Finance Associate

About Tetra Foundation

Tetra Foundation is a UK-based charity with a mission to transform Nigeria through maritime training. We provide scholarships that equip Nigerian youth with world-class vocational skills, enabling them to build international careers in the maritime industry. This initiative aims to transform not only individual lives but also the prospects of communities and the nation as a whole.

The Foundation was established by Union Maritime, one of the UK’s largest shipowners. Since its inception in 2006, Union Maritime has grown into a leading global operator with significant operations in Nigeria. It also manages Goodwork Crewing—the largest private Nigerian crewing agent—employing over 1,000 Nigerian seafarers. This experience gives us unique insight into both the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s youth, forming the foundation for our transformational mission.

Role Definition: Finance Associate

We are seeking an experienced Finance Associate who will oversee the Foundation's day-to-day financial operations while helping design and implement a best-practice finance function. You will work closely with Foundation leadership, donors, trustees, programme teams, and external service providers to ensure transparency, financial control, and effective stewardship of charitable funds.

A key aspect of the role will be reviewing and mapping existing financial processes across the Foundation, its donors, and service providers, and creating a new unified operating model that improves efficiency, accountability, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Map existing finance processes across the Foundation, donors, and service providers.
• Develop and implement a unified finance operating model, including policies and controls.
• Manage and reconcile all incoming donations, grants, and funding received by the Foundation.
• Prepare monthly financial reports, budget tracking, and variance analysis.
• Develop and maintain cashflow forecasts and financial projections.
• Oversee invoicing, payments, and accounts receivable/payable activities.
• Design and implement a new restricted funding process for future donations.
• Monitor and report on restricted and unrestricted funding.
• Support budgeting, annual planning, audit preparation, and financial compliance requirements.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• Part-qualified or qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or equivalent) preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in finance, accounting, FP&A, or charity finance.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and financial reporting.
• Experience managing donor funding, grants, or restricted funds is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to improve and streamline financial processes.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with accounting systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, growing organisation.

Desirable

• Experience within a charity, foundation, not-for-profit, or donor-funded environment.
• Knowledge of UK charity finance and restricted fund accounting.
• Experience supporting audits, governance, and finance transformation projects.