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 – Treasury, Reporting & Systems is responsible for treasury management, financial planning and forecasting, management reporting, finance systems administration, reporting automation, data analytics and finance process management.

The role supports the Foundation's financial sustainability by ensuring effective liquidity management, high-quality financial reporting, reliable finance systems and efficient finance processes that provide management with timely and actionable financial information.

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

Treasury Management

• Manage day-to-day treasury operations and liquidity monitoring.
• Monitor cash balances and funding requirements.
• Coordinate banking relationships and banking operations.
• Support investment administration and treasury reporting.
• Monitor cash flow risks and recommend mitigation actions.
• Ensure effective cash management practices across the Foundation.

Financial Planning and Forecasting

• Prepare cash flow forecasts and liquidity projections.
• Support organisational forecasting and scenario analysis.
• Monitor financial performance trends and emerging risks.
• Support financial sustainability planning initiatives.
• Provide analytical support for financial decision-making.

Management Reporting

• Coordinate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual management reports.
• Develop executive dashboards and financial performance reports.
• Produce financial analysis and trend reports for management.
• Support reporting requirements for EXCO, FRA Committee, and Board.
• Improve quality, consistency, and timeliness of financial information.

Finance Systems Management

• Coordinate administration of finance systems and reporting tools.
• Support ERP configuration and finance system enhancements.
• Coordinate testing and implementation of finance system improvements.
• Support integration of finance systems with organisational platforms.
• Ensure finance data integrity and reporting reliability.

Process Management and SOP Development

• Support development, implementation, and maintenance of finance SOPs.
• Review finance workflows and recommend improvements.
• Strengthen process documentation and knowledge management.
• Support implementation of process standardisation initiatives.

Reporting Automation and Analytics

• Lead automation of recurring finance reports.
• Develop dashboards and analytical reporting tools.
• Support AI-assisted finance reporting and analytics initiatives.
• Strengthen management visibility through improved reporting solutions.
• Promote data-driven decision-making across the Foundation.

Stakeholder Support

• Provide reporting and analytical support to management and departments.
• Support users of finance systems and reporting tools.
• Provide technical guidance on financial reporting and system-related matters.

Budget Planning and Performance Management

• Coordinate the annual budgeting and planning process.
• Support development and consolidation of operational budgets.
• Prepare budget performance reports and variance analysis.
• Coordinate forecasting and reforecasting exercises.
• Support financial modelling and scenario planning.
• Monitor affordability, sustainability and budget utilisation trends.
• Provide budget insights to support management decision-making.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Information Systems or a 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 treasury management and financial planning.
• Experience preparing management reports and financial analysis.
• Experience supporting ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
• Experience in dashboard reporting, business intelligence or reporting automation is desirable.
• Experience within donor-funded or international development organisations is an added advantage..

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Strong financial planning and analytical skills.
• Strong treasury and cash flow management capability.
• Excellent financial reporting skills.
• Strong systems and technology orientation.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Experience with reporting and visualisation tools.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Continuous improvement and innovation mindset.

Leadership Competencies

• Systems thinking.
• Analytical leadership.
• Innovation and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Results orientation.

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.