Chief Finance Officer

About the role

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) Zambia manages a large, geographically dispersed conservation portfolio with complex donor requirements, multiple legal entities and high operational demands. The Chief Finance Officer provides strategic financial leadership, moving finance from a transactional function to a proactive strategic partner, and works closely with the Conservation Director, EXCO, the Board, the Finance staff, the Grant team, project and programme managers and the Head of Human Resources.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategy, lead sustainability and growth planning (reserves, unrestricted funding, cost recovery), and advise the Conservation Director, EXCO and Board on performance, risks and opportunities
• Streamline financial controls and systems, and strengthen donor financial management and institutional cost recovery
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting, set up reporting with KPIs and dashboards, and deliver monthly management reports and quarterly Board/EXCO updates
• Develop donor reporting frameworks, analyse funding gaps and compliance risks, and support co-financing tracking in large bilateral grants
• Lead the financial risk management framework covering funding, compliance, liquidity, FX and operational exposures
• Drive ERP readiness, improve ABACUS configuration, reporting tools and data architecture, and oversee procurement for transparency and value for money
• Strengthen cash-flow forecasting, liquidity and banking controls, monitor FX exposure and ensure compliance with donor, statutory, tax and HQ requirements
• Support audits, establish RACI arrangements across Finance, HR, Procurement and Field Operations, and lead and mentor finance staff across ZCO and field locations

Required profile

• Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent)
• 10+ years of senior financial leadership, preferably in NGOs or multi-donor environments, managing complex donor-funded portfolios
• Experience leading dispersed teams and strong ERP/system transformation experience
• Fellow membership of ZICA and a valid work permit (if applicable)

Required skills

• Strategic financial leadership and governance expertise
• Strong business acumen and ability to turn financial data into insights
• Systems and change leadership (ERP, process standardisation)
• Integrity, accountability and ethical judgement

What we offer

• Purpose-driven work supporting wildlife conservation and the protection of African wilderness areas
• A key role in shaping organisational strategy and high-level decision-making
• Professional autonomy to improve financial systems and processes
• A competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience

Candidates apply by submitting a CV and cover letter with three traceable references; appointment is subject to submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications. Applications close on Monday 16 November 2026.