Senior Associate, Finance & Administration

The Senior Associate, Finance and Administration will be responsible for overseeing ADO’s financial management and administrative systems. This role will ensure sound financial planning, accurate reporting, compliance with donor and statutory requirements, and the smooth running of administrative operations. The Senior Associate will play a critical role in strengthening ADO’s accountability and supporting its long-term sustainability.

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and monthly financial reports for both internal management and external donors.
  

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and petty cash management.
  

• Monitor cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity and accurate tracking of all financial transactions.
  

• Maintain and enforce compliance with financial policies, internal controls, donor regulations, and statutory obligations.
  

• Track grants, donor contributions, and project budgets to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
  

• Prepare high-quality donor financial reports in alignment with grant agreements and submission deadlines.
  

• Partner with the fundraising team to provide budget inputs, financial analysis, and forecasts for new proposals.
  

• Coordinate annual external audits and ensure timely submission of all audit requirements.
  

• Strengthen and implement internal control systems in line with recognized best practices.
  

• Maintain complete and accurate financial records in compliance with statutory, donor, and audit requirements.
  

• Support procurement processes, vendor management, and contract administration.
  

• Manage office operations, including administrative budgets and logistics, in close collaboration with the operations team.
  

• Maintain records of contracts, leases, organizational registrations, and other official documentation.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree is an advantage).
  

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in finance/accounting, ideally within a nonprofit or international development organization.
  

• Proven knowledge of Ghanaian financial regulations and donor compliance requirements (experience with UNICEF, Mastercard Foundation, USAID, or similar is a plus).
  

• Strong proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, Xero) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
  

• Professional certification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, or equivalent) is a plus.
  

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
  

• Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive financial information.
  

• Passion for ADO’s mission, inclusive education, and social impact.
  

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
  

• Experience in building and strengthening systems in a growing organization.
  

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish effective working relationships across staff, partners, and stakeholders.
  

• The role requires flexibility; evening and occasional weekend work may be necessary to meet reporting deadlines or project needs.
  
• This job description provides a general overview of key responsibilities and may evolve with ADO’s organizational development.