Operational Finance and Accounting Specialist

MSF Ubuntu is looking for an Operational Finance and Accounting Specialist

Do your skills and experience not precisely match the requirements? At MSF Ubuntu, we strive to create a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace, recognising the need to increase access to professional opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. If you're interested in this position but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the selection criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the ideal candidate for this or other positions.

Firmly committed to safeguarding patients, community members, staff, and all those in contact with the organisation from all forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), we will take all necessary steps, through rigorous vetting processes, to ensure that confirmed perpetrators of abuse do not join the organization.

For this position, contact level with patients and children is categorized as Low risk and will be monitored with this in regard .

Introduction

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian organisation that provides assistance to people affected by conflicts, epidemics, and natural or human-made disasters and excluded from healthcare. We provide this assistance without discrimination, irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

About MSF Ubuntu

MSF Ubuntu is the newest Operational Directorate of Médecins Sans Frontières, grounded in the philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”. With a strong emphasis on interdependence, interoperability, and locally grounded action, MSF Ubuntu aims to strengthen medical humanitarian response by placing communities at the centre of decision-making.

Rationale/Objective for Position

The Operational Finance and Accounting Specialist is responsible for strengthening the quality, consistency and compliance of operational accounting, financial administration and end-of-period processes across MSF Ubuntu HQ and Country Programs. The role serves as the senior functional technical reference for operational accounting processes in Dynamics Business Central and their interfaces with UniField. The position monitors accounting quality, analyses and resolves complex accounting and system-related exceptions, coordinates operational closing requirements, and supports the consistent application of MSF accounting standards, procedures and internal controls.

The position provides specialist advice, functional guidance and capacity building to Country Program finance teams; coordinates selected inter-entity accounting, rebilling and treasury-administration processes; and leads the development of accounting tools, SOPs and process improvements for approval by the Head of Operational Finance. Working across HQ, Country Programs and relevant MSF entities, the role identifies systemic accounting and control weaknesses, recommends corrective actions and supports management with reliable accounting information, risk analysis and implementation follow-up.

This position will be hierarchically accountable to the Head of Operational Finance and will serve as the functional line manager for the Finance/HR Managers, Accounting Managers – Country Programs .

Tasks & Responsibilities

Accounting Policy and Procedures Development

- Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of MSF Ubuntu accounting policies, procedures, guidelines and internal control frameworks in close collaboration with MSF EA Finance team and MSF Ubuntu Operational Finance Advisor.

- Interpret accounting requirements and translate them into practical procedures and guidance for HQ and Country Programs, and contribute to the new development of finance systems and tools.

- Act as the technical reference point for complex accounting treatments, financial administration and compliance matters.

- Assess accounting risks and recommend mitigation measures to Country Program teams and management.

- Accountable for monitoring and strengthening the quality, completeness and consistency of accounting records and end-of-period processes across MSF Ubuntu Country Programs within the assigned scope.

- Contribute to intersectional finance and accounting working groups and support the development of harmonized accounting practices across MSF entities.

Dynamics Business Central Financial Administration and Accounting Ownership

- Act as the primary accounting focal point for the MSF Ubuntu legal entity within Dynamics Business Central.

- Serve as the functional owner and technical reference for MSF Ubuntu operational accounting processes in Dynamics Business Central and their interfaces with UniField.

- Define accounting process requirements, coordinate testing of approved system changes, maintain process documentation and monitor the effect of system changes on data quality and internal controls.

- Ensure accurate recording and classification of financial transactions.

- Ensure consistency of accounting data and financial dimensions between UniField, Dynamics Business Central, WeFin and related reporting records.

- Monitor accounting data quality and resolve accounting errors or issues.

- Act as first-level support for users on accounting-related MSF Ubuntu Dynamics Business Central matters.

Financial Closing and Accounting Cycle

- Coordinate monthly and annual accounting closures in Dynamics Business Central (MSF Ubuntu) and UniField.

- Review completeness and accuracy of accounting entries across the systems.

- Ensure accruals, provisions and prepayments are correctly recorded and monitored.

- Perform balance sheet reviews and reconciliations and follow up on outstanding accounting items.

- Support budget monitoring through accurate accounting information and allocations to Budget Lines and Project Codes.

- Support preparation of management reports and financial dashboards.

- Prepare year-end MSF Ubuntu financial statements and audit schedules, including those in the Country Programs.

- Ensure timely submission of MSF Ubuntu finance reporting requirements.

MSF EA and MSF SnA rebilling process

- Act as the day-to-day finance liaison between MSF Ubuntu and MSF EA and MSF SnA Finance for all MSF Ubuntu accounting matters.

- Monitor payment status and resolve processing issues between three entities.

- Coordinate money transfers and other payment requests to the Country Programs and rebilling processes between MSF Ubuntu and MSF EA and MSF SnA.

- Support management of intercompany transactions and balances.

- Ensure accurate accounting treatment of shared service costs.

- Support implementation and monitoring of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with MSF EA and MSF SnA.

Treasury Administration

- Monitor money transfer requests for MSF Ubuntu Country Programs.

- Prepare liquidity forecasts and request money TRF from MSF EA or MSF SnA to Country Programs.

- Support development of treasury monitoring tools and reporting mechanisms.

- Ensure proper monitoring and reconciliation of intercompany treasury transactions and balances.

Operational Accounting and Administration Support

- Provide technical oversight and quality assurance of accounting administration across Country Programs.

- Ensure country program transactions are recorded according to MSF Ubuntu procedures.

- Review and validate country program accounting records, bookkeeping practices and financial administration processes.

- Maintain accounting procedures, work instructions and finance documentation.

- Identify recurring accounting, control and system weaknesses and lead the development of practical process improvements, tools, SOPs and guidance for approval by the Head of Operational Finance.

- Support implementation of accounting standards, procedures and financial controls in Country Programs.

- Support Country Programs teams during project opening, transitions and closures.

- Support emergency intervention from accounting and treasury management perspective.

Internal Control and Compliance

- Lead monitoring of compliance with financial procedures and authorization frameworks through accounting and bookkeeping reviews.

- Analyze accounting irregularities, control deviations and non-compliance; coordinate timely resolution with responsible finance teams; and escalate material or recurring issues to the Head of Operational Finance.

- Identify control weaknesses and propose and implement corrective actions.

- Ensure adherence to MSF Ubuntu policies, financial regulations and audit requirements.

- Serve as a focal point from MSF Ubuntu Finance to external auditors in collaboration with Operational Finance Advisor.

- Prepare supporting documentation for internal and external audits.

Other Responsibilities

- Lead the development of accounting and bookkeeping SOPs, guidance documents, and training materials.

- Identify opportunities to improve accounting efficiency and controls.

- Support harmonization of finance processes between MSF Ubuntu and partner entities.

- Support onboarding of finance personnel.

- Facilitate training sessions related to accounting processes and procedures.

- Coach and mentor Fin/HR Manager, Accounting Managers and other members of finance teams in the Country Programs.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

- Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.

- CPA, ACCA or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

Experience

- Minimum 5 years of accounting and financial administration experience.

- Experience with ERP systems, preferably experience with Dynamics and UniField.

- Experience working with international NGOs or humanitarian organizations.

- Experience with MSF is a strong asset.

Competencies

- Technical Competencies

- Financial accounting

- General ledger management

- ERP administration

- Financial controls

- Balance sheet reconciliations

- Month-end and year -end closure processes

- Behavioral/General Competencies

- Strong analytical skills

- Attention to detail

- Accountability

- Service orientation

- Collaboration and partnership mindset

- Continuous improvement focus

- Coaching and mentoring

- Ability to work across multiple stakeholders and support functions

- Ethics: High ethical standards and a commitment to protecting the data of individuals and furthering MSF mandate

Conditions and Benefits:

- The role requires regular travel to countries of operation and MSF Ubuntu hubs.

- The post-holder may be required to work extended or irregular hours during crises.

- The role requires high levels of discretion, resilience, political judgement and emotional intelligence.

- The position will operate in a growing Operational Directorate and will require adaptability as MSF Ubuntu’s structures, systems and portfolio evolve.

- Job Location : The position will be based in either MSF Eastern Africa office in Nairobi (Kenya), or Johannesburg (South Africa) .

- Contract : Open-ended.

- Start date : As Soon As Possible.

- Annual Salary and other benefits : In line with MSF reward policy, Subjected to local conditions.

If based in Nairobi, the benefits below shall apply:

- Salary: An annual salary of  EUR 27,145 at HQ Grade 8  based on a full-time appointment with an annual increment of 2% every year up to a maximum of 10 years.

- Work-life balance financial benefit; ranging between  EUR 620 to 1,159/month  based on individual & administrative status. This amount may be used to cover accommodation and utilities, transportation, etc.

- Other benefits include;

- Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave per year.

- Other Holidays: sick leave, circumstantial leave, maternity leave (21 weeks), paternity leave (4 weeks), own affairs days off, etc.

- Employer Pension contribution : 10% of basic salary:

- International insurance  for both medical and disability .

- Relocation support ; based on MSF EA terms/conditions.

- Work-life balance : Daily flexi-hours and 2 days working from home possible.

- School fees benefits : for eligible dependents, based on individual & administrative status.

- Diverse team composition ; Collaborate with a global network of talented professionals, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise from around the world.

- Career Development : MSF provides many learning resources (online learning resources, regular trainings – including language, Peer to peer learning.

- Mobility : You will have opportunities to travel abroad for work, meetings, trainings and workshops; giving you a chance to experience different cultures and broaden your professional network.

- Annual home leave ticket : To be taken once every year for both staff and eligible dependents back to their home country for vacation. Only applicable to non-Kenyans and based on individual & administrative status.

If based in Johannesburg, the benefits below shall apply:

- Salary: An annual salary of ZAR 44,666.28 at HQ Grade 7 based on a full-time appointment with an annual increment of 2% every year up to a maximum of 10 years.

- 13th Cheque in November.

- 100% Medical aid contribution.

- 10% additional pension allowance.

- Transport allowance.

- Cell Phone Allowance.

- Work-life balance: Daily flexi-hours and 2 days working from home possible.

- Diverse team composition; Collaborate with a global network of talented
professionals, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise from around the world

- Resources needed such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources will be made available.

Application Process:

- The v acancy closing date is  20th November 2026 .

- This vacancy is open to Local and International Applicants.

- By applying to this position, the applicant confirms they have read, understood and agreed to fully comply with MSF Charter and MSF Behavioral Commitments and Data Privacy Policy .

- In line with MSF’s Safeguarding Principles, successful candidates undergo a rigorous vetting / screening process that includes background checks and self-declaration.

- If you recognize yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via the vacancy link (Vacancy link). The vacancy can be found on various MSF websites, digital channels, ReliefWeb and other job boards.

- Applicants are required to submit a single PDF document containing a Letter of Motivation and a Curriculum Vitae (CV) (in English). Please note that applications submitted without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered.

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact thabang.mothupi@ubuntu.msf.org   before the vacancy closing date. Kindly use this email only for technical issues related to your application, for example, if you do not receive an automated response or encounter problems uploading documents. Applications sent directly to this email will not be considered .

Information

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/ recruitment fee.

MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual applying for MSF roles does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.