Chief Financial Officer Job at Code for Africa

Code for Africa is the continent’s largest federation of independent civic technology and data journalism laboratories, which build digital democracy solutions giving citizens unfettered access to actionable information that empowers them to make informed decisions and that strengthen civic engagement for improved public governance and accountability.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Chief Financial Officer

Job Location: Nigeria

Position Summary

• The CFO is a key executive leadership position responsible for the financial management and strategic financial direction of our international operations.
• The CFO will oversee all financial activities across both the African and US entities, ensuring financial health, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth.
• This role requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented leader with a global mindset, exceptional financial acumen, and the ability to drive strategic initiatives in diverse market conditions.
• The CFO will report directly to the two co-CEOs. 

Key Responsibilities
Strategic financial leadership:

• Develop and execute the overall financial strategy to support the organisation’s global business objectives and long-term strategic plan.
• Provide financial reporting, analysis and insights to guide strategic operational decisions. 
• Develop, maintain and implement long-term financial stability plans, including diversification of revenue and reserve policies
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEOs, COO and Board of Directors on all financial matters, including profitability, capital allocation, and risk management. 

Global financial operations:

• Develop and oversee organisational budgets working closely with the finance consultant at ICFJ and the finance deputy at CfA, providing accurate forecasting to guide spending and revenue.
• Monitor performance against operational budgets, provide regular updates to the CEOs and board and implement corrective measures as needed. 
• Oversee all financial operations, including financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, treasury, and tax functions for both the US and African operations.
• Establish robust internal financial controls and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to safeguard assets and funds from fraud and misuse.
• Manage cross-border cash flow, optimise working capital, and implement effective foreign exchange risk management strategies.
• Lead the preparation and presentation of consolidated financial statements in compliance with both US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Where appropriate, drive the implementation  of financial technology, including AI and automated systems, to improve efficiency, financial forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.

Regulatory compliance and governance:

• Ensure full compliance with US financial regulations (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley Act, SEC reporting) and African legislation across Kenya, Nigeria, Mauritius and South Africa .
• Coordinate all internal and external audit activities for all entities. 

Team leadership and collaboration:

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing global finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Act as a catalyst for business improvement, working cross-functionally with department heads in both the US and Africa to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance operational efficiency.
• Exhibit empathetic and collaborative leadership, ensuring seamless communication and alignment across different time zones and cultural contexts. 

Funder relations and reporting:

• Oversee financial reporting to all funders and donors, ensuring all funds are appropriately used and reported on. 
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies across all entities.
• Participate in fundraising activities and provide financial analysis for potential mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures. 

Qualifications and Skills
Education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; an MBA is preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior financial leadership role overseeing multinational operations.
• (8-10) years working in senior leadership role in a non-profit organisation
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CA(SA), CPA) is required.
• Proven experience navigating financial regulations and market dynamics in both the US and South Africa is a plus. 

Core competencies:

• Strategic vision: Ability to translate a global vision into actionable financial plans and strategic initiatives.
• Adaptability: Proven track record of navigating complex and changing business environments across different regions.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to diverse internal and external audiences in a transparent and compelling manner.
• Analytical thinking: Superior analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on using data to drive business decisions.
• Integrity: Uncompromising ethical standards and integrity, essential for building trust with stakeholders.
• Cultural fluency: An understanding of cultural nuances and business practices in both the US Europe and Africa to effectively lead teams and engage with stakeholders.