budget analyses, ensuring accurate financial reports, and maintaining compliance with policies and regulations. The Foundation seeks a dedicated Senior Finance Officer passionate about making a meaningful impact.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Finance and Accounting Responsibilities

1. Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Prepare and analyze monthly Budget vs. Actual (BVA) reports; submit to the Finance Manager for strategic review and decision-making.
• Support the annual budgeting process by coordinating inputs from various departments, consolidating data, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Track and report on budget utilization across programs and departments; identify and escalate significant variances.
• Provide financial analysis to support program planning and funding decisions.
• Develop and submit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for review by the Finance Manager to promote consistency, efficiency, and compliance in budgeting and planning processes.

2. Financial Reporting

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly trial balance reconciliations; ensure discrepancies are identified and resolved.
• Prepare and monitor weekly cash position reports to ensure sufficient working capital and timely disbursement of funds.
• Prepare monthly fund request reports for internal review and external reporting as required.
• Prepare annual financial reports in compliance with tax regulations, charity commission requirements, and internal policies.
• Collaborate closely with program and operations teams to ensure accurate cost allocation and reliable financial reporting.

3. Compliance & Internal Controls

• Review supporting financial documentation to ensure compliance with internal policies, tax laws, donor requirements, and other external regulations.
• Monitor the tagging of fixed assets and oversee periodic physical stock counts to ensure proper control over assets.
• Lead the coordination of annual and interim audits; implement corrective actions to address internal control weaknesses identified by auditors.
• Ensure that all day-to-day financial activities are carried out in strict accordance with the organization’s approved policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), promoting operational consistency and accountability.

4. Other Duties

• Handle any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager.