Program Financial Controller at GAHAYA LINKS LTD: (Deadline 26 September 2025)

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DETAILS

JOB TITLE: Program Financial Controller

REPORTS TO: Program Manager and CEO

JOB REF: GLL/HR002

DEPARTMENT/UNIT: Finance

Job / Role Purpose:

The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing and overseeing the financial aspects of the Rwanda Creative Program. This includes ensuring the program stays within budget, complies with internal financial policies and donor guidelines, and meets all financial reporting and audit requirements. The role demands high integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to work across departments and with external partners, including the Fund Manager and the Funding partner.

Key duties and responsibilities 

Strategic Financial Management and Oversight

• Develop a sound financial management, strategic resource allocation, and sustainable growth of programs and initiatives.
• Manage all financial operations related to the Rwanda Creative Program including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Monitor program expenditure against budget and prepare variance analyses.
• Ensure efficient fund utilization in accordance with the approved quarterly workplans and budgets.
• Oversee management of the joint project bank account and ensure proper reconciliation.

Budget Development and Cost Management

• Support the development and revision of activity-based budgets, ensuring alignment with program goals and spending ceilings.
• Track and report on cost-efficiency metrics, highlighting areas for potential cost savings.
• Participate in procurement planning to ensure alignment with budgets and value-for-money principles.

Financial Reporting and Donor Accountability

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for submission to the Fund Manager and internal management.
• Ensure all financial records, supporting documents, and audit trails are complete and up to date.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to ensure financial data supports technical reporting.

Compliance and Internal Controls

• Ensure full compliance with Gahaya Links’ financial policies and funding agency financial requirements.
• Maintain and enforce internal controls to safeguard program assets and prevent misappropriation.
• Conduct financial risk assessments and recommend corrective actions.

Audit and Financial Monitoring

• Lead and coordinate audit preparation and facilitate donor or external audits related to the program.
• Respond to audit findings and implement recommended actions in a timely manner.
• Conduct internal financial spot checks and support periodic field financial reviews.

Fund management

• Provide guidance and support, and collaborate with program managers, grant coordinators, and external partners to track expenses, grant funding, and program financial performance.
• Prepare periodic performance reports related to program funding and interventions.

Risk Management

• Coordinate risk identification and develop mitigation measures and implement financial controls to safeguard program resources and assets.

Team Leadership, Support and Financial Capacity Building

• Supervise junior finance staff or consultants working on the program, where applicable.
• Provide financial guidance and training to program and administrative staff to enhance compliance and financial literacy.
• Support finance-related coordination with consortium partners and ensure timely submission of financial inputs for joint reports.

Ad hoc

• Perform other work-related ad hoc duties as may be requested by the Executive Director from time to time.

Expected Outputs/ Deliverables

• Program budgets, and financial forecasts
• Good program financial performance.
• Periodic financial reports and statements
• Effective resource planning and utilization
• Periodic performance reports
• Capable talent pool
• Audited books of accounts

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Educational Requirements

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognised study institution, preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognised study institution is required.
• Relevant professional accounting certification is (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CFA) is desired.

Related Job Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in financial management, budgeting of donor-funded programs, preferably with INGOs or in multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience working with fund managers and managing program-specific bank accounts is a strong asset.
• Proven experience in financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Successful track record scaling organizational operations and managing diverse teams.
• Familiarity with the creative and arts sector, economic development, and social impact initiatives in Africa is a plus.

Required Technical Knowledge/Skills

• Solid knowledge of Rwandan accounting standards, tax laws, and international donor regulations.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and other relevant tools.
• Strong financial analysis and budget monitoring skills.
• Team coordination and management

Required Behavioural Skills 

• High level of integrity and professional accountability
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented and deadline-driven
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team
• Ability to operate flexibly within a dynamic, creative environment and foster a positive, collaborative culture
• Creativity and innovative abilities

What we offer

• The opportunity to work across departments and with external partners.
• A collaborative, dynamic environment committed to women’s economic empowerment.
• The chance to shape the future of arts and creatives development in Rwanda, and beyond.