Finance & Grants Officer

Specific Responsibilities and Duties:

Financial Management:

• Prepare, monitor, and revise budgets in collaboration with program and management teams.

• Coordinate and document budget review action points.

• Ensure accurate recording of all financial transactions in line with accounting standards.

• Produce periodic financial reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual) for management and donors, highlighting spending patterns and variances.

• Manage cash flow to ensure the organization has adequate resources for operations.

• Conduct regular financial analyses and recommend strategies for cost control and financial sustainability.

Grant Management:

• Oversee the financial aspects of grants management, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.

• Review grant agreements to identify financial and reporting obligations.

• Track grant expenditures and ensure funds are spent within the approved budget and timelines.

• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for grants.

• Review partner cash requests and ensure timely disbursements to the partners.

• Oversee the development and submission of grant proposals, ensuring budgets align with donor requirements.

Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to organizational policies, donor regulations, and statutory requirements.

• Facilitate audits by preparing necessary documentation and responding to audit queries.

• Follow up on all audit findings and ensure that all recommendations have been properly addressed and closed.

• Promote compliance awareness to both staff and subgrantees.

Capacity Building:

• Train program staff and partners on financial management and compliance.

• Provide guidance to staff on budget preparation and grant management practices.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with program teams to ensure alignment between financial resources and program activities.

• Coordinate with external stakeholders on issues related to grants and finance.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate financial risks related to grants and organizational finances.

• Review, implement, and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.

• Ensure compliance with Ugandan financial laws and regulations, including tax and labor laws.

• Facilitate and support external and internal audits.

• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.

Strategic Contribution:

• Contribute to organizational strategy and planning processes.

• Provide financial insights to guide decision-making and support organizational growth.

• Support resource mobilization efforts by preparing budgets and financial reports for proposals.

• A Bachelor's degree is required; a Master's degree in Management, Finance, or a related field is preferred.

• Extensive progressive experience in project, grants, and contracts management; contract management, proposal cost, and budget development is preferred.

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in grants and/or contracts management.

• Membership/certification with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) is highly desirable.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Experience with accounting software, preferably QuickBooks, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Experience managing funds from multiple donors (e.g., USAID, EU, WB, DFID, Foundations).

• A high standard of personal and professional integrity.

• Willingness to work as a team member, taking on additional tasks as needed to ensure the overall success of the project.

• High attention to detail, ability to multitask, and work well under pressure.

• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and in a culturally sensitive environment.