Chief Financial Officer

About Trees for the Future

Trees for the Future (TREES) is a global leader in agroforestry with over 30 years of experience partnering with small-holder farming families to foster vibrant economies, sustainable food systems, and thriving ecosystems. Their nature-based solutions help farmers restore land, plant trees, sequester carbon, and diversify farming enterprises, breaking cycles of climate change and poverty. Active in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, TREES has planted over 420 million trees, restored 40,000+ hectares of land, and assisted more than 60,000 farming families. TREES combines traditional development with carbon finance to improve farmer incomes, food security, and biodiversity in East Africa.

Role Overview

TREES seeks a skilled financial leader to build and expand a high-performing finance function to support organizational growth and excellence. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will modernize systems, enhance financial planning and analysis, manage complex contracts, and collaborate closely with partners including major international and impact investors. Reporting to the CEO and part of the senior management team, the CFO will oversee the finance strategy and report regularly to the Board's Finance Committee.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a forward-looking financial strategy aligned with organizational growth and complexity.
• Review and improve financial policies, procedures, and systems ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks affecting revenue stability, asset base, or internal controls.
• Lead and mentor teams responsible for treasury, controllership, accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, contract negotiation, procurement, and internal audit.
• Implement changes to policies and systems, supporting staff transitions toward enhanced operational efficiency.
• Design and evaluate innovative financing models, commercial partnerships, and enterprise opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability and carbon initiatives.
• Oversee annual budgeting, financial statements, and audits to ensure compliance and positive outcomes.
• Ensure governance, control, and legal compliance across bank accounts and jurisdictions.
• Negotiate contractual terms with funders, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Manage application of contract requirements, fund segregation, time and expense reporting, and internal audit activities.
• Drive ongoing improvements in control environments across program countries and globally.
• Act as a strategic partner on the Senior Leadership Team, contributing insights that enhance decision-making beyond finance.
• Focus on value for money and prudent stewardship of donor resources.

Candidate Requirements

• MBA or equivalent; CPA or accounting experience preferred.
• At least 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with 3+ years at a similar or larger organization.
• Experience with carbon markets, investment markets, or venture capital is highly valued.
• Proven ability working with large field teams in East Africa or comparable challenging environments.
• Proficient with online financial and mobile technologies to enable global operations.
• Certification or significant experience with ERP systems, especially Sage/Intacct.
• Comfortable leading remote teams and demonstrating strong leadership in this context.

Desired Personal Attributes

• Passionate advocate for TREES' mission, viewing finance as a strategic driver of impact.
• Proactive builder and leader who strengthens systems, processes, and teams.
• Strong technical finance expertise coupled with broad business knowledge.
• Skilled at developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of ownership and continual improvement.
• Innovative thinker with commercial acumen, curious about new finance mechanisms and market models.
• Trusted advisor with sound judgment and the ability to navigate complex and dynamic environments.
• Effective communicator and relationship builder with diverse stakeholders including boards, donors, and auditors.
• Able to lead through ambiguity by defining priorities and solutions in evolving settings.

Work Environment and Benefits

TREES offers an inclusive, multicultural, and collaborative workplace committed to staff diversity and professional growth. Benefits include a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, workers' compensation, and generous paid time off including annual and sick leave.