Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Spark MicroGrants: (Deadline 23 May 2023)

We are hiring a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

ABOUT SPARK MICROGRANTS

Spark Microgrants believes in a world where everyone lives with dignity and determines their own positive future. Decades of prescriptive aid have sidelined the poor from the very programs meant to uplift them. We believe in local solutions and catalyzing rural villages facing poverty into action.

Founded in Rwanda in 2010, Spark has codified a unique Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP) and trained leading civil society organizations and governments, reaching 500+ villages and over a quarter-million lives. Spark’s FCAP model, are ‘town-hall’ style weekly meetings, in which women, men, young, old, plan together for their community’s future. Each village elects a leadership committee, establishes a village savings account, and launches a project of their choice. Members receive training on financial management, transparency, leadership, village planning, and advocacy. Each village then receives US$8,000 in seed funds and additional management support to turn their project ideas into reality.

Spark trains partner organizations and works with governments to scale the FCAP as the model of choice to advance social and economic development, improve lives, and secure lasting change. Spark is now active in 500+ villages in 6 countries, improving the lives of more than 500,000 people.

As a team, we share a set of common values that shape how we work. These are:

1. Facilitators. We don’t impose; we enable others to generate impact.
2. Community-driven. We are motivated by what is best for the community.
3. Process-centered. The how of what we do is just as important as the what.
4. Authentic. Our vision and values live in everything we do.
5. Dynamic. We seek opportunities and are willing to take risks to serve our community partners better

ABOUT THE ROLE

Spark is looking for a seasoned CFO who will build and run sound financial processes, to the standards of a highly dynamic and rapidly growing organization as well as the World Bank and USAID. The CFO will be responsible for fiscal projections, planning, accountability, and auditing. The CFO will ensure that financial operations are aligned with Spark Microgrants’ strategic goals and mission, and will provide accurate and timely financial information to the executive team and board of directors. The CFO will work closely with the CEO(s) and other members of the executive team to ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of Spark.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Financial Management: Oversee and execute all financial operations, including budgeting, forecast modeling, accounting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Strategic Planning: Work with the executive team to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan, and ensure that financial operations are aligned with the plan.
• Risk Management: Identify and manage financial risks, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, and establish relationships with banks, auditors, and other financial institutions.
• Board Committee Management: Manage the Board of Director’s finance and audit committee. Work closely with the committee to provide financial information and analysis, and advise on strategic financial planning.
• Team Management: Manage the finance team which spans across multiple countries.

Key Duties:

• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures that align with Spark Microgrants’ strategic goals and mission and back up the culture.
• Lead the development of Spark’s budget and modular five year budget in line with Spark Microgrants’ strategic plan. Plan for appropriate income goals and expense limitations for restricted and unrestricted activities.
• Develop and implement a financial reporting system that provides accurate and timely financial information to the executive team and board of directors.
• Establish relationships with banks, auditors, and other financial institutions, and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Develop a risk strategy inclusive of mitigation plans.
• Manage safeguarding policy and insurances.
• Manage annual organizational audit.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience in financial management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a non-profit organization, ideally with a multi-country organization with an annual budget of $10M to $25M+.
• Strong knowledge of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience with financial risk management and compliance.
• Demonstrated commitment to Spark Microgrants’ mission and values.

OTHER INFORMATION

Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya; Kigali, Rwanda; New York or Washington, DC, USA; or remote

Start Date: As soon as possible

Probation period: 3 months probation period with learning and performance objectives

WHAT WE OFFER

• A competitive salary, depending on experience.
• Talented and welcoming colleagues, 90% of whom are based in the countries where we work.
• A supportive environment with plenty of professional development opportunities.
• A chance to help shape the future of international development.

TO APPLY

Follow the Link to apply: https://sparkmicrogrants.bamboohr.com/careers/66 

• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with preference given to early applicants.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Spark Microgrants provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions at Spark are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Spark does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Spark will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship to daily operations.