Managing Director, Finance

Aceli Africa is a market catalyst that aims to mobilise $2 billion in private-sector lending for agricultural SMEs and improve livelihoods for 5 million farmers and workers by 2030. To achieve this goal, Aceli provides financial incentives to increase the risk appetite of 50 financial institutions and to enable them to make loans ranging from USD $ 10K to $1.5 million to high-impact agricultural SMEs. Complementary technical assistance builds capacity for lenders and SMEs while data and learning drive engagement with partners to strengthen the policy and regulatory environment. 

Since launching in 2020, Aceli has mobilised $400M in lending to SMEs, providing market access for 2M smallholder farmers across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. To date, Aceli Africa has secured US$115M+ in funding from leading bilateral and philanthropic donors, including the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gates Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, IKEA Foundation, Norad, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Aceli is completing an initial five-year phase (2020-25) and positioning for ambitious growth and influence in Phase Two (2026-30).

With a donor-funded model and complex multi-country operations, Aceli Africa manages several mechanisms to achieve this objective, including performance-based incentive payments and innovative capital mobilisation strategies.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the MD, Finance will play a key role in Aceli’s strategic development, overseeing all aspects of the finance function, including planning, treasury, reporting, risk and compliance. The role requires a leader who can combine compliance with US nonprofit accounting standards and diverse donor requirements with creative thinking and structuring to shape the development of Africa's capital markets. The MD, Finance is a Director-level position that will be a member of the senior leadership team with responsibilities across the following areas:

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop comprehensive financial strategies and manage the annual budgeting process to align resources with Aceli’s mission and long-term objectives.

• Oversee the enterprise risk management framework, including foreign exchange mitigation, audit leadership, and compliance with U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and local regulations.

• Lead financial forecasting and modelling to provide actionable insights to the CEO and Board, establishing KPIs to monitor organisational health.

• Guide efficient cash flow management and engage with external stakeholders, including SPV partners, to support capital-raising efforts.

Donor Financial Management & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements through timely, accurate financial reporting and the management of donor-specific audits.

• Implement comprehensive tracking systems for donor-funded projects and manage restricted funds to ensure adherence to all donor covenants.

• Analyse funding opportunities and support grant proposal development by providing clear financial projections and budget justifications.

• Develop frameworks to enhance transparency, standardise reporting, and facilitate seamless donor communications.

Structured Finance & Innovative Mechanisms

• Lead financial modelling and vehicle structuring for innovative finance mechanisms, ensuring optimal results and financial sustainability.

• Provide expertise on the establishment and ongoing management of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), ensuring compliance with international regulatory frameworks.

• Support blended-finance structures by engaging investors, preparing financial materials, and coordinating financial due diligence.

• Assess and prepare for investment risks across the portfolio. 

• Contribute to industry thought leadership on blended finance and agricultural development.

Financial Operations & Team Leadership

• Streamline financial operations, including invoicing and reconciliation, while leading the implementation of integrated ERP systems.

• Manage financial consolidation across multiple entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accurate intercompany accounting and tax compliance (including transfer pricing).

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a collaborative environment and building capacity in financial processes and compliance.

• Serve on the senior leadership team to shape the organisation’s strategic direction and promote a culture of integrity and transparency aligned with Aceli’s values

• Education: A Master’s degree in Finance/MBA and professional certification (CPA/ACCA/ACA) are required.

• Operational Scale & Donor Compliance: Proven executive track record managing complex multi-entity operations and budgets exceeding $25M, with deep expertise in compliance, audit, and relationship management for major bilateral donors and philanthropic foundations.

• Technical Standards & Systems: Strong command of international reporting standards (IFRS & U.S. GAAP for nonprofits), tax compliance, and enterprise risk management, supported by proficiency in integrated ERP systems (e.g., MS Dynamics).

• Strategic Leadership: Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, capable of bridging technical finance with strategic oversight to produce high-quality reporting for the Board and stakeholders while leading high-performing teams under pressure.

• Structured Finance Acumen: Expert knowledge of debt, equity, and blended finance structures, with a demonstrated ability to use advanced financial modelling to structure and negotiate complex deals with public and private entities.

Aceli is an equal opportunity employer. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Interested candidates should submit a one-page cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications for the role, along with an updated CV by January 31st, 2026. Please note that applications without a Cover Letter will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.