ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a non-profit, public charity organisation that supports, strengthens and promotes science innovation in Africa. The goal of the SFA Foundation is to address the continent’s most pressing developmental needs by generating scientific knowledge that solves problems and informs decision-making.

We serve the African research ecosystem by funding excellent research and innovation ideas, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, building and reinforcing environments that are conducive for scientists to thrive, and producing quality research that generates new, locally relevant knowledge.

The SFA Foundation takes a holistic approach to the development of science. Our programmatic initiatives are crafted to cater to the entire science ecosystem and span across the value chain from early discovery sciences to translation sciences and target cross-cutting gaps.

Our commitment to strengthening the entire research ecosystem is reflected in the creation of major science and innovation programmes implemented through a well-established grant-making scheme, advocacy and promotion of scientific excellence, emphasis on intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking mechanisms.

POSITION OVERVIEW

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Financial Accountant – Financial Control, Compliance & Operations is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the Foundation's accounting records, strengthening internal controls, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, coordinating finance-related audits, and overseeing day-to-day financial operations.

The role serves as the custodian of accounting quality, financial compliance, operational finance controls and transaction integrity, ensuring the Foundation maintains accurate financial records, effective financial controls and a strong compliance environment that supports institutional accountability and stewardship.

SFA Foundation is committed to fostering a culture grounded in Respect, Accountability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), and Excellence. We seek individuals who embody these values in their work and interactions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting and General Ledger Management

• Oversee the integrity, accuracy and completeness of the Foundation's accounting records and general ledger.
• Review journals, account reconciliations, and support documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Monitor balance sheet reconciliations and ensure that all outstanding items are promptly investigated and resolved.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and organisational policies.

Financial Controls and Compliance

• Support implementation and continuous monitoring of internal control frameworks.
• Conduct periodic reviews of financial controls and compliance processes.
• Monitor adherence to financial policies, procedures, and delegated authorities.
• Identify control weaknesses and recommend corrective actions.
• Support fraud prevention and financial risk mitigation initiatives.

Audit Coordination and Assurance

• Coordinate finance-related internal and external audit activities.
• Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for finance audit requests.
• Track implementation of audit recommendations and management actions.
• Support institutional assurance processes and compliance reviews.

Statutory and Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate preparation and submission of statutory returns.
• Ensure compliance with tax obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor changes in legislation and regulatory requirements affecting the Foundation.
• Liaise with tax authorities, regulators and statutory bodies as required.
• Support implementation of tax compliance and governance frameworks.

Financial Operations and Transaction Management

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Review payment requests for completeness, accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor vendor payments and statutory remittances.
• Support payroll finance review and reconciliation processes.
• Ensure timely and accurate transaction processing.
• Monitor outstanding receivables and operational finance risks.

Process Improvement and Operational Effectiveness

• Support continuous improvement of finance operations.
• Contribute to development and implementation of finance SOPs.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and operational efficiency.
• Support automation of routine finance processes where appropriate.

Stakeholder Support

• Provide technical accounting and compliance support to internal stakeholders.
• Support budget holders and departments on operational finance matters.
• Respond to finance-related queries from internal and external stakeholders.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Information Systems or related field.

Professional Qualifications

• CPA(K), ACCA or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
• Membership in a recognised professional accounting body.

Experience

• Minimum seven (7) years relevant professional experience.
• Experience in financial accounting and reporting.
• Experience coordinating audits and statutory reporting.
• Experience managing financial operations and compliance processes.
• Experience in donor-funded, grant-making or international development environments is desirable.
• Experience using ERP systems and financial management systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Strong financial accounting and reporting skills.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge of tax and statutory compliance requirements.
• Strong reconciliation and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong planning and organisational capability.
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Strong problem-solving capability.

Leadership Competencies

• Technical leadership.
• Accountability and ownership.
• Quality orientation.
• Team collaboration.
• Coaching and mentoring.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

ORGANISATIONAL VALUES

All SFA Foundation staff are expected to uphold and demonstrate the organisation’s core values in the execution of their duties:

• Respect: Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and professionalism in all interactions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE): Committed to inclusive practices and equitable decision-making.
• Excellence: Strives for continuous improvement and consistently delivers high-quality outputs.

HOW TO APPLY

Should you meet the competencies above, please submit your application by clicking the APPLY button below.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2026

SFA Foundation has a commitment to safeguarding people and the environment, and this forms part of our background checks.