Finance Specialist - Development Projects

Job purpose/ summary of the overall job assignment:

About Us:

Origins 1450 is a diversified holding group operating across the coffee value chain, including sourcing, trading, roasting, and retail. We are committed to innovation, excellence, and sustainability in every aspect of the coffee industry. We are seeking a strategic and experienced Finance Director to lead our financial function as we expand globally.

About the Role:
The Finance Specialist for Development Projects will oversee financial management, compliance, and reporting for donor-funded development initiatives, including Qima Foundation projects. This role ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with donor and charity regulatory requirements. The position also includes managing annual charity accounts filing and supporting impactful project delivery in collaboration with international donors such as GIZ, USAID, and private foundations.

We are looking for team members who thrive in a dynamic, high-growth environment. This is not a conventional “9-to-5” job; instead, it’s an opportunity to contribute to the rapid growth and success of a business that values initiative, commitment, and innovation. If you’re passionate about building something extraordinary and are excited to put in the effort required to grow, this role is for you.

Key accountabilities/main responsibilities:

- Oversee financial management for donor-funded projects and Qima Foundation initiatives, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, donor requirements, and organizational policies.

- Establish financial setups and controls for development projects to enable transparent fund tracking.

- Maintain accurate and updated financial records for all project and charity activities.

- Partner with project managers and Qima Foundation leadership to develop and monitor budgets, ensuring alignment with donor agreements and organizational goals.

- Conduct regular financial forecasting and variance analysis to stay within budget limits.

- Prepare detailed financial reports for donors, meeting specific requirements and timelines.

- Generate financial statements, variance reports, and fund utilization summaries for development projects and foundation activities.

- Manage grant financials, including setup, compliance, reporting, and close-out processes for both donor-funded projects and Qima Foundation grants.

- Support project and foundation managers in ensuring effective and compliant use of grant funds.

- Prepare and file annual charity accounts for Qima Foundation in compliance with regulatory standards.

- Collaborate with external auditors and legal advisors to ensure accuracy and compliance with charity commission requirements.

- Facilitate internal and external audits by organizing and maintaining accessible financial documentation for development projects and foundation activities.

- Assess and improve internal financial procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance for development projects and Qima Foundation.

- Strengthen controls to minimize risks and secure donor and foundation funds.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including compliance and foundation teams, to ensure financial alignment.

- Communicate complex financial data clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

What we’re looking for:

A proactive team player who thrives in a dynamic, high-growth environment and is eager to contribute to building something extraordinary.

Someone who values accuracy and accountability, with a keen eye for detail.

Knowledge, skills and experience:

Required

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (ACA, CPA, ACCA preferred).

- 4-6 years of proven experience in project accounting, especially within donor-funded and charity environments.

- Strong understanding of financial management for international donors, such as USAID, GIZ.

- Proficiency in financial software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

- Exceptional attention to detail, organizational abilities, and analytical skills.

Desired

- Experience with financial reporting for multilateral and bilateral donors (e.g., World Bank, UN agencies).

- Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).

- Knowledge of local and international taxation laws applicable to donor and charity-funded projects.