Regional Accounting Lead, Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the organization emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The workplace culture is designed to foster personal and professional growth, ensuring that employees thrive in their roles.

Job Overview:
In the role of Regional Accounting Lead for Africa, you will report directly to the Senior Manager of Global Accounting Operations. This position operates in a hybrid work environment from the Nairobi office, requiring close collaboration with colleagues in Seattle and the Head of Operations in Africa. Your primary responsibilities will include ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all financial transactions, including general ledger, subledger, payroll, treasury, and tax, as well as overseeing the monthly and annual closing processes. You will leverage your technical expertise to prepare financial statements, supporting schedules, and regulatory filings specific to the Africa region. Additionally, you will manage outsourced accounting services, ensuring compliance with the foundation's policies and procedures, and serve as the subject matter expert for foundation-wide projects across five Africa offices located in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. This role will also involve periodic travel based on program and operational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As the Regional Accounting Lead, your duties will include acting as the subject matter expert on local accounting and tax regulations for the Africa region. You will represent the Global Financial & Accounting Services (GFAS) division on collaborative projects with cross-functional teams, including legal, IT, and Operations. You will develop and maintain policies and procedures that align with local accounting guidance and internal controls. Your responsibilities will encompass general ledger management, including reviewing accounting and tax-related journal entries and account reconciliations prepared by outsourced vendors. You will perform monthly and annual analytics of financial statement reports, prepare financial statements and regulatory filings in accordance with local standards, and manage financial statement and tax audits for the region. Additionally, you will monitor changes to local accounting standards and tax requirements, manage contracts and vendor relationships for outsourced accounting services, oversee daily operations of external vendors, and serve as the main point of contact for Africa regional office colleagues regarding finance policies and procedures. You will also collaborate with the Head of Operations to implement process improvements that enhance financial and operational coordination.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree, along with a minimum of 10 years of experience in Accounting or Finance. A CPA, ACCA, or equivalent professional certification is required. Candidates should demonstrate technical proficiency in accounting operations and possess a solid understanding of regulatory requirements and standards applicable to the Africa office regions. Experience in researching complex issues related to accounting, payroll, tax, and regulatory compliance is essential, along with the ability to provide well-reasoned recommendations. Candidates should be adept at working under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and possess proficient project management skills, including the ability to supervise and lead the work of others, including outside vendors. Strong initiative, organizational skills, and the ability to work autonomously while remaining flexible to changing tasks and priorities are crucial. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary, as well as the ability to influence and engage with staff and external partners at all levels. Candidates should also demonstrate solid analytical and problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and a solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to identify new ways of working, including leveraging automation and AI. Understanding end-to-end process management, including organizational change and internal controls, is also important, along with experience working in heavily matrixed environments and managing changing priorities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A professional certification such as CPA or ACCA is mandatory, indicating a high level of expertise and commitment to the field of accounting and finance.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in Accounting or Finance, demonstrating a strong background in managing financial operations and compliance within a nonprofit or similar organizational context. Experience in a regional or international capacity, particularly within the African context, is highly desirable, as is familiarity with local accounting standards and tax regulations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the African region may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in Kenya without the need for visa sponsorship. The role may require travel up to 40% domestically and internationally, depending on program and operational needs. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background.