Finance Manager Jobs in Freetown

Join Helen Keller International as a Finance Manager in Freetown

Company: Helen Keller International
Location: Freetown
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Finance & Administration
Start Date: Dec 2026
Reports To: Country Director / Finance Director Burkina Faso & Sierra Leone
Industry: International NGO, Public Health, Nonprofit, Development Sector

About Helen Keller International

Helen Keller International is a globally recognized nonprofit organization committed to overcoming poverty and improving health, nutrition, and vision for vulnerable communities worldwide. Operating in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States, the organization works with communities to create sustainable impact through innovative health and development programs.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals looking for finance manager jobs in Sierra Leone, NGO finance jobs, international development careers, accounting manager positions, financial management jobs, and nonprofit finance leadership opportunities.

To learn more about employment trends and career opportunities in Sierra Leone, visit: finance jobs in Sierra Leone

Job Summary

Helen Keller International is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee all aspects of financial management and strengthen collaboration between finance, accounting, and program teams in Sierra Leone.

The selected candidate will support financial planning, donor compliance, budgeting, grants management, accounting functions, internal controls, financial reporting, and organizational financial health. This role also acts as a strategic partner to the Finance Director to ensure program objectives are achieved through effective financial oversight.

This position is highly suited for professionals with experience in NGO accounting jobs, grant finance management, budget monitoring, financial reporting, and donor-funded project management.

Key Job Responsibilities

Financial Management & Leadership

• Work closely with program teams to monitor burn rates, project pipelines, and overall financial performance.
• Identify unusual budget variances and recommend corrective financial actions.
• Support strategic financial planning and maintain strong internal financial controls.
• Contribute to the development of efficient financial systems and workflows.

Budgeting & Grants Management

• Maintain complete financial oversight of donor-funded awards and project portfolios.
• Support preparation of annual budgets, mid-term forecasts, and budget revisions.
• Assist with proposal budgets, budget narratives, and donor amendments.
• Monitor project expenditures and provide monthly financial variance analysis.
• Ensure accurate donor financial reports, accrual tracking, and expenditure reconciliation.
• Review cost extensions, no-cost extensions, and budget realignments.

Accounting & General Ledger Oversight

• Support timely and accurate general ledger management and monthly financial closing.
• Oversee:
  • Banking and cash management
  • Accounts payable
  • Payroll processing
  • Procurement finance processes
  • Financial record archiving
• Ensure financial data accuracy and compliance with organizational policies.
• Monitor payroll accuracy, taxes, social security contributions, and employee benefits payments.

Compliance, Audits & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with donor regulations, local tax laws, and NGO financial requirements.
• Coordinate country and project audits while ensuring corrective action implementation.
• Monitor contingent liabilities and report financial risks to leadership.
• Stay updated on changes in financial regulations impacting nonprofit operations.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Supervise, mentor, and support finance staff at multiple professional levels.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Conduct coaching, performance conversations, and staff development initiatives.
• Support recruitment and professional growth within the finance department.

Professionals interested in nonprofit and accounting careers across East Africa may also explore: finance jobs in Tanzania

Education Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• ICAN certification or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• Additional certifications in accounting, grants management, or donor compliance will be an advantage.

Experience Requirements

Candidates should have:

• Minimum 10+ years of professional finance and accounting experience
• At least 5 years in a senior finance management or similar leadership role
• Prior experience in:
  • International NGOs
  • Donor-funded programs
  • Public health organizations
  • Development agencies
  • Multilateral projects

Experience with foreign government donor regulations, grants compliance, and donor reporting is strongly preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in:
  • Financial reporting
  • Budget development and monitoring
  • Accounting and ledger management
  • Cash flow management
  • Audit coordination
  • Donor compliance
  • Grants financial management
• Advanced knowledge of financial software, accounting systems, and spreadsheets.

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to mentor junior finance staff and delegate effectively.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder coordination abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Flexible, collaborative, and solution-driven mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet donor deadlines.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional ethics.
• Strong passion for humanitarian work and public health impact.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Competitive NGO salary package (Exact amount not disclosed)

Additional benefits may include:

• Professional development opportunities
• International NGO work exposure
• Leadership and management growth
• Health and employee welfare support
• Donor-funded project experience
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture

Training & Career Development

Helen Keller International promotes continuous learning and professional advancement through:

• Financial compliance training
• Donor regulations and grants management workshops
• Leadership and people management development
• Financial systems optimization training
• Public health and international development exposure

Professionals exploring accounting and finance opportunities in East Africa can also review: finance jobs in Uganda

Work Environment

Helen Keller International fosters a collaborative, mission-driven workplace focused on compassion, rigor, optimism, and integrity. Employees work closely with local and international teams to improve health outcomes and strengthen vulnerable communities through sustainable development programs.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit:

• An updated Resume/CV
• A professional Cover Letter

Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

Why Join Helen Keller International?

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals interested in finance jobs in Sierra Leone, NGO careers, financial controller jobs, grants finance management, international nonprofit careers, accounting leadership roles, and public health finance positions.

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