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Chief FINANCE Officer (CFO), accelerate prosperity astana

Title: Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Accelerate Prosperity Astana

Location: Astana, Kazakhstan

Reporting Line: Fund Manager, Accelerate Prosperity Astana and Global CFO, Accelerate Prosperity

1. BACKGROUND

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a global initiative which offers blended financial solutions and pre/post financing technical assistance to help entrepreneurs start new businesses and grow early-stage businesses. AP envisions an inclusive and prosperous society that is powered by entrepreneurs. Its mission is to inspire rising entrepreneurs in emerging regions to grow new markets, create sustainable employment and strengthen communities. It pursues its mission by providing pre and post financing technical assistance and tailored financing and investments to select startups, small and growing businesses, that enables them to start or grow their business ventures while contributing towards important development challenges in the target countries. Since its inception in 2017, it has expanded its activities and operations to Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Afghanistan and recently to Syria and Uzbekistan where it has started working through local partners.

AP is currently in a process of setting up “AP Astana” under Astana International Finance Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan, a startup investment fund being created in partnership with FCDO under the Green Inclusive Growth Fund (GIG) programme. AP Astana will operate as a regional investment facility that extends tailored financing instruments up to USD500k per business to select startups, small and growing businesses from Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It will operate as a specialised investment entity with a lean structure, a strong post investment value creation mandate, and rigorous governance and reporting standards required by AP’s governance and aligned with AIFC regulations.

2. Objective of the Position

The CFO is The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the senior management team of AP Astana and is responsible for leading the overall financial management of the entity. This includes ensuring robust financial planning, accurate and timely financial reporting, and full compliance with AIFC regulations, applicable accounting standards, as well as donor and statutory requirements.

The CFO will play a critical role in establishing and operationalizing financial systems, controls, and governance frameworks for a newly created investment vehicle, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with AP’s global standards. The role also supports strategic decision-making through financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring of the fund and its portfolio.

In addition, the CFO oversees administrative and HR functions of AP Astana, ensuring efficient operational setup, compliance with local regulations, and effective support to a lean, high-performing team in Kazakhstan.

3. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management

  • Ensure integrity of AP’s accounting systems, sub-systems, internal controls, cash management, the signatories, discretionary authorities, and maintaining books of accounts, keeping robust record of all transactions.
  • Manage relationships with banks, auditors and relevant internal stakeholders in this regard.
  • Ensure overall accounting and financial management policies, manuals and IFRS standards are followed in letter and spirit.

Compliance and Audits  

  • Ensure complete compliance with statutory and donor rules and requirements, with no disallowances and/or financial penalties.
  • Lead external and internal audits leading to improved and high audit ratings year on year. Ensure execution of the action plans/ items that emerge out of the audits. 
  • Ensure that accounting and financial management policies, procedures, processes and systems in AP are streamlined and key issues/ gaps are addressed. Recommend changes in policies per the need and develop associated proposals for AP’s management and governance for a decision. 

Investment Portfolio Management

  • Prepare and present monthly and quarterly reports on the financing/investment portfolio, including portfolio quality assessment, PAR analysis, defaults, and associated receivables and/or liabilities.
  • Ensure effective revolving fund management in liaison with the Chief Investment Officer.

Financial Reporting

  • Prepare and share monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and analysis as a part of management accounts in accordance with the IFRS requirements and overall expectations of the management and governance.
  • Prepare BVAs for each funded project on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis including annual financing reports.

Business Planning & Budgeting 

  • Lead AP’s annual business planning and forecasting processes, including coordination, modelling and integration of strategic priorities.
  • Lead and ensure effective annual financial planning/ budgeting and modelling in line with AP’s overall business plan and work plans by each project. 

Administration and HR

  • Ensure delivery of improved administrative services in AP including procurement, recruitment, HR payroll and contract management travel, procurement, transport/fleet management of vehicles etc.

4. Required Qualifications & Experience

Education:

  • Master’s degree in finance, Accounting or related field is required.
  • Chartered Accountant (CA), CPA, ACCA, (ICMA), or pursuing towards it
  • A strong understanding of the IFRS standards is required.

Experience:

  • At least 8 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a senior management role within a reputable organization, with strong expertise in financial management and reporting.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing donor-funded grants, including compliance with donor and statutory requirements, is essential.
  • A blended background across financial institutions and not-for-profit/development organizations is highly preferred.
  • Experience working within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), or a strong understanding of AIFC regulations and compliance frameworks, will be considered a significant asset.

Core Competencies:

  • Proven senior leadership in finance, with the ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
  • Strong expertise in financial management, reporting, statutory compliance, investment operations, and grants management.
  • Solid experience with complex financial instruments and asset classes (e.g., hybrid instruments, convertible loans, quasi-equity, mezzanine debt).
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills, combined with sound business acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Good understanding of regulatory and legal frameworks; familiarity with AIFC regulations is an advantage.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholders and cultures.
  • Results-driven, with a strong focus on delivery, impact, quality, and risk management aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics or similar ERP systems is a strong advantage

5. Nature of Engagement

  • Full time executive position, with the initial probation period of 3 months, extendable subject to performance review.
  • Performance linked remuneration and incentives (as per AP policy)

8. Term & Review

  • Initial appointment subject to a defined term
  • Annual performance review linked to fund KPIs
  • AP Astana is still under process of incorporation. Therefore, the contract offer to the selected candidate for this position is subject to the completion of the intended incorporation process.

AP offers a competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer – women are encouraged to apply.  

 

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter (one page), CV (two page) with a subject line “Chief Finance Officer” by 4th  May, 2026 to the email address: hr@accelerateprosperity.org   

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews.  

 

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is committed to safeguarding, which means it promotes respectful relations with and between all staff, associates, beneficiaries and wider communities with whom it works, and takes all reasonable measures to prevent harm, including all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (PSEAH), bullying, discrimination, harassment and abuse of power that may arise from contact with its staff, programmes or operations. AP also adheres to child safeguarding principles, as set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

 

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s), employment history and any potential history of misconduct. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a full background check. 

 

By sharing their cover letter and resume with AP in response to this job application, applicants consent for AP to keep this information on file for recruitment and human resources management purposes.

 
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