Website African Academy of Sciences
The AAS is a pan African organisation headquartered in Kenya, which aims to drive sustainable development in Africa through science technology and innovation. It has a tripartite mandate of pursuing excellence by recognising scholars and achievers; providing advisory and think tank functions for … read moreshaping the continent’s strategies and policies; and implementing key science, technology and innovation programmes. The AAS utilises its membership pool which consists of a community of scientists to engage with governments and policy makers on the continent. The membership comprises individuals who have reached the highest level of excellence in their field of expertise and have made contributions to the advancement of the field on the continent. To date AAS has recognised 330 AAS Fellows and Associate and Honorary Fellows who are proven science, technology and innovation leaders, policy advisors and thinkers most of whom live and work throughout the continent. Relevant specialist committees assess nominees and those that are recommended are subsequently voted in by AAS Fellows and finally approved by the Governing Council. The AAS is the only continental academy in Africa, enjoying the support and recognition of NEPAD and the African Union as well as several governments and major international partners. These bodies also recognise the think-tank functions of the academy and its increasing role in setting the research agenda for the future development of the continent. The AAS is implementing programmes in partnership with pan African and international organisations. In 2015, the AAS launched the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa, a platform created in collaboration with the New Partnership for Africa’s (NEPAD) Agency. AESA is an agenda setting and funding platform to support the development of Africa’s research leadership and promote scientific excellence and innovation to overcome some of Africa’s developmental challenges. The current Strategic Plan of the AAS (2013-2018) identifies six STI areas of focus, namely Climate Change. Health and Wellbeing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Water and Sanitation Food Security and Nutritional Wellbeing Sustainable Energy.
Position Summary
We are seeking a competent and proactive Finance Officer who will be responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, statutory compliance, timely reporting, and the implementation of robust financial controls. The Finance Officer will report to the Financial Accountant. This role is suited to a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is offered on a fixed-term basis of Five (5) months.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting and Grants Management
Prepare financial reports, for review by the Head of Finance & Program Leads, to donors in line with donor requirements and templates.
Experience in managing government and bilateral donor-funded grants such as the European Union and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be an added advantage.
Coordinate with other staff to compile donor reports and take subsequent corrective actions.
Monitor program advances issued and follow up with staff and grantees to ensure timely accountabilities.
Help ensure compliance with donor rules, finance policies and local government regulations.
Preparation of various supporting schedules to the financial statements to facilitate annual audit and assist in the fieldwork process.
Assist Head of Finance in responding to audit requests from donors, developing financial management tools, and managing close-out processes.
Ensure clear audit trail of processed transactions and their linkage to the accounting system.
Ensure internal controls are maintained.
Assist program leads in Budgeting and Budget monitoring/budget realignment and with preparation of proposal budgets.
Prepare monthly Budget vs. Actual Reports on the projects for review by Project Leads.
Financial Management
Review payment vouchers ensuring adequacy and accuracy of supporting documentation.
Validate and approve purchase requests and co-sign for payments.Review all financial commitments and payments requests to ensure compliance with interna Policies and procedures.
Prepare adjusting journals for monthly accruals for approval and posting to MS Navision system.
Preparations of annual accruals and making journals where necessary.
Reconciliation of balance sheet control accounts on monthly basis and at the year end
Perform monthly bank reconciliations on or before the stipulated deadline.
Reviewing and monitoring bank balances as well as projecting cash flow needs and requesting bank account refills from Head of Finance & Grants.
Carry out project related financial planning to ensure well utilization of funds.
Petty Cash Management
Maintain custody of the safe, petty cash and cheque books and ensure approved requisitions for
staff travel and purchase office supplies are disbursed in time.
Review petty cash reimbursement requests and documentation from staff
Ensure that the Petty cash ledger is timely updated with all approved transactions
Check the Safe & Cashbook at the end of the month and ensure that the balance matches with the Cash Books
Responsible for monthly Cash Counts.
The above job description is not exhaustive but outlines the key expectations of the role and may
include additional duties aligned with the Finance function.
Qualifications & Experience
Master’s degree in business, Accounting, Finance, Management, Auditing, or its equivalent;
Must be a CPA/ACCA holder and accredited member in good standing.
At least 5 years’ experience in grants management, budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting, preferably in an NGO context.
Knowledge of various accounting software such as MS Navision Dynamics, Serenic Navigator or an added advantage.
Excellent written and verbal communications in English. Knowledge of French is desirable
Strong analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, presentation, planning and organizational skills.
Ability to perform detailed work, frequently of a confidential nature and/or to handle a large volume of work systematically, optimally and accurately.
Key Competencies & Skills
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and concisely.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively in a team environment to achieve set goals
Strong technical accounting skills with proficiency in bookkeeping and financial reporting adhering to IFRS and good standing with ICPAK
Solid understanding of tax laws, and statutory reporting requirements.
Experience with multi-donor budget management and foreign currency transactions.
Should possess a valid passport and be able to travel as maybe required by the role.
Commitment to inclusion, professionalism, and the mission and values of AAS.
Interested candidates are encouraged to Finance Officer Advert – Fill out form, and submit their updated CV to:
The Executive Director, African Academy of Sciences, on recruitment@aasciences.africa with the
subject ‘Finance Officer’ by 25th May 2026 17:00 hours EAT.
Apply Through:
recruitment@aasciences.afri
forms.cloud.microsoft
To apply for this job please visit aasciences.afri%20forms.cloud.microsoft.