The position

The Senior Accountant is a key leadership role within the Uganda finance team, responsible for ensuring financial excellence, strategic oversight, and robust internal controls across all accounting operations. Reporting to the Programmes and Partnerships Manager, the incumbent will lead the day-to-day finance function, drive compliance with AKF policies, IFRS, GAAP, donor regulations, and Ugandan statutory requirements, and contribute to the financial strategy of the country office. This position holds accountability for the integrity of financial reporting, effectiveness of budgeting and forecasting processes, management of audits, and the strengthening of financial systems and team capacity. 

Strategic Financial Leadership & Departmental Management

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the finance department, ensuring alignment with AKF goals & donor commitments.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability & continuous improvement. 
• Streamline financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy & scalability.
• Lead the annual country budget process, consolidation and submission to AKF Geneva

• Oversee preparation and posting of all journal entries, including inter-unit recharges and donor income recognition.
• Ensure accurate completion of balance sheet, bank and donor/partner ledger reconciliations.
• Consolidate and review financial reports from partners, ensuring compliance & accuracy.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Analysis

• Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Monitor budget versus actual performance, analyze variances & provide strategic recommendations.
• Preparation of budget proposals in collaboration with the Business Development team.
• Ensure adherence to budget ceilings & donor-specific financial regulations.
• Monitor and report on AKF cashflow and forecasting.
• Create project budgets in BC in accordance with AKFU’s procedures & donor requirements if applicable.

Financial Reporting, Contracts Management & Donor Compliance

• Review & finalize all grant financial reports and monthly management accounts, ensuring compliance with donor templates & AKF requirements.
• Lead donor compliance reviews, provide recommendations & capacity building of subgrantees on donor compliance & AKF development.
• Ensure all deferred income, receivables, & payables are accurately reported and reconciled quarterly in Accounting Systems and AIMs.
• Drive automation of financial reporting and processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention in the preparation and presentation of reports to Management.
• Serve as primary contact for all financial reporting to regional/global offices.
• Support preparation of Board papers with financial insights and data.

Payroll, Accounts Payable, Receivable & Treasury Management

• Payroll processing & statutory compliance.
• Coordinate inter-unit settlements & manage diplomatic VAT refund processes.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity management & foreign exchange exposure.
• Recommend investment strategies for idle funds in line with AKF policy.

Audit, Compliance & Risk Management

• Preparation and analysis of monthly management reports
• Lead preparation & coordination of all audits.
• Ensure all audit documentation is complete, accurate & submitted in a timely manner.
• Uphold compliance with AKF policies, donor agreements & Ugandan financial regulations

Asset Management & Operational Support

• Ensure proper recording, monitoring & disposal of assets in line with AKF policy.
• Support SMT in strategic finance initiatives & special projects.
• Participate in organizational planning, capacity building & cross-functional teams.

The requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Completion of Professional accounting qualification (CPA Level II, ACCA, CIMA) is mandatory.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or departmental leadership role.
• Extensive experience in grant management, donor compliance (multilateral/bilateral), and financial reporting in the development sector is essential.
• Proven experience leading budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in a multi-donor environment.
• Strong technical experience with ERP systems; proficiency in Business Central & Jet Reporting is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and oversee annual financial statements, audits, and donor reviews.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• High integrity, analytical mindset, and commitment to safeguarding and organizational values