Finance Manager

NFP People on behalf of Essa Africa; London; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on improving educational outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa seeks a Finance Manager. The role involves overseeing UK financial operations and compliance, preparing management accounts, and leading audits. Ideal candidates will have strong charity finance experience and be qualified accountants.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' experience in a finance role in a UK-registered charity.
• Strong knowledge of UK charity accounting regulations and SORP.
• Experience managing audits and supporting cross-border operations.

Responsibilities

• Preparing monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
• Leading year-end and audit processes for ESSA’s UK operations.
• Ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and SORP.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Financial Reporting

Communication

Excel

Financial Systems

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

AccountsIQ

QuickBooks

Job description

Finance Manager

Are you an experienced finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact in education across sub-Saharan Africa?

Position: Finance Manager
Location: Remote (UK-based), with occasional travel as required
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week), with flexibility for 70%–80% part-time arrangements
Contract: Two years, with possible renewal subject to funding
Salary: £40 - £55k per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date: Wednesday 30th July 2025 at 5pm GMT

About the Role
We’re looking for a motivated and detail-driven Finance Manager to join ESSA’s international team and lead our UK financial operations. This vital role will support both UK and global finance functions, ensuring high-quality financial reporting, audit preparation, budgeting and compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing monthly management accounts and variance analysis
• Leading year-end and audit processes for ESSA’s UK operations
• Ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and SORP
• Managing financial reporting for donor-funded projects, including the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL)
• Supporting budget development, forecasting and reforecasting
• Strengthening finance systems and controls, and developing financial capacity across the team

About You
We’re looking for a qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) with:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a finance role in a UK-registered charity
• Strong knowledge of UK charity accounting regulations and SORP
• Experience managing audits and supporting cross-border operations
• Advanced Excel and financial systems skills (AccountsIQ or QuickBooks an advantage)
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to communicate financial information clearly
• The confidence to work independently in a remote, international team

Experience working in Africa or the international development or education sectors would be an advantage.

About the Organisation

Education Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA) improves education outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa by using data and evidence to drive change. We work in partnership with researchers, educators, policymakers and employers to co-design solutions that strengthen education systems. Our values – evidence-driven, solutions-focused, building trust, and always learning – shape everything we do.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Charity Finance Manager, International Finance Lead, Head of Finance, Programme Finance Manager, Accountant – INGO, Financial Controller, Grants & Compliance Manager, Remote Finance Manager.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.