Finance Associate

Role Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Finance Associate to support the financial management of donor-funded projects, grants, and strategic initiatives. The role will focus on budgeting, financial analysis, proposal development, expenditure monitoring, forecasting, and reporting. Working closely with Finance, Partnerships, and Project teams, the Finance Associate will ensure project finances are accurately planned, monitored, and aligned with internal policies and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities
1. Project Budgeting & Financial Planning
• Develop and manage budgets for donor-funded projects, grants, and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare project budgets, cost structures, pricing assumptions, and financial schedules.
• Review budget assumptions and financial inputs for accuracy and feasibility.
• Support budget reviews, revisions, forecasting, and financial planning throughout the project lifecycle. 2. Proposal & Business Development Support
• Provide financial and budgeting support for proposals, concept notes, and funding submissions.
• Develop competitive and financially sound proposal budgets with Partnerships and Project teams.
• Review pricing, cost allocations, cost-sharing arrangements, and donor requirements.
• Maintain financial models and costing tools for proposals and project planning. 3. Financial Monitoring & Reporting
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and identify variances and financial risks.
• Track cash flows, funding availability, budgets, and donor disbursements.
• Support budget-versus-actual analysis, forecasting, reforecasting, and financial reporting.
• Highlight budget pressures and other issues requiring management attention. 4. Donor Compliance & Financial Controls
• Ensure project financial activities comply with donor requirements, contracts, and internal policies.
• Support accurate allocation and classification of project costs.
• Review financial information and documentation for errors or compliance concerns.
• Support audits, donor reviews, and financial assurance activities. 5. Financial Tools & Process Improvement
• Maintain accurate project budgets, financial models, costing assumptions, and supporting records.
• Develop and maintain Excel/Google Sheets-based financial tools and reporting templates.
• Identify opportunities to improve, automate, and streamline finance processes and reporting. 6. Collaboration & General Support
• Work closely with Finance, Partnerships, and Project teams on financial and budgeting requirements.
• Provide clear financial analysis and guidance to support decision-making.
• Communicate financial information effectively to finance and non-finance colleagues.
• Perform other finance-related duties as assigned. Job Requirements Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• ACCA, ICAN, CIMA, CFA, or equivalent qualification is an advantage. Experience
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in project finance, budgeting, financial analysis, grants management, or management accounting.
• Experience with donor-funded projects, NGOs, development organizations, consulting, or similar environments is an advantage.
• Experience in proposal budgeting, financial modelling, cost analysis, or project financial management is desirable. Technical Skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets, including budgeting, financial modelling, analysis, and reporting.
• Good understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cost structures, and budget-versus-actual analysis.
• Ability to develop accurate and practical financial models.
• Knowledge of donor financial requirements and eligible costs is an advantage.
• Experience with accounting, ERP, project management, or financial reporting systems is desirable.