GDF works with changemakers and communities to sustain biocultural diversity and cultivate justice, healing and belonging.
The organisation has worked alongside Indigenous and local communities for more than two decades, supporting traditional knowledge systems and locally rooted responses to ecological and social challenges.
Job Summary
- Employer: Global Diversity Foundation
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Finance
- Salary: £42,000-£45,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications
- Closing Date: 2026-10-09
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise the Finance Officer in the administration of daily financial operations and processes.
- Prepare financial statements in compliance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
- Ensure payments are made accurately, compliantly and on time.
- Supervise payroll, tax submissions and associated procedures.
- Serve as a bank signatory across all GDF bank accounts.
- Support the drafting and management of programme budgets.
- Supervise monitoring of actual spending against budgets.
- Ensure field-based financial processes comply with local regulatory requirements, laws and internal procedures.
- Review financial reports submitted to GDF.
- Prepare donor financial reports.
- Supervise partner audits.
- Ensure funds are used in accordance with donor and grant terms.
- Participate in meetings addressing finance queries and programme developments.
- Liaise with other departments to ensure smooth financial operations.
- Support financial training for staff and consultants as required.
- Contribute to fundraising strategy and proposal development.
- Prepare fundraising budgets.
- Contribute to the strategic financial planning of the charity.
- Assist with scenario planning and financial modelling.
- Provide strategic recommendations to the executive team based on financial analysis and projections.
- Lead on ensuring GDF’s financial sustainability.
- Participate in weekly Leadership Team Meetings.
- Support appraisals and reviews of Finance team members.
- Support HR processes involving the Finance team, including recruitment and training.
- Ensure the Finance team is adequately resourced and skilled.
- Serve on the Safeguarding Committee.
- Support preparation for Trustee meetings, including Management Accounts and the Finance Update in the Director’s Report.
- Participate in Trustee and Board subcommittee meetings.
- Support the development and implementation of finance policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC and other relevant financial requirements.
- File annual reports and financial statements with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
- Support the Operations Lead with financial compliance matters.
- Maintain up-to-date and effective Finance Policies and Procedures.
- Implement and maintain robust internal financial controls.
- Manage the external audit process and ensure audit recommendations are implemented.
- Lead annual budgeting and forecasting.
- Manage cash flow and liquidity.
- Support the Leadership Team with risk management.
Requirements
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification or substantial equivalent experience in a senior charity finance role.
- Demonstrable knowledge of charity SORP, statutory reporting, audit and financial controls.
- Proven senior financial management experience within a charity or non-profit organisation, preferably of a similar size.
- Strong knowledge of UK charity finance regulations and laws.
- Experience managing payroll, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow.
- A track record of strategic financial planning and modelling.
- Experience preparing and presenting financial reports to different audiences.
- Experience with donor-funded projects and associated reporting requirements, preferably in international contexts and involving multiple currencies.
- Experience working with external auditors.
- Experience in fundraising and preparing fundraising budgets.
- Strong technical accounting and financial management skills.
- Proficiency in financial software and systems, ideally QuickBooks and Zoho Books.
- Ability to implement and maintain robust financial controls.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience dealing with multiple currencies and payments to and from high-risk geographical locations.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
- Strong leadership and staff management skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across remote teams.
- Skills in training and capacity-building for finance and non-finance personnel.
- Commitment to GDF’s mission, values, ways of working and ethical standards.
- A proactive, self-motivated and independent approach.
- High levels of integrity and professionalism.
- Adaptability and willingness to take on new responsibilities.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Comfort working in remote environments.
- Willingness to travel occasionally for organisational needs.
Salary
£42,000-£45,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Finance Manager role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce from a recognized university such as the University of Zimbabwe or NUST. Professional certifications like ACCA, CIMA, or ICAZ membership are highly valued and often essential for senior roles. At least 5-7 years of progressive experience in finance is commonly expected.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Finance Manager in Zimbabwe?
Daily tasks include overseeing financial reporting, managing cash flow and banking relationships, preparing budgets and forecasts, and ensuring compliance with ZIMRA tax regulations and statutory requirements. You will also supervise accounting staff, liaise with auditors, and present financial performance to senior management or boards.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for Finance Managers in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwean employers typically value reliability, strong ethical standards, and personal accountability due to economic volatility and currency complexities. Hierarchical respect is important, and you may be expected to work extended hours during month-end, year-end, and audit periods. Building trust through transparent financial stewardship is critical.
What career progression opportunities exist for Finance Managers in Zimbabwe?
Progression typically moves to Financial Director, Chief Financial Officer, or Group Finance Manager roles depending on organization size. Some professionals transition into consultancy or establish their own accounting practices. Gaining multinational exposure or regional African experience significantly accelerates advancement.
What benefits are commonly offered to Finance Managers by Zimbabwean employers?
Standard packages usually include medical aid cover, pension or retirement contributions, and annual leave of 21-30 days depending on tenure. Some employers offer performance bonuses, vehicle allowances, or fuel benefits, though these vary considerably by sector and company financial health. USD-indexed or hybrid currency remuneration is increasingly common.
How should I apply for a Finance Manager position, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through professional networks, LinkedIn, recruitment agencies like CV People Africa or Impact, and direct company websites. Employers prioritize demonstrated integrity, hands-on experience with Zimbabwean regulatory frameworks, and proficiency in accounting software such as Pastel, SAP, or QuickBooks. Strong references from previous supervisors and clean professional conduct records are essential.