Finance Manager, Akagera National Park

Job Overview

African Parks is seeking a dynamic and experienced Finance Manager to provide financial management support for the African Conservation Academy being developed in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. This individual will be accountable for the administration of all financial, treasury, procurement and accounting activities of the Academy, in accordance with African Parks policies and in compliance with fiscal, legal and statutory requirements of the host country. Strong leadership and financial expertise are essential.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING

• Maintain full reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts in accordance with financial reporting standards.
• Deliver structured feedback and support to ensure all financial transactions are recorded with precision and completeness as well as offer ongoing guidance and oversight to accounts personnel to uphold the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
• Facilitate the timely preparation and dissemination of financial reports to meet the expectations of Donors, Government entities and APN.
• Generate timely financial performance reports and facilitate informed dialogue with the heads of department to ensure fiscal accountability and drive operational alignment.
• Oversee and optimize the organizations income collection to maximize revenue realization and accurate revenue capture.
• Maintain regular reconciliation of cash and bank accounts to verify alignment with recorded transactions.
• Supervise monthly and yearly closing processes.

DONOR MANAGEMENT

• Ensure proper utilization of donor resources through budget tracking and variance analysis.
• Monitor incoming funds and reconcile donor receipts with grant agreements and bank statements.
• Coordinate with FRM to align donor budgets with operational plans and strategic priorities.

TAX FILING AND REPORTING

• Submission of all relevant tax returns in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of tax filings and payments.

DUE DILIGENCE AND AUDIT

• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management systems.
• Coordinate external audits, prepare draft financial statements and necessary notes, and draft responses to audit management letters.
• Ensure the closure and resolution of audit findings.
• Verify compliance with concession agreements and assess the financial accuracy and completeness of concessionaire.

PAYROLL

• Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to labour laws, tax regulations, pension schemes and coordinate with HR for updates on employee data.
• Risk Management: identify and mitigate risks related to payroll fraud, errors and data breaches.
• Review and sign off monthly payroll.

FIXED ASSET MANAGEMENT

• To oversee asset acquisition, utilization, depreciation and disposal in compliance with financial and regulatory standards.
• Verification and Tagging: Coordinate physical verification and tagging of assets to confirm existence and condition.
• Disposal oversight: Manage asset disposal processes, ensuring proper authorization, documentation and accounting treatment.

PLANNING, BUDGETING AND FORECASTING

• Coordinate the annual budgeting cycle.
• Prepare rolling forecasts based on actual performance market trends and funding scenarios.

TREASURY AND CASH MANAGEMENT

• Monitor daily cash positions and ensure sufficient liquidation for operational needs.
• Manage relations with financial institutions and oversee bank account administration.
• Review and authorize fund transfers, deposits and withdrawals.

STORES AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

• Supervise the stores department, ensuring accurate records and integrity of the management system.
• Oversee inflow and outflow of material, with proper documentation for receipts, stock issued and transferred.
• Implement inventory controls, including regular stock counts, reconciliations and timely variance reporting.
• Ensure compliance of stores processes with procurement, finance and audit requirements including correct inventory valuation.

PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT

• Provide oversight of Academy procurement, ensuring compliance with AP policies, donor requirements and statutory regulations.
• Oversee tenders, supplier evaluations, contracts, and purchasing documentation to guarantee transparency, value for money and audit readiness.
• Monitor the procurement plan against budget and operational priorities to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Strengthen controls to minimize fraud, unauthorized purchases, and non-compliance.
• Promote accountability to reduce wastage, losses and mismanagement of park materials.

FINANCE STAFF SUPERVISION AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

• Lead and supervise finance personnel accountants, procurement officer, stores staff, cashier.
• Delegate tasks with clear responsibilities and proper segregation of duties.
• Manage performance and provide training to build skilled, motivated team.
• Promote integrity, transparency and accountability within the finance unit.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance (master's an advantage).
• Professional accounting qualification preferred (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CA).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in financial management, preferably within the NGO, conservation, or donor-funded sector.
• Proven experience in audit preparation and management.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, donor compliance requirements, and statutory/tax obligations.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., Serenic) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated team leadership and mentorship capabilities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• High level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Good verbal communication skills. Must be fluent in English.
• Highly organized, responsible, self-motivated and able to take initiative.
• Willing and able to relocate to Akagera National Park.

Tags

• donor relations
• finance manager
• financial management
• project finance
• wildlife conservation

Skills

• Financial Management
• Leadership
• IFRS
• Donor Compliance
• English

The recruiting organization, African Parks, has not specified a closing date for this vacancy or continues to list jobs after their stated closing date. Because such positions may remain open, they are listed here until removed from the recruiting organization's website.

Click the button below to verify its current status.

More Information and Application Details