Program Finance Manager

Acumen is seeking a Program Finance Manager with 8 years of experience to oversee financial management, compliance, and reporting for a major five-year, donor-funded program supporting early-stage social enterprises across Africa’s green economy. Based in Canada, this role will report to the Head of Program Finance and manage grants, strengthen financial systems, ensure adherence to donor and Canadian charity regulations, and partner across global teams to steward resources efficiently. It is a critical link between finance, program delivery, and funder expectations, helping Acumen deploy capital responsibly. Acumen has a hybrid work model, with 2-3 days in the office.

About Acumen
Acumen is a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working together to build a world based on dignity. We were founded by Jacqueline Novogratz on the radical idea that business, when cultivated with moral imagination, can break the cycle of poverty. We invest in transformational companies, build sustainable markets, and prepare leaders with the tools they need to create a more just and inclusive future. Since 2001, we have scaled companies and shaped markets in some of the hardest-to-reach communities on the planet, impacting over half-a-billion lives. To learn more visit acumen.org.

About the Role
Acumen is hiring a Program Finance Manager that will primarily contribute to achieving high quality programming of a five-year, donor funded program valued at approximately USD 80M. The program will provide support to ~400 early stage social enterprises in the African green economy that are creating and improving dignified work opportunities for women and youth. The Program Finance Manager, based in Canada, will report to the Head of Program Finance. This role will be responsible for managing the financial oversight of donor-funded programs, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, supporting program teams with budgeting and reporting, and strengthening the financial infrastructure of the Canadian entity. This role will play a critical part in stewarding donor resources, supporting program delivery, and maintaining strong relationships with funders and affiliates. She/he/they will be responsible for the organization’s grants portfolio and to support the relevant teams involved. This role is contingent on funding approval and availability.

Accountabilities include :

Management of Grants Contracting Processes:

In partnership with the relevant Program and/or Development & Partnership (DP) teams:

• Define and evolve the budgeting process from the pitch phase to the closing of grant-funded programs

• Evaluate and manage org-wide policies for third party relationships in grant proposals

• Evaluate and define grant-related reporting calendar and audit calendar, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to meet for reporting obligations

• Define and evolve Acumen’s Grant Management structures and processes in collaboration with relevant stakeholders

• Interface with, and field inquiries from, program team members on grant-related activities

• Identify and troubleshoot areas of improvement in the grant contracting process and contract management, including, but not limited to: issues arising with subcontractors, problems with reporting, areas of risk, donor requirements that impact contracting and deployment of funds, and issues arising out of audits

Grant & Program Finance Management

• Lead the financial management of assigned grants and programs, ensuring budgets, expenditures, and forecasts align with donor requirements and organizational policies.

• Prepare financial reports for donors and management, including variance analyses, pipeline tracking, and funding utilization updates.

• Monitor grant disbursements, payment schedules, and compliance with restrictions.

• Work closely with program staff to develop new grant budgets, ensuring alignment with program design and funder guidelines.

Compliance & Controls:

• Ensure financial management of grants adheres to Canadian charity regulations, donor terms, and internal policies.

• Coordinate and prepare documentation for audits (donor audits, CRA, annual financial audits).

• Support the implementation of financial policies and controls for the Canadian entity.

Cross-Organizational Collaboration:

• Partner with global and regional finance teams to align on shared grants, cost allocations, and intercompany arrangements.

• Provide financial training and guidance to program and development teams.

• Support Canadian leadership with financial planning, scenario analysis, and decision-making.

Systems & Process Improvement:

• Maintain accurate financial records in accounting and grants management systems.

• Contribute to the development of tools and processes to streamline grant management, reporting, and compliance monitoring.

• Strengthen donor reporting capabilities through automation and improved data quality.

Qualifications and Characteristics

• Minimum 8 years of experience in program finance, grants finance, or related roles in the nonprofit, international development, or philanthropic sector.

• Solid understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounting payable/receivable principles, including but not limited to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

• Strong understanding of donor funding mechanisms (e.g., foundations, institutional donors, government grants).

• Experience preparing budgets, forecasts, and donor financial reports.

• Knowledge of Canadian charity finance and CRA compliance is an asset.

• Proficiency with accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, or equivalent) and advanced Excel skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to work collaboratively across cultures and time zones.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to evolving priorities

• Experience learning new systems

• Self reflective and aligned with Acumen’s values

Deadline
Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

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