Finance & Accounting Lead

About Masakhane

Masakhane is a pan-African initiative aimed at tackling the under-representation of African languages in natural language processing (NLP) and AI. Our mission is to bring together researchers, technologists, linguists, and community members from across the continent to collaborate on AI that is inclusive and representative of Africa’s linguistic diversity. By working collectively, we are democratizing access to cutting-edge AI research and contributing to the global growth of African NLP.

About the Masakhane AI Hub for African Languages

The Masakhane AI Hub for African Languages (“the Hub”) is a new initiative to address the critical under-representation and misrepresentation of African languages in artificial intelligence (AI). Anchored by the Masakhane Research Foundation (MRF), the Hub will develop datasets, models, and use cases to catalyze innovation in sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. With a vision to unlock AI’s benefits for over 1 billion Africans, the Hub fosters community-driven approaches and long-term, sustainable partnerships across the African NLP ecosystem.

Our mission is to empower marginalized communities, build local capacity, and ensure African languages and cultures are fully represented in the AI-driven future.

Position Overview

The Finance and Accounting Lead will oversee the financial operations of the Hub, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with donor requirements. Reporting to the Hub Director, the Lead will manage financial strategies, budgets, and reporting systems to support the Hub’s mission and operational growth. This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial foundations of an initiative that will drive transformative change for African languages and communities.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy and Management

• Develop and oversee the Hub’s annual budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation plans.

• Design and implement financial strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and alignment with organizational goals. Provide data-driven financial insights to guide decision-making for leadership and funders.

• Prepare detailed financial reports and analysis for internal stakeholders, funders, and the Steering Committee and Masakhane Board.

Accounting and Compliance

• Manage day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and reconciliations.

• Ensure all financial reporting compliance with donor requirements, local tax regulations, and international financial standards.

• Coordinate and manage audits, ensuring timely completion and resolution of findings.

• Establish internal controls for financial risk mitigation.

• Provide periodic financial reports to the Hub Director and Board. 

Fund Disbursement & Expense Tracking

• Approve and process fund disbursements based on project milestones.

• Ensure expenses align with budgetary constraints and work with the Program Manager to flag any discrepancies.

• Conduct financial risk assessments and implement internal controls to safeguard resources.

Resource Mobilization

• Collaborate with the Grants and Operations Manager to develop financial proposals and reports for funders.

• Provide input into grant budgets and ensure accurate financial tracking of grant-funded activities.

Institutional Capacity Building

• Develop systems and training materials to enhance organizational capacity in financial management.

• Support institutional strengthening initiatives, including the development of operational manuals and standardized procedures.

Requirements:

Experience

• Proven track record of setting up financial systems in startups or growing organizations.

• At least 7 years of experience in financial management, preferably in nonprofit or grant-funded environments.

• Strong knowledge of donor compliance requirements and financial reporting standards.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field (CPA or equivalent preferred).

• Experience working with international donors and African-based organizations.

• Experience in developing operational frameworks for startups or expanding organizations.

• Familiarity with African-based organizations and knowledge of AI, technology, or language-focused initiatives.

• Ability to work effectively in a remote and multicultural environment.

Values & Mindset:

• A passion for languages and the transformative potential of technology to advance underrepresented cultures.

• A proactive, self-starter who is comfortable working remotely and independently.

• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a cutting-edge initiative that is pioneering the future of African languages in AI.

• Work in a collaborative and mission-driven environment with experts from across Africa and around the globe.

• Enjoy the flexibility of remote work with opportunities to connect with a vibrant community of innovators.

• Contribute to a project that promotes inclusivity, social good, and the democratization of AI technologies.

• Competitive salary and benefits, with opportunities for professional development.

Application Process:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role and how you would contribute to building and sustaining Masakhane’s community by sharing them via this form. Include any relevant work samples or links to previous community initiatives you’ve managed in your cover letter and/or CV.