Finance Officer at CIYOTA Uganda, Kampala

CIYOTA, with a 19-year history of supporting Refugees, Displaced Persons (RDPs), and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through education, vocational skills, employment and entrepreneurial leadership, seeks to implement a Multi-Year program targeting 3,425 youth in DRC and Uganda in 2026.

The overall goal of the program is to improve access to quality and relevant secondary education and skills development for 3,425 youth from refugee and host communities in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by November 2030.

The program is structured into three key outcome areas, each with targeted activities to ensure sustainable impact:

Outcome 1: Enhanced access to quality and relevant secondary and tertiary education for 2,880 young people.

Outcome 2: Improved capacity of 515 out-of-school RDP and host community youth with vocational skills.

Outcome 3: 30 Associates with strengthened personal development, transformative leadership, and employability skills to become professionally competitive.

The program adopts a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. It integrates education, economic empowerment, and professional skilling, providing young people, particularly those from RDPs, the host community, and PWDs, with a transition into dignified employment or further education. This multi-pronged approach ensures sustained economic resilience and community-driven development.

Job summary

The Finance Officer is responsible for ensuring effective financial management of project funds through proper budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls, in line with organizational policies and donor requirements. The officer will report to the finance manager.

This position is subject to the program funding approval. Shortlisting and interviews may be conducted in advance; however, appointments will only be confirmed upon successful funding of the program.

Financial Planning & Budget Management

• Prepare, monitor, and manage project budgets in line with approved donor agreements.
• Track project expenditures to ensure spending remains within approved budgets.
• Support budget revisions and reallocations where necessary.

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project financial records and documentation.
• Process payments, vouchers, advances, and reimbursements in compliance with financial procedures.
• Prepare timely and accurate project financial reports for management and donors.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and end-of-project financial reporting.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and statutory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Ensure adequate financial controls are in place to minimize risk and fraud.

Cash & Bank Management

• Manage project cash flow and forecast funding needs.
• Prepare bank reconciliations and, where applicable, manage project bank accounts.
• Monitor advances and ensure timely accountability.

Capacity Building & Coordination

• Provide financial guidance to project staff and partners.
• Support partner financial monitoring and capacity strengthening.
• Work closely with program and operations teams to ensure financial alignment with project activities.

Key Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A professional qualification (CPA, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• At least 2–4 years of experience in project or grant finance management.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects (NGOs/INGOs).
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks and MS Excel.
• High level of integrity and attention to detail.

Key Competencies

• Financial analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong understanding of donor compliance requirements