Finance Officer at Power Shift Africa (PSA)

Role Overview 

The Finance Officer will provide expert financial oversight and advice for donor-funded or restricted projects, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all financial transactions. This role involves managing all financial aspects of projects, from budget preparation to project closure, to ensure compliance and effective financial management. The role will primarily focus on supporting the Strategic communications and advocacy on Climate and Adaptation in Kenya  project with additional projects as assigned by Power Shift Africa (PSA) Director. 

Key Responsibilities 

Transaction Processing and Quality Assurance 

• Enter all project-related transactions into the finance system promptly. 
• Prepare and review monthly transaction listings for completeness and accuracy, making necessary adjustments. 
• Reconcile project transaction accounts monthly. 
• Ensure all transactions are supported by adequate documentation, approved, and properly filed. 
• Clear all reversing transactions in a timely manner. 
• Meet Power Shift Africa deadlines and ensure timely accruals, with periodic reviews and settlements before project closure. 

Reporting and Analysis 

• Produce monthly reports as required by the Project Manager or Director, ensuring accuracy and adherence to donor requirements. 
• Attend oversight group meetings to discuss financial performance and raise any concerns or risks. 
• Provide financial analysis to support project decision-making. 
• Prepare and consolidate donor reports and internal management reports, ensuring adherence to timelines and documentation requirements. 
• Produce explanatory narratives for financial reports as needed. 
• Design, calculate, and record key performance indicators (KPIs) for projects, providing explanations for variances. 
• Respond to donor inquiries regarding financial matters. 

Financial Guidance and Management 

• Offer technical advice and guidance on project financial management to project managers and PSA teams. 
• Forecast cash flow requirements and collaborate with the Finance team to manage project cash effectively. 
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including processing invoices and expenditures, in collaboration with the Finance team. 
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors to manage audits, address requirements, and implement audit recommendations. 
• Provide quarterly updates on financial progress against the budget, with frequency adjusted as deemed appropriate by the line manager. 

Qualifications, Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related business field from a recognized university in Kenya. 
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) registered with ICPA-K and in good standing. 
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in finance and accounting, with preference for experience in an NGO setting or as a project accountant/finance officer. 
• Demonstrable experience in project finance management, donor reporting, and management reporting within an NGO environment. 
• Experience in balance sheet reconciliations and monthly financial checks; and the production of value-added analysis leading to improved decision-making. 
• Working knowledge of the latest Sage versions and associated reporting tools. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively without loss of quality. 
• Strong understanding and practical application of the regulatory environment for NGOs. 
• Team player with an ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with non-finance staff. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and related tools. 

Additional information about the role 

• The Finance officer will be based at Power Shift Africa offices in Nairobi and report to Director, Power Shift Africa. The post is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.