Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
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Esnart Nyirenda

Baltimore,MD

Summary

Possesses over 25 years' work experience in various accounting positions in various organizations.

Professional grant specialist equipped to excel in grant analysis role. Extensive background in managing grant applications and ensuring compliance with funding guidelines. Known for strong teamwork and adaptability, with expertise in data analysis and financial management. Analytical professional with strong background in financial modeling and risk management. Knowledgeable Grant Analyst. Extensive experience in grant analysis with proven track record of managing and evaluating grant applications. Demonstrated ability in financial reporting and compliance, showcasing strong analytical and organizational skills. Grant professional with robust experience in financial analysis, budget management, and compliance. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in data analysis, grant writing, and stakeholder communication. Known for reliability, integrity, and solution-oriented mindset. Experienced with grant application management and evaluation. Utilizes analytical skills to ensure compliance with funding guidelines. Knowledge of financial reporting and data analysis, contributing to successful grant outcomes.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Grant Analyst

CRS HQ, Baltimore USA
11.2022 - Current
  • Prepared, and reviewed routine donor financial reports for over 45 Awards on a quarterly basis.
  • Contributed to the development and maintenance of systems and tools to improve financial analysis and management processes.
  • Supported Country Programs in preparation for global annual external audits for the 12 Countries in my portfolio.
  • Provide mentorship to Country Programs and HQ Staff on financial management.
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments for potential grantees, minimizing financial loss due to non-compliant projects.
  • Improved the efficiency of grant allocation through detailed financial analysis and assessment of project proposals.
  • Enhanced collaboration between departments by effectively communicating grant updates and progress reports.
  • Maintained accurate records of all grants awarded, allowing for efficient tracking and reporting on outcomes.
  • Facilitated successful project implementation by providing ongoing support and technical assistance to grantees.
  • Collaborated with program staff to develop clear guidelines for grant application submission, increasing the quality of proposals received.
  • Supported the development of internal capacity building initiatives aimed at enhancing overall grant management capabilities within the organization.
  • Participated in regular audits of funded programs to confirm proper allocation of funds and adherence to stated goals.
  • Reviewed and approved expenditures for appropriate spending on grants.
  • Mentored junior staff members in best practices related to grants analysis and administration techniques.

Overseas Accounting Analyst

Catholic Relief Services, CRS
04.2019 - 10.2022
  • Enhanced financial accuracy by conducting thorough analysis and reconciliation of accounts.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of accounting regulations, industry standards, and best practices through continuous professional development activities.
  • Assisted external auditors during annual reviews, providing detailed documentation and clarification on complex accounting issues.
  • Collaborated with IT department to resolve system-related issues impacting financial reporting capabilities efficiently.
  • Optimized budgeting processes, collaborating with department heads to develop accurate forecasts and allocations.
  • Mentored Country Program Finance Managers of 12 Countries by sharing knowledge and expertise to promote professional growth within the organization.
  • Provided financial management support to 9 CRS country offices, plus 5 sub offices, ensuring strict adherence to grant terms and donor compliance.
  • Performed detailed account analysis and reconciliations, coordinated resolutions and recommended improvements as needed.




Compliance Manager

CRS Zambia
09.2017 - 04.2019
  • Planned and performed internal audits, Internal control reviews and compliance assessments.
  • Designed and facilitated relevant risk training sessions and contribute to relevant components of institutional capacity strengthening plans for CRS and partners.
  • Managed compliance efforts, reporting and audits.
  • Reduced risk exposure for the company by identifying and addressing areas of noncompliance.
  • Reviewed documents, files, transcripts, and other records to assess compliance and potential risk.
  • Prepared records and data for regular audits.
  • Streamlined compliance processes by implementing efficient monitoring systems and tools.
  • Consulted with clients on best practices and served as project manager for all process improvements and regulatory initiatives.
  • Developed and delivered training programs to inform new and current employees about compliance issues.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish clear compliance guidelines and expectations for all departments.
  • Monitored emerging trends in regulatory requirements, anticipating potential impacts on the organization''s operations.
  • Anticipate and identify risk issues and challenges and the most appropriate solutions to address them.
  • Conduct unannounced periodic reviews of all financial transactions and the supporting documents of all financial processing function.
  • Collaborate with audit, risk and compliance leads at regional and HQ levelin implementing and strengthening internal control systems.

Grants and Contracts Manager

PACT Zambia
12.2016 - 09.2017
  • Drafted all grant agreement documents, modifications and negotiation memos.
  • Administered the full cycle of grants management activities beginning from pre-award assessments, monitoring/compliance visits and close-out procedures.
  • Provided technical assistance in terms of accounting, financial management, financial policy formulation and systems of internal control to all sub grantees in compliance with donor regulations.
  • Conduct and document regular grantee site visits to ensure that pre-award conditions are addressed and implemented by grantees within the period specified in the grant agreement.
  • Ensure receipt of timely and accurate accounting and financial reports from partners.
  • Review budgets and ensure that budget amendment requests from grantees are communicated timely for approval.
  • Monitor the grantee burn rate, regularly advise the sub grantee and programs teams of issues identified.
  • Monitor and track grants related performance measurement indicators and implement strategies to improve Pact’s performance.
  • Maintain the grantee obligation matrix, and ensure records reconcile with HQ.
  • Ensure that grantee advances and expenses are accurately and timely recorded by the Grants and Contracts officers in the accounting software and reconciled to supporting documentation.
  • Established strong relationships with external partners, fostering trust and collaboration on future contractual engagements.
  • Contributed to the development of proposal responses for new business opportunities, incorporating innovative contracting solutions that provided a competitive edge.
  • Assessed contract performance against established KPIs, identifying areas for improvement and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Led cross-functional teams in the development of procurement strategies, aligning with contractual obligations.
  • Development and implementation of partner monitoring plan and schedule.
  • Provided monthly updates and status of grantees expenditures and cost share status.


Deputy Finance Manager- Grants and donor reporting

Catholic Relief Services
08.2014 - 11.2016


  • Coordinated monthly budget review meetings with Program Managers and support departments.
  • Provided technical assistance during proposal development.
  • Undertook field visits to offer technical support/assistance to Sub Recipients.
  • Ensure that internal controls are adhered to in collaboration with compliance department.
  • Review all partner advances and liquidations and ensure that this process is being expedited in line with policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that Project Finance team is involved in the preparation of project budgets.
  • Provide guidance to programming staff on cash forecasting on a quarterly basis for planning purposes.
  • Review donor financial reports and invoices before submission to donors.
  • Review bank reconciliations for the Country Program and the respective partner holder aging reports prepared by Project Accountants.
  • Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining processes and implementing automated systems.
  • Streamlined month-end closing procedures, reducing time taken to produce accurate financial statements.
  • Managed payroll processing to ensure timely disbursement of employee salaries while adhering to tax regulations and labor laws.
  • Collaborated on cross-functional projects involving finance integration during acquisitions or reorganizations.
  • Reconciled complex accounts to ensure accurate financial records were maintained at all times.

Global fund- Zambia CCM Programme Officer-Finance

National Aids Council
07.2012 - 07.2014


  • Coordinated Key stakeholders of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM)to review dashboards for financial and management information;;
  • Facilitated review of dashboards and identify PRs capacity gaps/concerns related to financial management and procurement implementation;
  • Provide technical input to PRs on financial and audit issues.
  • Ensured Prime Recipients of Global Fund Funds had procurement plans, effective internal audit structures; systems and procedures.
  • Coordinate the Strategic Planning and Investment Committee meetings responsible for the Country's resource mobilisation plans on TB,HIV and Malaria.
  • Prepared bi-annual budgets for the CCM Global Fund secretariat and oversee its implementation.
  • Prepared quarterly CCM Global Fund financial expenditure reports.
  • Prepare reports on consultative discussions, revisions or policy changes with regards to (TB, HIV and Malaria).
  • Coordinating the NASF National Operational Plan.
  • Support the National Aids Council in preparing their annual work plan.
  • Evaluated vendor contracts to optimize cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
  • Enhanced cash flow management through diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable balances.
  • Assisted in securing funding through effective grant writing and relationship building with donors.

Financial Controller

Farmfeed Limited
10.2006 - 01.2012
  • Conduct budgeting and planning activities.
  • Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
  • Managed payroll data entry and processing for 100 employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
  • Strategic planning and staff policy formulation.
  • Staff training programme and setting up appraisal systems.
  • Oversight of financial and operational systems and monitoring adherence.
  • Supervision of accounts and operations departments.
  • Monitor compliance with all statutory payments.
  • Reconciliation and controlling the account payables accounts.
  • Reconciliation of account receivable and debt collection.
  • Prepare financial statements.
  • Complete and present Financial Reports.
  • Financial analysis, accounting practices and reports.
  • Analyze and interpret financial data and recommend changes to improve systems and financial performance.
  • Prepare or supervise preparation of financial statements.
  • Maintained strong relationships with external auditors, facilitating smooth annual audit processes and addressing any concerns promptly.
  • Reduced operating costs through meticulous budget management and cost analysis.
  • Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining processes and implementing efficient financial controls.
  • Managed a team of finance professionals, providing guidance, support, and ongoing training to ensure continued growth and development.

Banking Operations

Investrust Bank PLC
01.2005 - 01.2006
  • Conduct Forex transactions
  • Telegraphic transfers.
  • SWIFT and international money orders.
  • Resolved all issues and problems with customer's accounts.
  • Explain and advise on bank products and services to customers.
  • In charge of accepting deposits and withdrawals from customers.
  • Check for signatures of people who were withdrawing as well as other details which establish the identity of the person.
  • In charge of giving out foreign currency at the prescribed exchange rate.
  • Received and count working cash at beginning of shift.
  • Recorded all transactions promptly, accurately and in compliance with bank procedures.
  • Answer inquiries regarding checking and savings accounts and other bank related products.
  • Managed banking operations for smooth daily transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures throughout the organization''s operations.

Assistant Accountant

Rendezvous Limited
01.2000 - 01.2004
  • Payroll preparation as well as Petty cash analysis.
  • Maintained detailed financial records of accounts receivable and payable status and bank reconciliations.
  • Assisted with monthly and quarterly income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports to inform decision-makers.
  • Reviewed general ledger entries and assessed accuracy.
  • Assisted with timely month-end closing procedures, resulting in accurate financial reporting.
  • Improved financial accuracy by conducting thorough account reconciliations and adjusting journal entries.
  • Facilitated month-end and year-end closing processed to support accuracy and completeness of financial reports.
  • Prepared accurate financial statements for management review, aiding in informed decision-making processes.
  • Ensure purchase orders, receipts and invoices were matched. Responsible for ensuring compliance of standard practices.
  • Reconciliation of creditors’ and debtors’ accounts as well as debt collection. Carry out Banking and reconciliations. Prepare payments for creditors
  • Prepare accounts up to trial balance.
  • Liaise with Budget Officer to solve day to day budget issues.

Education

MSc - Financial Management

Heriot Watt University
01.2013

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - undefined

Heriot Watt University
01.2010

Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) - undefined

Zambia Center for Accountancy Studies University
01.2007

Skills

  • Financial Systems: proficient in Microsoft Office, Sun Systems, Quick books, Oracle Cloud
  • Reporting & Compliance: Extensive experience with Multiple donor reporting(USG, Private Charities and Foundations,, EU, Global Fund, UN, Irish Aid)
  • Leadership and Training : Skilled in mentoring and capacity building across diverse teams
  • Risk management: Expertise in in audit processes, financial compliance, risk mitigation and internal control reviews
  • Other Skills:: Communication skills, Critical thinking, Collaborative teamwork, Continuous learning commitment

Affiliations

  • Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).
  • Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (FZICA).
  • Alumni member of Heriot Watt University (Scotland)

Languages

English

Timeline

Grant Analyst

CRS HQ, Baltimore USA
11.2022 - Current

Overseas Accounting Analyst

Catholic Relief Services, CRS
04.2019 - 10.2022

Compliance Manager

CRS Zambia
09.2017 - 04.2019

Grants and Contracts Manager

PACT Zambia
12.2016 - 09.2017

Deputy Finance Manager- Grants and donor reporting

Catholic Relief Services
08.2014 - 11.2016

Global fund- Zambia CCM Programme Officer-Finance

National Aids Council
07.2012 - 07.2014

Financial Controller

Farmfeed Limited
10.2006 - 01.2012

Banking Operations

Investrust Bank PLC
01.2005 - 01.2006

Assistant Accountant

Rendezvous Limited
01.2000 - 01.2004

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - undefined

Heriot Watt University

Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) - undefined

Zambia Center for Accountancy Studies University

MSc - Financial Management

Heriot Watt University

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Esnart Nyirenda