Chief Financial Officer role in Nairobi at Shamiri Institute

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Leadership team at Shamiri. You will be responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization. The CFO will oversee budgeting, financial planning, reporting, and compliance, working closely with the CEO to align financial strategy with Shamiri’s mission and goals. In particular, you will lead the development of financial projections and scenario planning to inform decision making. Your previous experience will have honed your skills as a financial operator, with deep expertise in nonprofit financial management and compliance.

Chief Financial Officer role and responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the CEO to shape and execute financial strategy aligned with Shamiri’s strategic plan.
• Lead the development of financial projections and scenario planning to inform strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
• Provide financial guidance on key organizational decisions, including new programs, funding opportunities, and expansion initiatives.
• Support scenario planning, growth modeling, and financial forecasting.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process, including organization-wide and project-level budgets.
• Support grant proposal budgeting and alignment of donor budgets with internal cost structures.
• Monitor budget-to-actuals across departments and projects; flag variances and advise on course correction.

Financial Reporting and Analysis in this Chief Financial Officer role 

• Oversee preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports for internal leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Translate financial data into clear insights and action-oriented recommendations for non-finance staff and decision-makers.
• Present financial updates at board meetings and contribute to materials for funders and investors.

Systems and Compliance

• Strengthen internal financial systems, policies, and procedures in line with best practices and compliance standards.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, donor rules, and audit standards.
• Oversee financial risk management, including cash flow management and reserves strategy.

Capacity Building and Team Support

• Mentor and support the internal finance team.
• Recommend and support implementation of tools, systems, or platforms to improve financial workflows.
• Advise on recruitment or upskilling needed within the finance function.

Who we’re looking for this Chief Financial Officer role :

• 10+ years of progressive experience in finance, ideally including senior roles in social enterprises, NGOs, or impact organizations.
• Strong background in budgeting, grants management, compliance, and nonprofit financial strategy.
• Proven experience working with international donors (e.g. USAID, FCDO, Gates Foundation).
• Strong analytical, communication, and mentorship skills. CPA, CFA, or other relevant financial qualification preferred.