Head of Finance Operations

Somewhere; Johannesburg; Remote; ZAR 1,381,000 - 1,901,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization is seeking a Head of Finance Operations to manage financial operations and ensure compliance. The role includes overseeing financial processes, budgeting, and reporting, requiring a strong background in nonprofit financial management. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and at least 5 years of relevant experience. This full-time position offers a chance to make a significant impact on the organization's financial health.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit financial operations.
• Experience managing the full accounting cycle including A/P, A/R.
• Familiarity with restricted funding and government contract compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full scope of financial operations.
• Design and implement financial processes that are efficient.
• Coordinate monthly close in partnership with the Controller.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks Online

Strong communicator

Highly organized

Analytical and detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

MSc / MBA or relevant certification (e.g., CFA / CPA)

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

FP&A tools

Job description

Overview

Head of Finance Operations

Location: Remote (U.S.-based)

Reports to: Chief Operating and Technology Officer (COTO)

Works closely with: Controller Executive Leadership

The Head of Finance Operations will lead and manage the full scope of Grassroots Grocery's financial operations combining strategic oversight with day-to-day execution. This role is both a builder and an operator responsible for designing scalable financial systems while also owning essential accounting and compliance functions. The Director will oversee grant and government contract compliance, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, reporting, and audit preparation.

This role reports to the Chief Operating and Technology Officer (COTO) who leads finance technology and operations across the organization. The Director will work closely with the COTO to align financial infrastructure with organizational strategy and ensure that financial systems support program delivery, fundraising, and long-term sustainability.

The Director will also work in close collaboration with the part-time Controller who supports monthly close and ensures accurate general ledger management. As the most senior finance staff member on the internal team, the Director will serve as both the lead architect and day-to-day executor of financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

Process Innovation and Optimization

• Design and implement financial processes that are efficient, scalable, and compliant with nonprofit and government requirements
• Automate or systematize functions like expense tracking, reimbursements, and approvals
• Document workflows and ensure process clarity across departments
• Serve as the finance systems owner for tools like QuickBooks Online and Ramp

Grant Management and Compliance

• Lead all financial aspects of grant management including proposal budgets, fund allocation, spend tracking, and funder reporting
• Track restricted and unrestricted funds and ensure appropriate use
• Collaborate with program and development teams to align financial records with grant goals and compliance standards

Day-to-Day Accounting

• Perform or oversee all core bookkeeping functions including categorization, coding, and reconciliations in QuickBooks Online
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable including timely processing of payments, invoices, reimbursements, and donor pledges
• Maintain organized documentation for all financial activity, vendor records, and transaction support

Financial Reporting and Monthly Close

• Coordinate monthly close in partnership with the Controller including reconciliations, journal entries, and accruals
• Produce timely and accurate internal reports including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections
• Translate financial data into insights for the COTO, CEO, and Board

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Spend Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process in coordination with leadership and department heads
• Build multi-year financial forecasts and scenario plans using FP&A tools or equivalent models
• Monitor budget performance, conduct variance analyses, and recommend corrective action
• Maintain dashboards and planning models that support data-driven decision-making

Government Contracts and Audit

• Manage financial tracking and reporting for all city, state, and federal contracts
• Submit accurate and timely invoices and backup documentation for reimbursements
• Lead the preparation for the annual audit and coordinate with external auditors and the Controller
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of IRS Form 990

Financial Dashboards and Internal Visibility

• Develop dashboards and tools that provide real-time insight into financial health, fundraising performance, and program efficiency
• Build financial reports tailored to different audiences including department leads, executive staff, and Board members
• Ensure consistency across data sources and systems used for financial reporting

Team Building and Future Delegation

• Establish the foundation for future finance team growth including workflows, documentation, and delegation models
• Manage external vendors (e.g., payroll providers, audit firms) and explore the potential for hiring offshore or part-time support to handle transactional functions as the organization grows

Key Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• MSc / MBA or relevant certification (e.g., CFA / CPA) is a plus

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit financial operations combining both strategy and hands-on execution
• Experience managing the full accounting cycle including A/P, A/R, reconciliations, close, budgeting, and funder reporting
• Familiarity with restricted funding, government contract compliance, and nonprofit GAAP (a plus)

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks Online and Excel or Google Sheets
• Experience with FP&A tools such as ReachReporting or comparable platforms for budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Strong communicator able to convey financial concepts to non-finance audiences
• Highly organized, analytical, and detail-oriented with a systems-building mindset
• Familiarity with tools like Ramp, FundraiseUp, HubSpot, or Salesforce is a plus

Required Experience:

Director

Key Skills

• Succession Planning
• Growing Experience
• Expense Management
• Management Experience
• Leadership Experience
• Negotiation

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1