Programme Finance Manager

Employment Accelerator Programme Finance Manager

Lusaka, Zambia

Akros is a cutting-edge organization that establishes data-driven systems that improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities. We pride ourselves in our ground-level knowledge of the health systems where we work, and our ability to provide novel, lasting solutions implemented in developing regions.

Background

Akros Research is supporting a three-year programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, focused on moving young graduates in Zambia and Tanzania into meaningful work. The program includes virtual and in person student engagement in GIS, data science, earth observation and digital health as well as employment support.

The Data Science and GIS Employment Accelerator is anticipated to start in November 2026 and the Finance Manager role is contingent on Akros Research signing the programme contract.

The Finance Manager will lead programme-specific finance systems, processing and teams in line with the following responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities

Provide management oversight for all finance functions of the Programme

Supervise and oversee finance staff

Under the leadership of the Programme Director and the Head of Finance, develop and implement accounting and reporting systems for programme expenditures and financial performance.

Provide guidance on financial procedures and ensure full compliance with the Company’s and donor’s regulations, policies and procedures.

Review all payment vouchers for programme activities and expenses.

Review monthly payroll, fringe benefits calculations and the related vouchers.

Review monthly statutory payment calculations and the related vouchers.

Manage the programme budget ensuring all costs incurred by the program are accounted for and in compliance with applicable regulations and laws and in accordance with the approved budget lines.

Review accounting system entries and the audit trail regularly and ensure corrections are completed promptly.

Monitor expenditure against the approved budget and prepare budget-versus-actual schedules, variance explanations and cash forecasts.

Prepare programme financial statements and the monthly reporting package.

Process expenditure reports and invoices for the donor as per agreed schedules.

Ensure all financial records are audit ready.

Assess, manage and minimize financial risk. This includes identifying and managing the use of mobile money and/or web-based systems to transparently transfer money.

Put in place systems to quickly identify potentially fraudulent activities within the programme.

Coordinate programme audit activities and responses, meeting audit requirements.

Ensure that corrective actions are addressed in a timely manner.

Supervise the accounts team, ensuring that program transactions are processed in a timely and transparent manner.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (required) or master’s degree (preferred) in accounting or finance with at least 10 years of financial management experience.

Proficiency in accounting software a must.

Excellent computer skills with demonstrated fluency in Excel, QuickBooks, and other web-based accounting platforms and ability to operate within a fully electronic accounting system.

Strong analytical skills.

Broad knowledge of accounting principles.

Candidate should be highly productive and internally motivated.

Ability to remain focused on deadlines and targets.

Good communication skills.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

This role is contingent upon contract signing.