Finance Senior Associate LEAP

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in finance, accounting, or lending operations (preferably in microfinance, consumer finance or SACCO).
  
• Professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
  
• Proficient in Xero Accounting Software and advanced Excel skills.
  
• Proven experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and portfolio management.
  
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
  

Skills & Attributes

• Strong financial and analytical skills with attention to detail.
  
• Ability to interpret financial data and present it to stakeholders in a clear and actionable way.
  
• Process-driven mindset with a focus on internal controls and risk management.
  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  
• Passion for impact-driven finance and education sector initiatives.
  

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead the preparation and maintenance of accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal policies.
  
• Supervise bookkeeping activities carried out by third-party service providers and ensure timely reconciliation of accounts.
  
• Prepare and present financial reports to the Board and investors, including:
  
• Quarterly financial statements
  
• Budget vs actual performance reports
  
• Cash flow projections
  
• Loan portfolio performance and risk reports
  
• Develop and update quarterly forecasts for disbursements and repayments.
  
• Monitor financial performance and recommend corrective actions to meet targets.
  

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and provide periodic variance analysis.
  
• Manage cash flow and liquidity planning to ensure operational sustainability.
  
• Support long-term financial planning for programme growth.
  

Portfolio & Loan Management

• Oversee and report on loan portfolio performance, including repayment trends and arrears management.
  
• Collaborate with loan collection service providers to ensure accuracy in:
  
• Loan reconciliations
  
• Outstanding balances
  
• Repayment schedules
  

Provide data-driven insights to improve collection efficiency and portfolio quality

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure timely compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements (e.g., KRA filings, audits).
  
• Serve as the main point of contact for auditors and regulatory bodies.
  
• Maintain proper documentation and internal controls to meet legal and governance standards.
  

Systems & Process Improvement

• Enhance financial systems and processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.
  
• Leverage tools like Xero Accounting Software and Excel for reporting automation and data analytics.
  

Board Engagement & Governance

• Prepare financial reports, briefing notes, and data packs for Board and Funders meetings.
  
• Coordinate with the management team to ensure all financial information required for Board decision-making is accurate and timely.
  
• Support the Board in reviewing financial performance, compliance matters, and portfolio health.