Background

African Parks (AP) is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. AP manages 23 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Financial Manager to lead our Finance Department and ensure robust financial management, statutory compliance, and donor accountability. The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record in financial reporting, audit management, budget tracking, and team leadership within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

MAIN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide meaningful and accurate financial information to the Park Management Unit (PMU) team, allowing for informed decision making.
• Prepare and submit accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in a timely manner.
• Oversee monthly/quarterly financial close processes, ensuring all transactions are complete, accurate, and aligned with budget allocations.
• Manage IFRS, internal, and donor audits, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and delivering clean audit results.
• Monitor and enforce procurement SOPs, ensuring all purchases comply with organizational and country regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare and deliver timely donor financial reports and maintain transparent communication with partners.
• Ensure asset tagging and accurate asset records management in the park.
• Maintain statutory compliance with all tax and employment-related obligations (PAYE, WHT, NAPSA, NHIMA, Workers’ Compensation).
• Lead budget planning and tracking, ensuring expenditure aligns with approved budgets.
• Oversee commercial revenue reporting, reconciliations, and claims submissions to government bodies.
• Develop and implement clear KPIs and work plans for the finance team, ensuring accountability and productivity.
• Provide strong team leadership, fostering an environment of independence, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct periodic site visits and financial spot checks at operational points to ensure adherence to financial procedures.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field (master’s degree in accounting/finance will be an added advantage).
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CA) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial management, preferably within the NGO, conservation, or donor-funded project sector.
• Proven experience in audit preparation and management.
• Strong understanding of IFRS, donor compliance requirements, and statutory tax obligations.
• Excellent budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficient in financial systems (e.g., Serenic) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with a focus on mentorship and team development.
• Fully paid up ZICA membership

Safeguarding & Ethics

African Parks maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, child labour and all forms of discrimination. All staff must comply with AP policies, codes of conduct and reporting obligations, and complete mandatory trainings.

• Provide meaningful and accurate financial information to the Park Management Unit (PMU) team, allowing for informed decision making.
• Prepare and submit accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in a timely manner.
• Oversee monthly/quarterly financial close processes, ensuring all transactions are complete, accurate, and aligned with budget allocations.
• Manage IFRS, internal, and donor audits, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and delivering clean audit results.
• Monitor and enforce procurement SOPs, ensuring all purchases comply with organizational and country regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare and deliver timely donor financial reports and maintain transparent communication with partners.
• Ensure asset tagging and accurate asset records management in the park.
• Maintain statutory compliance with all tax and employment-related obligations (PAYE, WHT, NAPSA, NHIMA, Workers’ Compensation).
• Lead budget planning and tracking, ensuring expenditure aligns with approved budgets.
• Oversee commercial revenue reporting, reconciliations, and claims submissions to government bodies.
• Develop and implement clear KPIs and work plans for the finance team, ensuring accountability and productivity.
• Provide strong team leadership, fostering an environment of independence, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct periodic site visits and financial spot checks at operational points to ensure adherence to financial procedures.

• Financial reporting
• Audit management
• Budget tracking
• Team leadership
• IFRS compliance
• Donor accountability
• Procurement SOP enforcement
• Asset management
• Statutory compliance (tax and employment)
• Budget planning
• Revenue reporting and reconciliation
• KPI development
• Financial analysis
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Leadership ability
• Mentorship
• Team development

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Master’s degree in accounting/finance (added advantage)
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CA)
• Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., Serenic)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Fully paid up ZICA membership