Finance Officer

Job Description-Finance Officer - Engineers Without Borders East Africa

Position:                                       Finance Officer

Reports to:                                    Executive Director

Duty station:                                 Kampala, Uganda       

Duration and type of contract: 2-year renewable

Engineers Without Borders East Africa (EWB EA) is an engineering International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) partnering with communities to address interlinked challenges in water, energy, food and health while nurturing the next generation of leaders in Uganda and East Africa. With projects spanning Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, EWB EA and its partners deliver engineering-driven development solutions through its International Community Development Program and Engineering Services through its business arm -EWB EA Consulting Company.

Our mission is “To partner with communities and develop leaders to build a better world”. 

At EWB-EA, we envision “A world where every leader is equipped to build, and every community is built to thrive”.

We’re building footbridges to provide pathways to opportunities. We’re installing solar panels to bring light where it is dark, and ensuring 24/7 fully functioning systems. We’re digging for water so hope can spring from the ground. Each project builds a foundation for a community to thrive for years to come.

Strategic Summary of the Role

EWB EA is seeking a committed and forward-thinking Finance & Strategic Planning Officer to serve as both a financial steward and technical expert. This role requires an expert in hybrid financial ecosystems with proficiency in both NGO donor reporting and revenue-generating enterprise financials.

The incumbent is responsible for managing the financial operations, lead strategic financial planning, and strengthening risk management frameworks to support the impactful and innovative work at Engineers Without Borders East Africa.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the major responsibilities of the role will be as follows;

1.     Strategic Financial Leadership

·       Lead the annual budgeting and financial forecasting process in line with EWB EA’s strategic priorities.

·       Provide timely, strategic financial analysis and presentations to senior leadership and the Board.

·       Develop financial models for sustainability, blended finance, and impact investment opportunities.

·       Advise on resource mobilization and strategic donor engagements.

2.      Financial Management and Control

·       Ensure effective management of the financial and administrative systems in accordance with the International Accounting Standards and internal policies at EWB EA .

·       Manage finances for both donor-funded programs, chapters and income-generating engineering services.

·       Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing including computing staff time as per their timesheets, statutory deductions, and bank reconciliations on a monthly basis of all EWB-EA bank accounts.

·       Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports with variance analysis for senior management and the Board.

·       Ensure the compliance of administration, finance, and policies and procedures

·       Develop and deliver quarterly training and mentorship for junior staff, administrative teams and non-finance staff on finance management and compliance procedures.

·       Monitor cash flow and recommend treasury management strategies.

• Review contracts with third parties to ensure no tax exposure and proper accounting treatment

• Align financial management processes with donor compliance, local tax requirements, and project-based cost accounting.

• Oversee internal control systems to ensure operational integrity and financial transparency.

• Strengthen the organisation’s financial systems using digital tools.

• Review and advise Senior Management on the investments of EWB EA and business subsidiary in alignment with investment policy.

·       Attend board meetings when requested by the ED

Risk Management and Compliance

●      Conduct regular risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies ensuring alignment to local and global financial management standards.

●      Coordinate all internal and external audits, including donor-specific audits.

●      Facilitate auditors with necessary information while performing any assigned on-site visits.

●      Ensure timely filing of Statutory returns and compliance with local and international laws.  

Grants and Partner Management

·       Review financial documentation from local and global partners.

·       Prepare and submit donor financial reports and manage any budget realignments.

·       Promptly follow up and adjust monthly and interim donor reports based on feedback from the program managers.

·       Collaborate with Project Leads to assess financial, health and compliance every end of month.

1.     Competencies

·       Demonstrates high ethical standards of behaviour, and integrity, by modelling the Organisation’s values, culture, and ethical standards

·       Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of Engineers Without Borders East Africa.

 Functional competencies

·       Strong financial intelligence skills

·       Sound Analytical thinking and innovation

·       Demonstrated ability to solve problems and work independently.

·       NGO and Enterprise Finance Acumen

·       Results Oriented Financial Execution  

·       Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

·       Communication and Stakeholder Influence.

·       Shares knowledge and experience

·       Capacity development and Team empowerment – leading by example and championing culture that values accountability and continuous learning and development

Required Skills and Experiences:

1.     Minimum 5+ years of experience of financial management and accounting in both non-profit and for profit settings

2.     Demonstrable expertise in NGO donor reporting, cost accounting, and hybrid revenue models

3.     Knowledge of International accounting and reporting standards

Working Relationships

Internal: 

·       Provides strategic advisory on financial matters, financial planning and risk briefings, program/project financial partnership in design, budget execution, while working closely with the ED, Programme and Project teams, and office staff. 

·       Supports Board meetings with financial reporting, scenario planning, and investment insights.

·       Integrates financial and impact data for unified reporting and decision-making in the M and E reporting framework.

·       Collaborates on EWB EA procurement, HR-related payroll issues, and asset management.

External:

·       Leads preparation, documentation, and responses to all audit exercises. Interacts as required with other stakeholders, including donors and development partners, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance, timely filing of returns and ongoing compliance with tax and NGO bureau requirements.

·       Reviews financial submissions, ensures partner compliance, and provides capacity-building as needed. Manages relationships with banks, insurance companies, and audit firms for effective treasury and risk management

Specific skills, knowledge, and experience:

4.     High proficiency in QuickBooks, MS Excel, PowerPoint and financial analytics.

5.     Bachelor’s Degree – BCOM, BBA (Majoring in Accounting and Finance)

6.     Either CPA ACCA is mandatory

7.     Strong ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to social justice.

EWB EA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage qualified Women, Youth to apply.

Application deadline : 5th May 2025