Finance Expert

Finance Expert at Allied Talent Partners

Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview

The client is seeking a Finance Expert to strengthen budgeting, forecasting, financial controls, and investor-grade reporting for its agribusiness operations in Uganda. The engagement will focus on embedding scalable financial systems, improving reporting discipline, and strengthening investor readiness in a founder-led, growth-stage environment.

The Expert will support the company in upgrading core financial management systems, improving cash-flow visibility, standardizing management and investor reporting, and embedding scalable financial planning processes aligned with multi-commodity operations. The role will enhance financial transparency, reinforce internal controls, and improve the reliability and timeliness of decision-useful information for management and external stakeholders.

The assignment will combine structured financial diagnostics, systems strengthening, and hands-on capacity building within the internal finance function. Working closely with senior leadership, the Expert will support reduction of monthly close timelines, creation of a structured financial data room, and strengthening of investor readiness in preparation for future debt and equity engagement.

This engagement forms part of a broader Technical Assistance programme aimed at strengthening governance, finance systems, and operational capacity within growth-stage agribusinesses.

Role and Responsibilities

Role: Finance Expert

Direct Report: TBD

Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables

The Expert will work across four structured phases:

• Phase 1 – Financial Diagnostics & Baseline Assessment: Conduct a structured review of accounting systems, chart of accounts, reporting workflows, and internal controls. Assess budgeting discipline, rolling forecasts, and liquidity management practices. Review existing lender, donor, and management reporting frameworks. Deliver a concise Financial Management Diagnostic & Upgrade Plan with clear prioritization and implementation sequencing.
• Phase 2 – Financial Planning & Control System Strengthening: Develop or refine annual budgeting and rolling forecast frameworks aligned with operational drivers. Establish robust cash-flow forecasting and liquidity monitoring tools. Introduce scenario and sensitivity analysis to strengthen financial planning discipline. Streamline and document month-end close processes with the objective of reducing close timelines (target ≤10 days). Align financial reporting structures with operational KPIs.
• Phase 3 – Management & Investor Reporting Standardisation: Design standardized monthly management accounts with performance narratives. Develop investor-ready reporting templates suitable for lenders and equity stakeholders. Establish reconciliation processes between statutory and management reporting frameworks. Support development of a structured financial data room for due diligence purposes.
• Phase 4 – Training, Mentoring & Investor Readiness: Deliver hands-on mentoring to finance staff and senior management. Provide coaching on financial storytelling and investor expectations. Support preparation of financial sections of investor materials. Ensure knowledge transfer enabling independent maintenance of upgraded systems. Deliver a Completion Report summarizing systems strengthened, tools embedded, and recommendations for continued improvement.

Requirements

Experience Required:

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, corporate finance, or FP&A within agribusiness, manufacturing, or growth-stage SME environments.
• Demonstrated experience strengthening financial systems in scaling organizations, including management reporting frameworks and performance visibility tools.
• Experience preparing companies for investor due diligence, debt structuring, or equity fundraising.
• Experience engaging with DFIs, donors, or impact investors strongly preferred.
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa contexts strongly preferred.

Technical Requirements:

• Advanced financial modelling and forecasting capability.
• Strong understanding of SME financial controls and reporting frameworks.
• Experience designing and standardizing investor-grade reporting templates.
• Familiarity with accounting systems and financial data reconciliation.
• Demonstrated ability to reduce reporting timelines and institutionalize structured close processes.

Other Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Structured, hands-on, implementation-oriented approach.
• Ability to translate complex financial concepts into practical, operational tools.
• Demonstrated ability to build credibility with senior leadership, constructively challenge existing practices, and drive alignment in founder-led, growth-stage environments.
• High level of professional maturity, discretion, and sound judgment.

Working Arrangement

• Location: Kampala, Uganda (in-person engagement required)
• Travel: Periodic domestic travel to operational sites and sourcing regions as required

Terms Of Agreement

• Start Date: March 2026 (or as agreed)
• Contracting Period: 2-3 months

Key skills/competency

• Financial Management
• Corporate Finance
• FP&A
• Agribusiness Finance
• Financial Modelling
• Forecasting
• Financial Controls
• Investor Reporting
• Due Diligence
• Capacity Building