Finance and Accounting Fellow

About us

Aceli Africa is a market catalyst that aims to mobilize $2 billion in private-sector lending for agricultural SMEs and improve livelihoods for 5 million farmers and workers by 2030. To achieve this goal, Aceli provides financial incentives to increase the risk appetite of 50 financial institutions to make loans ranging from USD $10K-$1.5M for high-impact agricultural SMEs. Complementary technical assistance builds capacity for lenders and SMEs while data and learning drive engagement with partners to strengthen the policy and regulatory environment.

Since launching in 2020, Aceli has mobilized $350M in lending to SMEs, providing market access for 1.7M smallholder farmers across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. Financial incentives have been designed based on an original dataset detailing the profitability of agri-SME lending across $5 billion in transactions.

To date, Aceli Africa has secured US$100M in funding commitments from leading bilateral and philanthropic donors, including the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gates Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, IKEA Foundation, Norad, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Aceli is raising a new round of funding to scale up its work over the next five years.

Job Profile

Aceli Africa is seeking a Fellow, Finance & Accounting who is detail-oriented, analytical, and eager to grow in a dynamic finance function. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with numbers, has a strong sense of ownership, and is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to high-impact operations across multiple countries. The ideal candidate has gained initial hands-on experience in financial reporting and accounting practices, with a growing understanding of key processes such as reconciliations, expense tracking, and month-end close and is ready to apply these skills in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Reporting to the Senior Associate, Finance & Accounting, the Fellow will support day-to-day finance operations including bookkeeping, monthly close processes, reconciliations, budget tracking, and compliance with donor and statutory requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing team and gain hands-on experience in international nonprofit financial management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Transaction Support & Record Keeping  (20%)

Assist in processing payments and ensuring required supporting documents are complete and compliant. Maintain well-organized electronic and physical records for financial transactions. Support the preparation of payment vouchers and ensure accurate coding of expenses.

2. Financial Reporting Assistance (20%)

Compile and organize documentation to support monthly close processes. Assist in preparing reconciliations (e.g., staff advances, prepaid cards, vendor accounts). Support in updating internal trackers and financial dashboards as needed.

3. Procurement & Expense Reporting (20%)

Coordinate with teams to ensure timely submission of procurement requests and supporting documents. Assist with reviewing and organizing consultant/vendor contracts and payment schedules. Help track and follow up on staff expense claims and outstanding advances.

4. Donor and Compliance Support (20%)

Ensure documentation aligns with donor and internal compliance standards. Assist in collecting and reviewing supporting documents for audits and internal reviews. Help ensure proper filing and labeling of grant-related financial documents.

5. Cross Departmental Support (20%)

Provide administrative and financial support to program and operations teams as needed. Assist in the preparation of financial inputs for donor and internal reports. Contribute to compiling data for monthly operations planning and forecasting.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
• Professional Certification: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or hold an equivalent professional accounting qualification e.g. ACCA/CA
• Experience: 0 – 2 years of professional experience
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of accounting principles (IFRS, GAAP), financial systems, budget and cash flow monitoring, and internal controls
• Donor Compliance: Familiarity with donor and government grant regulations, as well as related financial reporting requirements
• Analytical Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to multitask
• Agility: A quick learner who can manage their time effectively and work independently
• Teamwork: A strong collaborator who can work well with peers and other Aceli team members
• Bonus: A passion for or interest in the agricultural sector is a huge plus

You will receive a 12-month contract, fixed monthly stipend, a medical cover, an Aceli-owned laptop, and a supportive environment designed to help you grow.