Financial Reporting Associate

Financial Reporting Associate - Rising Academies

Purpose

The Financial Reporting Associate will serve as a key centralized finance resource supporting group-wide financial reporting, consolidation, analysis, and coordination across all operating countries. The role ensures timely and accurate month-end close processes, prepares consolidated reporting, supports budgeting and forecasting activities, and strengthens financial governance across subsidiaries.

This position works closely with country finance teams and operates as part of the central finance function.

Key Responsibilities

1. Month-End Close & Group Consolidation
   • Lead and coordinate month-end close activities across all subsidiaries.
   • Ensure real-time updates in Xero and enforce standardized month-end checklists.
   • Finalize country-level closes within 4 working days and produce group consolidation by the 6th working day.
   • Reconcile and review 100% of balance sheet accounts monthly across all entities.
   • Ensure complete and accurate intercompany reconciliations before consolidation.
     
2. Financial Planning & Reporting
   • Prepare monthly consolidated management reporting packs, including:
     – budget vs. actual analysis
      – variance commentary
      – KPI trends and insights
   • Strengthen reporting consistency and quality across all subsidiaries.
   • Support quarterly forecasts and annual budgeting processes in coordination with country teams.
     
3. Annual Audit & Statutory Compliance
   • Coordinate and manage audit deliverables for all subsidiaries and the group.
   • Ensure zero material audit adjustments across entities.
   • Support preparation of statutory financial statements and IFRS-compliant group consolidation.
   • Facilitate timely completion of annual audits within agreed deadlines.
     
4. Financial Systems, Policies & Controls
   • Maintain and update the Finance Manual annually to reflect best practices.
   • Ensure ≥95% compliance through periodic checks.
   • Assist CFO in implementing harmonized IFRS accounting policies across the group.
   • Strengthen internal controls and streamline financial processes.
     
5. Regulatory, Funder & Government Reporting
   • Ensure 100% on-time submission of all regulatory, statutory, and funder reporting.
   • Conduct semi-annual compliance reviews and ensure timely resolution of findings.
     
6. Cross-Country Coordination & Capacity Building
   • Act as a central coordination point between group finance and country finance leads.
   • Conduct quarterly cross-country finance calls and provide ongoing support.
   • Deliver at least two annual training sessions on reporting standards, IFRS, and compliance.
   • Improve templates and guidance to reduce country-level reporting queries.
     
     

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Accounting & Finance or any related degree, CA/ACCA (preferred)
• Ideal candidate would be someone with 3 to 4 years of public accounting experience and 1-2 years of experience in Big4 or in a similar industry.
• 5–7 years of experience in Financial reporting, financial reporting, audit, consolidation, or accounting.
• Strong understanding of IFRS and financial control frameworks.
• Experience with multi-country or NGO environments is an advantage.
• Advanced Excel skills (complex formulas, pivot tables, modelling).
• Experience with Xero or other cloud-based accounting tools preferred.
• Strong communication and coordination skills, especially with dispersed teams.

Key Competencies

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage deadlines in a multi-country environment
• Independent, proactive, and ownership-driven work style
• Strong documentation and reporting capabilities

What We Offer

• Meaningful Impact: work with Rising Academies to strengthen financial systems that support high-quality education for children across Africa.
• Mission-Driven Culture: Join a collaborative, values-aligned team committed to excellence, accountability, and improving learning outcomes at scale.
• Competitive Compensation: Market-aligned salary with flexibility and support for professional development.