Financial Controller

About Onja

Onja is a social enterprise training underprivileged youth into world-class software developers.

We find the brightest students in Madagascar who can’t afford to continue their education, and train them in English language and software development. After just two-and-a-half years they are ready to work as remote front-end software developers in international tech teams.

Once in a job, our developers earn a good salary that helps them support their families and pay forward the opportunity to a new wave of students. They unlock exciting careers that fulfil their potential, and accelerate the development of their nation (see ‘How Onja Works’ below).

Our first cohort, ‘Wave 1’, consists of nineteen talented and committed graduates who are now working remotely for our partner companies in Europe and the US. With this immensely successful first cohort, and a proven social model, our goal is now to scale our impact: we aim to take on 360 new students over the next four years. 

Our fast-growing team is very united, committed to the mission, and hardworking, but we also maintain a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere that you’ll find everywhere in Madagascar. 

Onja is located in Toamasina, a lively city with beautiful beaches, nice restaurants, and with plenty to do and see. Toamasina is Madagascar’s second largest city (population 300,000) yet is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty, and even has a national park nearby. 

About the Financial Controller position

Your mission as our Financial Controller is to lead and be in charge of Onja’s finances. You will manage our Finance Team and together you will be in charge of everything finance related. This will include: 

• Improving our accounting systems & processes
• Financial planning and analysis, including budgeting and forecasting
• Monthly management reporting and quarterly financial reporting
• Annual reporting (New Zealand and Madagascar)
• Tax compliance (New Zealand and Madagascar)
• Responsible for and coordinating activities of external auditors, responsible for preparation of financial statements to be audited.
• Managing cash flows between global accounts
• Managing direct reports 
• Report directly to Onja’s CEO
• Evaluating accounting and internal control systems
• Reviewing work from direct reports as required, which would likely include the following tasks:
• Payroll
• Client invoicing
• Supplier payments / employee reimbursements
• Cash expenses
• Review of information within accounting software (Xero)

Requirements

• Twelve month commitment (this ensures sufficient time to make a truly meaningful impact) with potential to renew/extend.
• Excellent English communication skills
• Degree in Accounting or similar
• Experience in Accounting or similar

How Onja Works

Onja is a social enterprise with a sustainable model:

1. Search for brilliant minds who would otherwise be limited to low-paid, unfulfilling careers.
2. Students receive two years of English and software development instruction. Meet a developer here: https://onja.org/blog
3. Graduates earn (and continue learning) at our outsourcing enterprise. 
4. All profits are used to train the next wave of students and the cycle begins again.  

What you can expect

• You’ll join our tight-knit, committed team in Toamasina, Madagascar. 
• We know it’s a big move so we will look after you and make sure you are secure and settled. 
• Secure, comfortable accommodation is provided
• Food is provided
• We are able to offer a good local salary – enough to live comfortably and have plenty left over for holidays travels. 
• Unlimited annual leave. We recommend between 30 and 35 days as a guide, giving you time to explore the wonders of Madagascar
• We also offer 25% remote work but this has potential to be increased depending on position and person
• We’ll provide optional weekly lessons to bring you up to speed with the language.
• Your visa will be sponsored.
• Sponsored flights

Application process

1. Please apply here.
2. Introductory call - We’ll provide you with a list of FAQs and a photo gallery and invite you to a call to learn about Onja and Madagascar in general. It’s a chance for us to learn more about you and for you to ask all the questions you might have.
3. Formal Interview - This is where we have questions for you. We try to determine whether you will be a nice fit for the position and our team. There may be one or two interviews. 
4. We offer conversations with past and present staff members, Onja developers and a video tour of our campus
5. We make a formal offer to successful applicants.