Financial Controller

Vacancy Announcement

Financial Controller – HQ

Organization :
Adeso: African Development Solutions

Position Title: HQ Financial Controller

Reporting to:
Finance Director

Working with:
Finance, Head of Departments and Partnership unit

Program/ Duty station: Nairobi with Travel to field offices

Duration:
1 year with possibility of extension

Starting date: February

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Adeso is a pioneering African social enterprise with global influence. Rooted in Africa for over 30 years, we are working toward a decolonised world where people thrive through their own resourcefulness and tenacity. Adeso is part of global movement to shift power to local leaders who are closest to the problem and, by consequence, closest to the solution. We are working with allies all over the world to reimagine and build a better system that is based on the principles of solidarity, humility, self-determination, and equality. We are committed to this work. Committed to proving it is possible. Ready to partner, ready to overcome barriers, and ready to evolve to create a blueprint for change.

Adeso has successfully launched social enterprises and subsidiaries, such as Ladhan Investment Company Ltd, Libin Investment Company Ltd, and Kuja, each with the aim of building the ecosystem needed to confront the legacy of colonialism. These entities all fall under the private sector arm of Adeso, while Adeso's humanitarian programs and internal operations fall under the non-profit arm of Adeso and are led by Program Leads and Departmental Heads. Through this portfolio of solutions, we work to connect, design, launch, and scale the most promising innovations that will be a catalyst for community-led change. As a recognized leader in the global effort to decolonize the humanitarian and development aid system, Adeso leads coalitions working with civil society leaders, funders, INGOs, and aid agencies that are designed to shift power and resources to those most proximate to the world's most urgent challenges.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Financial Controller is responsible for providing comprehensive support on all financial matters for Adeso, working in close collaboration with the Finance Director. The role-holder will work closely with the Finance, Head of Departments and Partnerships teams to strengthen financial stewardship across the organization. This position oversees the development, maintenance, and enhancement of financial and administrative systems, procedures, and guidelines to ensure efficient, compliant financial management in line with Adeso and donor requirements. The Financial Controller will also lead and deliver financial training to build internal capacity.

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Budgeting and Compliance

• Lead the preparation and review of project and proposal budgets to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with donor and organizational requirements.
• Support in consolidation of the Annual Operational Master Budget, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and that all gaps or surpluses are clearly identified and addressed prior to submission to Executive Team.
• Review all budget modifications in coordination with the Partnerships Unit and communicate clear and actionable follow-up points.
• Conduct financial monitoring and spot-check visits to Adeso field offices to verify compliance and financial integrity.
• Support both internal and external audit processes, ensuring full preparation and timely follow-up on recommendations.
• Maintain and regularly update financial risk registers.
• Ensure that all audit recommendations and management letter actions are implemented promptly.
• Maintain and update the organizational financial risk assessment.

Financial Reporting and Management

• Prepare and submit all Budget Variance Analyses (BVA) and budget amendments in a timely manner.
• Prepare donor financial reports for accuracy, completeness, compliance, and timely submission.
• Track and monitor the submission of financial reports to donors and flag any delays to the Partnerships Unit.
• Provide quarterly financial updates to Senior Management, including progress, risks, challenges, and recommendations.
• Review and ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of month-end closure processes.
• Monitor monthly reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts and follow up on outstanding items.
• Ensure all project financial management practices align with donor policies, grant compliance requirements, and internal control standards.

Training and Capacity Building

• Identify capacity gaps in financial management for both finance and non-finance partner staff and provide hands-on support and training to ensure effective use of resources.
• Support field offices in reconciling accounting records and providing relevant technical guidance as required.

Employment Period

One year, with the possibility of extension
.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Certified Accountant qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA) with seven years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of six years of progressive international experience in financial management.
• At least three years of experience working with INGOs.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with senior management and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding financial information and data.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven experience managing large and complex budgets.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Experience with ERP Accounting systems.
• Strong analytical skills and financial reporting competencies.
• Strong team player with the ability to work in multicultural environments.

COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

In consideration of the fees paid, the employee expressly assigns to Adeso any copyright arising from the works the employee produces while executing this contract. All images (whether used for online or print purposes) must however bear the Employee's photo credit, as specified by international intellectual property rights. The Employee may not use, reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorize others to use, reproduce or disseminate such works without prior consent from Adeso.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applications should be sent to

by the
15th January 2026
with
job title
on the subject line. The selection committee will review all applications. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered.

Each application package should include the following:

• An application letter addressing the selection criteria including how the candidate's previous experience matches the jobs objectives as well as the interest for the position. It should also indicate the candidate's availability and salary expectations. The letter should be no longer than 1 page.
• Updated CV including relevant work experience and qualifications.
• Contact details of 3 references.

Applications not including all the above information will not be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.