Head of Finance and Operations at Akili Dada | Nairobi, Kenya
Company/Recruiter: Akili Dada
Published on: Nov 13, 2026
· Closes Dec 3, 2026
Opportunity snapshot
A practical decision guide for this opportunity: compare the facts below with your eligibility before applying.
Opportunity type
Incubation
Location
Kenya, Nairobi
Work arrangement
Location-based; remote work not stated
Application deadline
Dec 3, 2026
Organisation
Akili Dada
Check your eligibility
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MorrJobs preparation notes
Role shape: Responsibility-led role with a detailed skills profile.
Evidence to prepare: Connect your CV or portfolio to A professional accounting qualification such as CPA(K), ACCA, or an equivalent certification is required.; A relevant degree is also a necessary qualification for this role.. Use one concrete example that shows you can Lead the development and execution of the finance and operations strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall objectives..
Check before applying: Confirm that Kenya, Nairobi and the stated work arrangement suit you, check the closing date of Dec 3, 2026.
- Apply before Dec 3, 2026.
- The application route is available to verified Talent accounts.
This role is for a senior finance and operations leader who will manage financial stewardship and operational efficiency. The position is based in Nairobi and is a contract role.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Head of Finance and Operations
- Employer: Akili Dada
- Location: Nairobi
- Job Type: Contract
- Closing Date: December 3, 2026
About the Employer
- Akili Dada is a non-profit organization registered in Kenya.
- It is an internationally recognized award-winning leadership incubator.
- The organization nurtures girls and young women from underprivileged backgrounds.
- Its mission is to empower these individuals to transform their communities through their commitment to the underserved.
- Akili Dada envisions a world where African women leaders actively participate in key decision-making processes across various sectors.
Programme Details
- Lead the development and execution of the finance and operations strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall objectives.
- Provide expert advice to the Executive Director and Senior Management Team on financial sustainability, resource allocation, and cost management.
- Develop comprehensive financial models, including multi-year projections, cash flow forecasts, and operating scenarios.
- Present accurate financial health reports and analyses to the Finance Committee and collaborate with the Board Treasurer on financial priorities.
- Offer recommendations regarding reserves, liquidity, investments, and funding concentration.
- Oversee the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes, integrating work plans, procurement, staffing, and donor requirements.
- Produce monthly variance analyses, identifying key drivers, risks, and proposing corrective actions.
- Challenge any instances of under-spending, over-spending, incorrect coding, or unfunded commitments.
- Ensure the timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts and dashboards for senior leadership.
- Prepare concise and actionable Finance Committee and Board packs that detail financial position, cash flow, reserves, investments, variances, compliance, audits, and top risks.
- Maintain established reporting schedules and ensure timely distribution of governance documents.
- Translate complex financial information into understandable terms for non-finance personnel to support informed decision-making.
- Establish standards for proposal costing, grant setup, tracking of restricted funds, donor reporting, and document retention.
- Review and approve proposal budgets and financial reports submitted to donors.
- Assign donor portfolios to finance staff, ensuring clear primary and backup ownership.
- Collaborate with Resource Mobilisation and program teams while maintaining clear lines of responsibility for donor relationships, program delivery, and financial compliance.
- Maintain and update frameworks for finance, procurement, travel, cash advances, assets, investments, reserves, fraud prevention, and delegated authority.
- Implement effective segregation of duties, maker-checker controls, reconciliations, and exception management procedures.
- Manage a compliance calendar that includes tax, payroll, regulatory obligations, donor requirements, insurance, leases, licenses, and operational duties.
- Contribute to the organizational risk register and ensure the implementation of mitigation strategies.
- Define the audit strategy, timetable, and governance approvals, setting standards for readiness.
- Hold the Finance Officer accountable for audit coordination and ensure the team is prepared for monthly evidence requirements.
- Lead on key accounting judgments, manage auditor escalations, and communicate management responses to the Finance Committee.
- Track audit recommendations to completion and work to prevent recurrence of findings.
- Oversee liquidity management, banking relationships, payment controls, signatories, investment performance, receivables, payables, and cash advances.
- Review and approve payroll, statutory filings, and significant payroll adjustments, ensuring the secure handling of sensitive information.
- Ensure daily operational tasks are completed by the Finance Officer and independently reviewed according to the control matrix.
- Establish procurement governance, thresholds, approval processes, service levels, and value-for-money standards.
- Hold the Operations Officer accountable for sourcing administration, vendor vetting, contract management, logistics, facilities, physical assets, and safety/security operations.
- Ensure finance performs necessary checks on budgets, taxes, donor requirements, and financial controls without duplicating operational processes.
- Monitor payment processing times, procurement cycle efficiency, vendor performance, and operational risks.
- Manage the roadmap for finance and operations systems, including ERP controls, access management, workflow design, integrations, backup procedures, and reporting automation.
- Ensure that mandatory data dimensions and evidence are captured at the point of origin.
- Reduce reliance on spreadsheets and manual processes by implementing documented business continuity procedures.
- Ensure that no critical system, process, approval, or relationship is dependent on a single individual.
- Set clear objectives, key performance indicators, portfolios, review standards, and development plans for direct reports.
- Foster a culture of service, control, timely escalation, documentation, and continuous improvement.
- Delegate preparation and coordination tasks while retaining appropriate oversight and accountability.
- Implement cross-training and tested backup procedures for all critical processes.
- Collaborate with the HR Business Partner on recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and sensitive personnel matters.
Eligibility
- A professional accounting qualification such as CPA(K), ACCA, or an equivalent certification is required.
- A relevant degree is also a necessary qualification for this role.
- A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in finance is required.
How to Apply
- Carefully review all stated requirements before submitting your application.
- Ensure your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is up-to-date and includes all necessary information.
- Submit your application by clicking the 'Apply Now' button on this page.
- Make sure to apply before the closing date of December 3, 2026.
Application Tips
- Highlight your professional accounting qualifications, such as CPA(K) or ACCA, in your application.
- Clearly demonstrate your relevant degree in your submitted documents.
- Provide specific examples of your 8 years of progressive finance experience.
- Emphasize any experience you have in leadership roles within finance and operations.
What You Get
- Contract job type
- Based in Nairobi
- Closing date for applications is December 3, 2026
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