Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Finance Graduate Internship Program
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Kibera Focus)
• Employment Type: 1-Year Contract (Full-Time Internship)
• Number of Vacancies: Multiple
• Monthly Stipend (Estimated): KES 20,000 – 35,000 (set ~10% below standard NGO internship stipends in Nairobi)
• Category/Department: Finance / Accounting / Audit / NGO Internship Programs
• Reporting To: Finance Manager / Finance Officer
• Application Deadline: 22/09/2025
• Employer: CFK Africa

Introduction

This Finance Graduate Internship Program – Nairobi offers one of the most transformative internship opportunities in Kenya for fresh graduates passionate about finance, accounting, and NGO development work. Designed for young professionals from Kibera and other peri-urban settlements, the program combines hands-on financial operations with mentorship and exposure to the NGO sector.

As a Finance Graduate Intern at CFK Africa, you will gain practical skills in payment processing, reconciliations, asset management, filing systems, and audit support. More importantly, you will contribute to a mission-driven NGO that empowers young people, supports health initiatives, and champions education and equity in underserved communities.

This opportunity is not just about building finance skills; it is about preparing to serve communities with professionalism and accountability. For candidates who dream of advancing in NGO finance, audit, or program management, this program provides a structured pathway into meaningful careers while making an impact at the grassroots level.

About CFK Africa

CFK Africa (formerly Carolina for Kibera) is a respected NGO working in Kibera and peri-urban settlements in Kenya since 2001. The organization focuses on youth empowerment, health services, education support, and community development. With a vision rooted in equity and inclusion, CFK Africa uses sports, clinics, and social programs to promote cooperation among youth and to uplift marginalized communities.

The finance team at CFK Africa supports program delivery by ensuring accurate reporting, compliance with donor requirements, and responsible use of resources. Joining as a finance intern means gaining exposure to non-profit accounting practices, donor-funded project cycles, and financial systems used by leading NGOs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

As a Finance Graduate Intern, your role will cover a broad range of finance and administrative tasks:

Filing and Archiving

• Maintain organized physical and digital files for receipts, vouchers, contracts, and reports.
• Support document retrieval for audits and donor requests.

Reconciliation

• Conduct monthly reconciliations of staff advances.
• Ensure accountability and proper documentation of all expense reports.

Payment Processing

• Prepare payment requests for suppliers, staff reimbursements, and partner grants.
• Support verification of supporting documents before disbursement.

Asset Management

• Maintain accurate records of CFK Africa assets.
• Assist in periodic asset verification and tagging exercises.

Audit

• Support both internal and external audit processes.
• Provide requested documentation and clarifications to auditors.

General Finance Support

• Assist with financial data entry into accounting systems.
• Generate simple reports for supervisors.
• Support compliance with donor guidelines and organizational policies.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (Second Class Upper Division minimum).
• Graduation Window: Must be a fresh graduate or have graduated within one year of the advertisement date.
• Program Connection: Preference given to graduates who are beneficiaries of CFK Africa’s programs or who have directly experienced CFK’s impact.
• Community Commitment: Fresh graduates from Kibera are strongly encouraged to apply and must be willing to dedicate one year to CFK Africa.
• Passion for Impact: Demonstrated desire to serve informal and peri-urban settlements in Kenya.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong foundation in finance principles, accounting entries, and reconciliations.
• Knowledge of Excel and financial software tools.
• High standards of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for community development and NGO work.

Company Culture and Values

CFK Africa’s culture is deeply mission-driven, rooted in equity, empowerment, and accountability. The finance internship program is designed not only to transfer technical knowledge but also to immerse interns in values that sustain long-term community development:

• Integrity: Transparent handling of donor funds.
• Community Focus: Serving with humility and dedication to vulnerable groups.
• Youth Empowerment: Giving young graduates meaningful exposure to NGO systems.
• Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork with programs, health, and education units.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Finance Graduate Internship Program – Nairobi | CFK Africa.

Application Steps:

1. Prepare your updated CV (max 2–3 pages).
2. Write a cover letter explaining your interest in NGO finance and your connection to Kibera or CFK Africa programs.
3. Complete the official application form:
   👉 Apply Here – CFK Africa Finance Graduate Internship

Deadline: 22nd September 2025 (shortlisting done on a rolling basis).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CFK Africa does not charge any fees for applications, interviews, or placements.

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TAGS

Finance Graduate Internship Program – Nairobi, CFK Africa internships, NGO internship opportunities in Kenya, Kibera finance internships, accounting graduate internships Kenya

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10 Insider Tips to Get Shortlisted for the Finance Graduate Internship Program in Kenya at CFK Africa

1. Emphasize NGO Finance Interest and Context

Recruiters for the finance graduate internship program in Kenya want to know that candidates understand the NGO context. Unlike corporate finance, NGO finance is heavily shaped by donor compliance, restricted funds, and community accountability. In your CV and cover letter, highlight any academic projects, volunteer work, or coursework that aligns with NGO or non-profit operations. For example: “Completed a project on donor-funded budget tracking for a student NGO initiative” or “Volunteered in a community project, managing receipts and expense records for a KES 50,000 grant.” These examples show you grasp the discipline required in non-profit finance. Applicants who only emphasize commercial exposure risk being overlooked, while those who demonstrate readiness to handle finance in a community-driven setting appear as better cultural and technical fits. By connecting your career interest directly to NGO finance, you signal that you are serious about using the finance graduate internship program in Kenya as a launchpad for impact-driven work.

2. Highlight Academic Excellence Clearly

CFK Africa requires applicants to have a Second Class Upper Division in finance or related fields. For the finance graduate internship program in Kenya, this minimum bar is non-negotiable, and recruiters will screen CVs quickly for it. Make your academic credentials clear and easy to spot at the top of your CV—list your GPA or final classification and relevant coursework (e.g., Audit, Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Taxation). If you have additional certifications such as CPA Part I or Excel training, include them prominently. Many applicants hide this information in long CVs, making it harder for recruiters to identify their qualifications. Instead, use a simple Education Section with degree, classification, year of graduation, and key coursework. Recruiters are pressed for time and shortlist those whose qualifications are instantly clear. Don’t make them dig for your degree details—make your eligibility obvious for the finance graduate internship program in Kenya.

3. Demonstrate Reconciliation and Accuracy Skills

Reconciliations are a key duty in this finance graduate internship program in Kenya. Employers want assurance that you can handle matching staff advances, payments, and accounts with discipline. On your CV, include specific experiences with reconciliations—even from school projects or attachments. Example: “Reconciled 80+ transactions during attachment at XYZ firm, ensuring zero variances in staff advances.” Recruiters know reconciliations require patience, accuracy, and an eye for detail. You can also mention experiences balancing ledgers for student clubs, managing event budgets, or even reconciling simple petty cash systems. These examples, while small-scale, prove that you have already practiced reconciliation principles. Remember, NGOs like CFK Africa value financial integrity above all else, so if you can present yourself as someone meticulous in reconciliations, you increase your chances of shortlisting for the finance graduate internship program in Kenya.

4. Show Familiarity with Audit Preparation

Audit exposure is another area where candidates can stand out. The finance graduate internship program in Kenya at CFK Africa involves supporting internal and external audits. If you have ever been part of an audit—whether in attachment, coursework, or volunteer projects—highlight this experience. Example: “Supported annual audit preparation by filing vouchers and compiling reconciliations for review.” Even if you haven’t done professional audit work, show that you understand the process: “Studied audit cycles, internal controls, and sampling techniques in academic coursework.” Mentioning that you can prepare schedules, respond to auditor queries, or organize supporting documentation gives recruiters confidence. NGO audits are often donor-driven, with strict requirements. Applicants who already understand the seriousness of audits, compliance, and supporting documentation will be favored. By positioning yourself as audit-aware, you prove you can contribute effectively to the finance graduate internship program in Kenya.

5. Connect Your Motivation to Community Impact

What makes CFK Africa unique is its mission: serving Kibera and peri-urban communities. Recruiters for the finance graduate internship program in Kenya are not only evaluating technical skills but also passion for community development. In your application, explain how finance skills can support impact. Example: “I believe accurate financial reporting ensures donor trust and allows more resources to reach vulnerable communities.” Or: “As someone who grew up in a low-resource setting, I understand the importance of accountability in donor-funded programs.” This personal connection resonates strongly with NGO recruiters, who want interns aligned with their values. Applicants who fail to demonstrate mission alignment often appear less committed. On the other hand, those who can link finance work with community outcomes look like future NGO leaders. Always show that you see the internship not just as a job, but as a meaningful chance to strengthen impact through finance.

6. Highlight Software and Technical Competence

Recruiters expect interns to be tech-comfortable. For the finance graduate internship program in Kenya, knowledge of Excel, QuickBooks, Sage, or similar tools is a strong advantage. If you are skilled in pivot tables, v-lookups, or simple macros, say so explicitly. Even academic exposure counts—e.g., “Applied Excel for data analysis in accounting coursework.” Mentioning audit software or NGO finance systems (if any from attachments) is also helpful. The ability to learn new systems quickly is key. If you’ve completed free online certifications (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or financial modeling basics), include them. Recruiters prefer candidates who can immediately contribute without long training periods. In a highly competitive pool, strong software skills can differentiate you from peers. Applicants who showcase technical competence look ready to maximize their time in the finance graduate internship program in Kenya and add value from day one.

7. Present a Professional, Error-Free Application

In finance roles, accuracy is non-negotiable. Recruiters for the finance graduate internship program in Kenya will use your application quality as a first test of diligence. Submitting a CV with typos, misaligned tables, or inconsistent fonts signals carelessness and can disqualify you immediately. Ensure your documents are clean, concise, and properly formatted. Save them as PDFs to maintain structure. Label files professionally, e.g., Jane_Otieno_FinanceInternship_CFK.pdf. Keep your cover letter to one page with short, impactful paragraphs. Double-check spelling of names, dates, and email addresses. Many qualified candidates are rejected because their application looks rushed. NGOs like CFK Africa need interns who will treat donor funds and reports with seriousness; your CV and cover letter are the first evidence of that. A polished, professional application tells recruiters that you are ready for the precision required in the finance graduate internship program in Kenya.

8. Show Willingness to Commit for the Full Year

CFK Africa expects interns to dedicate one full year to the program. Recruiters for the finance graduate internship program in Kenya will favor applicants who demonstrate commitment. Avoid suggesting you are looking for “any internship” or a short-term placement. Instead, emphasize your readiness for a full-year experience. Example: “I am eager to commit to the entire one-year program to gain deep exposure to NGO finance and support CFK Africa’s mission.” This reassures recruiters that you will not leave mid-way for other opportunities. In your interview, be ready to discuss how you plan to manage transportation, accommodation, or personal obligations during the year. Candidates who show logistical readiness and seriousness about the 12-month duration are more likely to be shortlisted. For CFK Africa, retention of interns matters, so demonstrating commitment gives you an edge in securing a place in the finance graduate internship program in Kenya.

9. Apply Early and Follow Instructions Exactly

The deadline for the finance graduate internship program in Kenya is short, and shortlisting is done on a rolling basis. Late applicants risk being ignored. Apply as early as possible and follow every instruction carefully. For CFK Africa, the method of application is via a Microsoft Forms link. Many candidates will still mistakenly send applications by email. Recruiters often eliminate such candidates without review. Ensure you fill in every required field on the form, attach documents as instructed, and use the correct naming conventions. Early applications also have psychological benefits—reviewers are fresh and more likely to give detailed attention. Candidates who delay until the last day often submit rushed, incomplete forms. Respecting instructions and applying early demonstrates discipline, an essential quality for finance interns. By showing that you can follow procedures perfectly, you increase your chances of success in the finance graduate internship program in Kenya.

10. Link Internship to Long-Term Career Goals

Finally, recruiters want interns who view this as more than just temporary work. In your cover letter and interview, show how the finance graduate internship program in Kenya fits into your long-term career path. Example: “I intend to pursue a CPA qualification and see this internship as a foundation for building expertise in NGO finance and donor reporting.” Or: “My goal is to become an audit manager for NGOs, and this program provides the perfect environment to practice compliance and financial integrity.” Recruiters favor applicants with career vision because they are more motivated and engaged. This also signals you will take the internship seriously and maximize the opportunity. Linking the internship to your professional growth helps you stand out in a crowded field. For CFK Africa, which invests heavily in mentoring interns, seeing clear career ambition increases your chances of being shortlisted for the finance graduate internship program in Kenya.