How to Apply: Interested and qualified? Go to The Science for Africa Foundation on scienceforafrica.foundation to apply.
Show Treasury and Reporting Mastery in Your Application
This role sits at the intersection of cash management, financial reporting, and systems automation. The hiring team will be looking for a candidate who can not only keep the books accurate but also turn financial data into strategic insight for leadership.
1. Highlight your treasury wins: On your CV, quantify your experience with cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and banking relationships. For example, mention how you reduced cash conversion days or improved forecast accuracy by a specific percentage.
2. Show your reporting range: Be ready to discuss how you've prepared management reports for boards or executive committees. Bring samples (anonymized) that demonstrate your ability to present complex financial data clearly.
3. Prove your ERP and BI chops: Expect questions on your hands-on experience with ERP systems (like SAP, Oracle, or Odoo) and BI tools (like Power BI or Tableau). Walk through a specific dashboard you built and how it influenced a decision.
4. Emphasize process improvement: This role is about automation and efficiency. Give examples of how you've automated recurring reports or streamlined workflows, saving time and reducing errors.
5. Prepare for scenario questions: The role involves forecasting and scenario analysis. Practice thinking aloud through a scenario like a sudden funding cut or a currency fluctuation and how you'd model the impact.
6. Understand donor-funded contexts: If you have experience with donor-funded projects, highlight it. If not, research common donor requirements (like budget vs. actual reporting) and show you can adapt quickly.
7. Communicate your stakeholder skills: You'll work with EXCO, the Board, and various departments. Be ready to share how you've translated financial jargon for non-finance stakeholders and built cross-functional relationships.
8. Show continuous learning: Given the AI-assisted reporting initiatives, express genuine interest in emerging technologies. Mention any courses or certifications you've pursued in data analytics or financial systems.