About
Wala Ltd is a Malawian social enterprise operating at the intersection of sustainable energy access and inclusive economic development. We design, distribute, and support productive use of energy (PUE) technologies and services — from solar-powered agro-processing and cold storage to irrigation and commercial energy solutions — that enable households, smallholder farmers, and small businesses to generate income, increase productivity, and improve their quality of life. As a social enterprise, we operate with a dual mandate: to deliver measurable social and environmental impact, and to build a financially sustainable, commercially viable company. We pursue this mission through a blended finance model, combining donor-funded grant programmes with revenue-generating commercial activities. Our work is aligned with Malawi’s national energy access agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). We are looking to strengthen our internal financial leadership.
Purpose of the Role
The Finance and Administration Manager (FAM) is a senior leadership position that carries full accountability for the financial health, regulatory compliance, and administrative effectiveness of Wala Ltd. This is not a purely accounting role — we are looking for a strategic financial leader who understands the unique demands of a dual-mandate social enterprise: one who can steward grant funds with the discipline that donors require, while simultaneously driving the financial performance metrics that a commercially ambitious company demands. The FAM will serve as the company’s most senior financial voice, advising the Chief Executive Officer and the Board on all matters of financial strategy, sustainability, and risk. They will ensure that our financial systems, policies, and processes are fit for purpose as we scale — and that we remain fully compliant with all obligations under Malawian law and the requirements of our donor partners.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
- Financial Strategy & Planning: Develop and lead the company’s integrated financial strategy, spanning both commercial revenue and grant income streams; Lead annual budgeting, multi-year financial planning, and rolling forecasting processes; Build and maintain financial models; Advise the CEO and Board on capital allocation, funding mix, and financial sustainability pathways; Monitor and report on company financial health.
- Commercial Financial Management: Manage and report on the company’s commercial revenue streams; Conduct ongoing margin analysis, cost allocation, and product/service profitability assessments; Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash flow management; Manage working capital efficiently; Provide financial analysis and modelling; Produce monthly management accounts.
- Grant Management & Donor Financial Compliance: Maintain a comprehensive grant register; Oversee the full financial lifecycle of each grant; Ensure strict segregation of restricted and unrestricted funds; Prepare accurate, timely, and donor-compliant financial reports; Serve as the primary financial liaison with donor companies; Lead internal financial due diligence on proposed new grants; Develop and enforce grant compliance checklists, procurement protocols, and expenditure eligibility frameworks; Manage sub-grant financial oversight.
- Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations: Oversee all day-to-day accounting functions; Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; Maintain a chart of accounts and project coding structure; Ensure financial data integrity.
- Regulatory Compliance — Malawi Statutory Obligations: Ensure full and timely compliance with all obligations under Malawian law; Lead audit and ensure clean audit outcomes.
- Administration & Operational Systems: Oversee company administrative functions including procurement, vendor management, contract administration, fleet management, and office operations; Develop, document, and continuously improve administrative procedures and financial management policies; Manage banking relationships, insurance coverage, and other financial service provider arrangements; Supervise payroll administration; Provide financial and administrative support to the HR function.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building: Represent the company’s financial position clearly and credibly; Build financial literacy and budget ownership across teams; Support the CEO in preparing for Board and Finance Committee meetings.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration (Minimum); Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification (Preferred); CPA (Malawi), ACCA, CIMA, CA, or equivalent professional certification (Strongly Preferred).
- Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in finance and administration, with at least 3 years at a senior or managerial level; Demonstrated experience managing finances in a dual-mandate organisation; Proven track record in grant financial management; Solid commercial finance experience; Direct, hands-on experience with Malawian statutory compliance; Experience in the energy, clean technology, or climate-related sectors in sub-Saharan Africa (Strong Advantage); Experience working with international development donors (Highly Desirable); Demonstrated experience building or significantly improving financial systems and processes.
- Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in accounting software/ERP systems; Strong financial modelling skills; Solid knowledge of IFRS and applicable Malawian accounting and tax standards; Competence in grant management tools; Familiarity with foreign exchange management; Understanding of blended finance instruments (Advantage).
Core Competencies
- Dual-Mandate Financial Leadership
- Integrity & Ethical Conduct
- Donor Compliance Expertise
- Strategic Financial Thinking
- Analytical Rigour
- Regulatory Mastery
- Communication & Influence
- Systems Builder
- Leadership & Team Development
- Mission Alignment
How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application package to hr@walacleanenergy.com with the subject line: Application – Finance and Administration Manager – [Your Name]. The application package must include:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV), not exceeding 5 pages
- A cover letter of no more than 2 pages, specifically addressing your experience in dual-mandate (grant and commercial) financial management and your familiarity with Malawian regulatory requirements
- Copies of relevant academic certificates and professional certifications
- Contact details for three (3) professional referees — at least one of whom was a direct supervisor