Head of Finance (SLL) Akros Research

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.

Akros Research is supporting a 3-year program, funded by the Mastercard Foundation and in partnership with the Africa CDC, to increase Covid19 vaccine uptake in Africa. This initiative, called Saving Lives and Livelihoods, includes multiple components and partners working to procure, distribute, and promote vaccine uptake in a safe manner. As a part of this consortium Akros Research is supporting Africa Union members states in the Eastern and Southern African regions to strengthen COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance systems.

The Akros Research SLL Head of Finance will provide management oversight for all finance functions of the Akros Research-managed activity across Eastern and Southern African regions. He/she will support the management of a complex system of regionally focused finance systems. S/he will also provide guidance on financial procedures, and will ensure full compliance with Africa CDC and MasterCard Foundation financial regulations, policies, and procedures.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide management oversight for all finance functions of the SLL Safety Surveillance activity across supported member states in Eastern and Southern Africa regions.
• Under the leadership of the Project Director and the Head of Finance will develop and implement accounting and reporting systems for project expenditures and financial performance.
• Develop, manage and monitor project budgets as well as produce financial reports and project funding needs including forecasting financial targets.
• Analyze financial statements and prepare reports and recommendations concerning financial performance.
• Provide guidance on financial procedures and ensure full compliance with the Company’s and donor’s regulations, policies and procedures.
• 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 throughout the region.
• Process expenditure reports and invoices for the donor as per agreed schedules.
• Prepare financial reports and make presentations for scheduled financial management meetings.
• Put in place systems to quickly identify potentially fraudulent activities within the project.
• Coordinate project audit activities and responses.
• Ensure that corrective actions are addressed in a timely manner.
• Supervise the Accounts Assistant, ensuring that program transactions are processed in a timely and transparent manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree (preferred) in accounting or finance with at least 10 years of financial management experience.
• Proficiency in accounting software a must.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Broad knowledge of accounting principles.
• Working knowledge of regional banking systems and funds transfer options strongly preferred.
• Excellent computer skills with demonstrated fluency in Excel, QuickBooks, and other web-based accounting platforms.
• Candidate should be highly productive and internally motivated.
• Ability to remain focused on deadlines and targets.
• Good communication skills.

Due to the nature of the project, Akros is limiting project staff members to those who have been vaccinated for Covid19 or those who are able to provide a valid medical exemption for Covid vaccination. This documentation will be required before commencing work.

This position is contingent upon program funding and donor approvals.

Location

Ideally, this position will be based in Lusaka, Zambia. Remote candidates may be considered.

Reporting

This position reports directly to the Project Director, who will review and approve time records.