Research, Finance & Administration Officer

CRENC · IeDEA Central Africa · Ref: AFO003/CRENC-IeDEA/03-2026

Location	Yaoundé, Cameroon
Salary	Competitive with advantages
Contract	Permanent, Full-Time
Closing Date	April 2026

About CRENC

Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy (CRENC) is a Cameroon-based research foundation committed to clinical research excellence through the quest for novelty and collaboration. Learn more at www.crenc.org.

Liaises with: Principal Investigator; University of Albert Einstein/NIH team, P.I, Programs/Research Director; CRENC programme teams; Banks and Suppliers; Auditors and the government.

Purpose of Job

The Research, Finance and Administration Officer is responsible for managing all aspects of the administration and finance function of the IeDEA project and IeDEA studies and all related CRENC projects so that we achieve our objectives in line with funders’ policies and procedures.

Responsible For

The Research, Finance and Administration officer is a strategic position in the organization and reports directly to the IeDEA Principal Investigator and CRENC Executive Director (ED). He/she will be a hands-on and participative manager and will lead and develop an internal team to support the following areas: finance, business development and budgeting, human resources, administration, and IT.

The Research, Finance and Administration Officer will play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team in strategic decision-making and operations as CRENC continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance and operations leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Financial System

• Ensure that country financial management systems and records are adequate to identify and protect the assets and interests of the IeDEA project and the entire organization.
• Ensure that the current administrative systems enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the way assets are utilized.
• Ensure that the accounting package QuickBooks is maintained properly, and utilized appropriately and effectively.
• Ensure that the appropriate accounting system is being utilized.
• Carefully monitor and control cash flow and bank account ledgers to minimize the risk of fraud or misappropriation.
• Monitor all financial activities and keep CRENC’s Executive Director and Management Team advised of all situations which have the potential to negatively impact internal controls or financial management performance.
• Closely monitor and manage the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on budgets and expenditure.
• Participate in the review, monitoring and capacity building of on financial policies, processes and implementation.
• Ensure that partner finance reports are thoroughly reviewed in coordination with the respective Project/Programme staff.

Financial Control, Compliance & Coordination

• Ensure adherence to organizational policies and national regulations.
• Collaborate with program teams to align financial planning with project objectives.
• Guide staff on financial, administrative, and procurement procedures.
• Maintain an effective and efficient system of internal controls that comply with the funder’s financial guidelines.
• Review existing systems on an ongoing basis to develop and improve internal controls, in compliance with the funder’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all financial records and accounts are compiled in a timely and accurate manner and in line with international accounting standards and funder regulations.
• Ensure that the financial operations comply with legal and statutory requirements e.g. audit and financial reporting to all relevant national authorities.
• Ensure that management prepares the annual and revised budget and funder budgets, as accurately as possible.
• Prepare and manage budgets.

Financial Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly reports for funders (using Financial Reporting Template (FRT)) as adopted with partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate recording of all financial operations in the QuickBooks financial software on a daily basis while respecting the cash and accrual system of reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly management accounts for budget-holders and management to ensure that they can monitor the budget utilization and take appropriate action on any significant variances.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of quarterly financial reports for funders (using Financial Reporting Template (FRT)) as adopted with partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of funder reports for external US partners.
• Reconcile all balance sheet items quarterly, in accordance with funder/partner policies and procedures.
• Finalize year-end accounts for the external auditor and provide any ad-hoc year-end reports for US funders/partners.

Human Resources, Technology & Administration

• Further develop CRENC’s human resources and administration, enhancing professional development, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, training, and recruiting.
• Ensure that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined.
• Establish and manage a comprehensive training program to educate employees regarding staff tools, policies, and procedures.
• Work closely and transparently with all funders/partners, including third-party vendors and consultants.
• Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales.
• Ensure US regulatory compliance registrations are valid and up to date in line with the regulations.

Staff Management & Capacity Building

• Develop the capacity of the local finance team in field offices to maintain high standards of financial management.
• Build a second layer of staff capable of providing cover for any vacant position within the finance team.

Procurement

• Manage procurement of goods and services in line with organizational policies.
• Facilitate competitive bidding, vendor selection, and contract management.
• Maintain proper documentation for all procurement activities to support audits.
• Collaborate with project teams to plan timely purchases aligned with project timelines.

Other Finance and Administrative Duties

• Grant management and operations.
• Facilitate internal, external, and funder/partner audits.
• Follow up on the implementation of internal and external audit findings and their reporting.
• Ensure that all statutory deductions and taxes in respect of national staff are complied with and to liaise with relevant authorities in this respect.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the IeDEA and the organization’s Strategic Plan.
• Actively participate in management meetings and be proactively involved in the decision-making processes.
• Provide and interpret financial information.
• Research and report on factors influencing business performance and development.
• Develop financial management mechanisms that minimize financial risk.
• Manage and organize conferences hosted by CRENC.
• Develop external relationships with appropriate contacts, e.g. auditors, solicitors, bankers, and statutory organizations.
• Keep abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation both in Cameroon and partner countries.

Qualification and Experience

• Master’s degree / MBA in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification as a Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant is an advantage.
• 1–3 years’ experience in finance and or administration (NGO experience preferred).
• Proficiency in accounting Software (QuickBooks) and MS Office.
• Knowledge of financial Regulations and Reporting Standards.
• Experience in financial management, accounting, and budgeting.
• Experience with financial oversight and public administration.
• Experience preparing reports, budgets, statistics, and coordinating administrative activities.
• Good knowledge of human resources management.
• Previous work with US government agencies like Pepfar NIH is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of CRENC. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

CRENC Considerations

CRENC shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its head office and project sites. CRENC is a non-smoking environment.

Travel

The Research, Administration and Finance Officer should have the flexibility to travel within and out of the country when the need arises.