Akello Esther Ruth
Finance Management And Accountancy
Kampala
Summary
Effective Leader with over 25 years of experience in streamlining operations and driving organizational growth. Enhanced financial performance and operational efficiency through collaboration and adaptability, managing multi-donor reporting for organizations exceeding £1m annually. Committed to organizational success in children's and women's rights sectors, demonstrating resilience, strong work ethic, and decisive leadership.
Overview
2
2
Languages
2
2
Certification
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Operations Officer
Bisina Industries Ltd
01.2019 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives, aligning departmental goals with overall business objectives.
- Streamlined operational processes, enhancing productivity and reducing costs across multiple departments.
- Established and maintained accounting systems to strengthen internal controls.
- Analyzed market trends to inform operational strategies, ensuring competitiveness and adaptability in changing environments..
- Enhanced company growth by identifying new market opportunities and developing expansion strategies.
- Increased profitability by optimizing sales and fulfilling lower overhead costs.
- Optimized customer experience with improved service standards, streamlined complaint resolution procedures, and enhanced internal communication systems for better response times, quality assurance protocols, ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional products.
- Identified new market opportunities and developed expansion strategies, contributing to company growth.
- Improved customer experience through enhanced service standards, streamlined complaint resolution procedures, and better internal communication systems for quicker response times and consistent product quality.
- Sector: Manufacturing and sales
Head Of Finance
Gods Fortress Ministries –Uganda
07.2016 - Current
- Sector: Faith based with individual funding
- Directed financial reporting processes maintaining conformity with regulatory standards and organizational protocols.
- Examined financial data to uncover trends influencing strategic decisions for ministry growth and sustainability.
- Established risk management frameworks to minimize financial exposure and protect ministry assets.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams in implementing finance initiatives, fostering collaboration and attaining collective targets.
- Coached finance staff to strengthen team skills and advance professional growth across department.
- Optimized accounting processes through ERP systems, enhancing transaction processing times and accuracy.
- Spearheaded integration of new ERP system, elevating efficiency in finance department and improving data visibility.
- Managed annual audit process guaranteeing accurate reflection of financial position according to GAAP standards.
- Instituted risk management protocols designed to mitigate potential losses and preserve company assets.
- Administered debt financing processes, facilitating negotiations for optimal terms to decrease borrowing costs.
- Executed detailed budget variance analysis procedure to uncover discrepancies promptly and strengthen future planning efforts.
- Enhanced revenue growth by pinpointing key performance indicators and refining pricing strategies.
- Strengthened financial reporting accuracy via implementation of detailed internal control measures.
- Secured favorable terms by negotiating contracts with suppliers, achieving substantial cost savings.
- Developed strategic policies for finance and human resources in startup faith-based organization. Formulated comprehensive strategic plan to guide organizational growth and direction. Collaborated with stakeholders to align policy development with organizational vision. Conducted research to inform best practices in finance and human resource management.
- Created board charter and led recruitment efforts for board membership. Provided comprehensive training on board procedures to enhance governance.
- Established organizational structure and recruited core management members.
- Guided financial strategy and planning, streamlining resource allocation and elevating operational efficiency.
- Established comprehensive budgeting processes, elevating financial forecasting accuracy across all ministries.
- Decreased overhead costs through identification of inefficiencies and adoption of cost-reduction measures.
- Maintained compliance with all regulatory standards through vigilant tracking of industry developments and timely policy updates.
- Enhanced communication between finance department and other business units, cultivating a collaborative environment across the organization.
- Strengthened finance team expertise through tailored training sessions and ongoing performance evaluations.
- Oversaw budgeting process guaranteeing precise forecasting and prompt adjustments to align with business needs
- Simplified vendor payment workflows fostering relationships while cutting down processing time and errors.
- Presented senior management with key financial insights to facilitate informed decision-making
- Work alongside multi-disciplinary teams to integrate financial objectives with overarching corporate strategies.
- Spearheaded merger and acquisition activities, successfully integrating acquired companies into existing financial structures.
- Improved financial operations by streamlining processes and implementing new accounting systems.
- Evaluated investment opportunities for long-term growth potential, supporting business expansion efforts.
- Optimized cash flow management through efficient working capital strategies and investment decisions.
- Evaluated financial statements against forecasts to generate high-level variance analysis.
- Facilitated monthly reconciliation of bank accounts, resolving discrepancies with timely corrective actions.
- Supported recruitment, interview processes, and hiring for new department positions.
- Verified compliance of financial policies and accounting procedures against federal regulations.
- Enhanced internal control systems and procedures to mitigate risk and support opportunities.
- Reduced process discrepancies through measured implementation of performance reporting and data systems.
- Introduced software tools and process improvements to mitigate loss and drive operational growth.
- enhanced [type] and [type] operations through proactive management and optimization of [type] operations.
- Developed and frequently reviewed financial controls to maintain accuracy and reliability of financial data.
- Managed banking operations and financial responsibilities to ensure high-quality service for clients.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
- Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
- developed cash flow projections, cost analysis, and monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
- Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.
- Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Utilized financial software to prepare consolidated financial statements.
- Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
- Assisted financial director in managing special projects and expanded job responsibilities.
- Established and checked coding procedures, monitored reports and updated internal files.
- Evaluated and negotiated contracts to procure favorable financial terms.
- Reviewed historical records, current operational data and forecasting information to identify and capitalize on system enhancement opportunities.
- developed financial dashboards to deliver insights into key performance indicators.
- Developed and sustained financial models to assess and quantify risks.
- conducted thorough financial due diligence regarding potential investments and acquisitions.
- Collaborated with C-level executives and stakeholders to develop long-term financial plans.
- Developed and supervised financial models to assess corporate investments and acquisitions.
Finance Director
Child’s i Foundation- Uganda
08.2017 - 01.2020
- Assessed finance policy to ensure compliance with USAID financial management rules and regulations.
- Developed and managed training programs that improved individual and organizational financial capabilities.
- Guided community volunteers and paraprofessionals in financial management techniques, strengthening local financial literacy.
- Strengthened company's cash flow via meticulous oversight of accounts receivable and payable.
- Enhanced financial transparency throughout all departments by implementing comprehensive budget tracking system.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop realistic budgets aligning with strategic goals, enhancing departmental accountability.
- Implemented software tools and process enhancements to reduce loss and promote operational growth.
- Developed internal audit frameworks to verify and strengthen accuracy of financial reporting.
- Guided finance team during annual audits, resulting in consistently clean audit reports.
- Guaranteed adherence to regulatory requirements and financial reporting standards, upholding company reputation and integrity.
- Engaged with banks and financial institutions to obtain favorable financing solutions for new initiatives.
- Mitigated financial risk through comprehensive credit management strategies enhancing company financial stability.
- Established and routinely assessed financial controls to ensure accurate and reliable financial data.
- Assessed historical records with current operational data and forecasting information to discover and maximize system enhancement opportunities.
- Verified payroll vendor payments, commissions, and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
- Compiled internal and regulatory financial reports, including balance sheets and income statements.
- Spearheaded implementation of new accounting software solutions, enhancing data accuracy and streamlining operations across departments.
- Developed and managed training programs to enhance individual and organizational capacity.
- Guided and instructed community volunteers and paraprofessionals in financial management techniques.
- Engaged banks and financial institutions to secure favorable financing solutions for new initiatives, supporting project viability.
- Guided junior finance team members, cultivating culture of continuous learning and professional development within department.
- Supervised multiple audits confirming reliable financial information provided to external parties without discrepancies or delays.
- Guided junior finance team members, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the department.
- Supervised multiple audits confirming reliable financial information provided to external parties without discrepancies or delays.
Head of Finance and Administration
African Centre For Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims- Kenya and Uganda
11.2015 - 07.2017
- contributed to strategic plan development for 2016-2020 aligning financial objectives with organizational goals.
- overseeing human resource management and organizational development for staff.
- enhanced budget and financial management skills of staff through targeted capacity development initiatives.
- Reporting on Financial, People Management, Operations and programmes on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
- Sector: Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister
- Established and applied financial management strategies to strengthen organizational sustainability.
- Optimized administrative processes enhancing efficiency across multiple departments.
- Ensured compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements efficiently.
- Spearheaded budgeting and forecasting efforts ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Supervised procurement operations streamlining resource allocation addressing operational requirements.
- coordinated interdepartmental collaboration improving communication and project outcomes across teams.
- Interpreted financial data to enhance strategic decision-making and resource planning.
- Optimized operational efficiency in administration team via regular process improvement efforts.
- Coordinated efforts with external auditors in annual reviews supporting a streamlined audit process each year.
- Ensured timely completion of month-end close activities while maintaining strict adherence to accounting standards.
- Championed process enhancements within finance department by formulating standardized procedures and documentation templates.
- Supervised payroll operations securing exact calculations and on-time disbursements for all employees.
- Introduced innovative expense tracking system promoting transparency and accountability in spending practices.
- Streamlined cash management strategies to optimize available funds for investment opportunities.
- Formulated and upheld financial policies to guarantee adherence to regulations and best practices.
- Spearheaded remarkable leadership for finance team, advancing professional development and supporting individual growth among staff members.
- maximized financial efficiency by adopting cost-effective measures and streamlining budget management.
- Authored comprehensive financial statements for executive evaluation underlining key performance indicators.
- Processed bi-weekly payroll to maintain employee satisfaction and compliance with payment schedules. for [number] employees while organizing all related files.
- Generated reports summarizing recent financial data encompassing expenses, income, and outstanding balances.
- Balanced accounts to maintain financial integrity and support decision-making. and analyzed variances.
- Organized daily transaction documentation to ensure accuracy in payroll and billing administration. to facilitate payroll and billing administration.
- Detected and rectified miscalculations and financial discrepancies to enhance quality assurance
- Oversaw expense tracking to maintain financial accountability and support budget management. and personnel vouchers.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Assisted financial director with special projects and tasks.
- Verified payroll vendor payments, commissions, and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
- Maintained compliance with internal controls and policies
- Formulated strategic plans to optimize day-to-day financial operations.
- Implemented and reviewed coding protocols, tracking reports and maintaining updated internal files.
Head Of Finance
Water Aid- Uganda
04.2011 - 06.2015
- Reviewed the Finance Manual, integrating Global trends.
- Facilitated organizational change and development strategies, creating an internal system for accurate and timely reporting for restricted income management programme (RIMAP).
- capacity development of staff on finance, procurement, fundraising, and budget management including monthly program evaluation of financial reports.
- Assisted partners in crafting financial policies, supporting Cou – Teddo-Teso Dioceses Planning and Development Office in policy development, enhancing Weda-Wera Development Association’s financial strategy, advising KADP-Karamoja Agro-Pastoral Development Programme on fiscal policy, and guiding HEWASA-Caritas Health in establishing a financial framework.
- Contributed to projects within water sanitation and hygiene sector.
Regional Finance Officer
Right To Play – East and Southern Africa
04.2008 - 03.2011
- Oversaw development of annual work plans, procurement strategies, and budgets, ensuring effective execution aligned with organizational goals.
- Oversee development of organization’s annual work plans, procurement strategies, and budgets, ensuring effective execution
- Supervised and managed team development and coaching efforts to enhance staff performance and skills.: I supervised and managed the performance and development of staff, and trained finance and logistics team to deliver on the organisation mandate and mentored them on their roles and responsibilities in relation to Value for Money (Efficiency; Effectiveness and Economy) and Risk management.
- Facilitated conflict resolution initiatives through play for children while providing HIV/AIDS preventive services in refugee settlements.
- Cultivated strong relationships through exceptional interpersonal skills. Delivered outstanding service to enhance client satisfaction consistently. Focused on fostering positive interactions within a collaborative environment. Built rapport with clients, leading to increased trust and loyalty.
- Cultivated strong relationships and delivered exceptional service, enhancing client satisfaction and fostering positive interactions to build trust and loyalty.
Regional Accountant
Actionaid International – Eastern Region
01.2003 - 03.2008
- Established collaborative agreements with financial partners including AusAid and United Nations Children’s Fund to enhance funding alignment.
- Refined budgeting processes, resulting in improved accuracy and timely financial forecasts.
- Oversaw finance and administration officers across 4 districts in eastern region to monitor financial control systems and program performance indicators
- Integrated reports from 4 districts and 12 partners through sun systems.
- Managed audit process for financial compliance and accuracy.
- Oversaw finance and administration officers across 4 districts in eastern region to ensure compliance with financial control systems and track program performance indicators.
- Assessed proposals for funding to partners.
- Refined budgeting processes to enhance accuracy and ensure timely financial forecasts.
- Sector: Children and women Rights using REFLECT – an HIV/AIDS prevention methodology
Finance and Administration Officer
Save The children Denmark
11.1997 - 12.2002
Education
Master of Science - Business Accountancy
University of London
London 04.2001 -
Bachelors of Commerce -
Makerere University
Kampala 04.2001 -
ACCA - Financial Management
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
UK 04.2001 -
Uganda Diploma In Business Studies -
Makerere University
Kampala 04.2001 -
Skills
Written and verbal communication ; Stakeholder engagement ; Confidentiality and respect
Strategic planning, Organizational development, Budgeting and finance
Business analysis ,profitability improvement and Contract negotiation
Organizational development
Organizational awareness
Stakeholder engagement
Written and verbal communication
Confidentiality and respect
MS Office applications
Financial oversight
MS Office applications
Certification
Certificate in security and Risk management
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Training of Senior Management and Middle Management Team of BRAC. Undertook training of senior and middle managers on Transformational leadership and digital innovation (March 2023)
- Reorganisation of the Finance and Administration Department of TPO Uganda (Undertook Job and functional analysis of the Finance and Administration Department of TPO, developed a reporting matrix and organogram and new Job descriptions and reports for the 17 member team (December 2022 to date)
- Internal Review of systems at PAG Uganda- [Reviewed Financial Management system for The Tearfund projects in PAG pastorates and trained the Board and Trustees. (September 2019 to August 2020)
- Bursar Skills Assessment for Peas| Undertook technical capacity assessment for 28 Peas Schools in 21 Districts in Uganda. This involved skills assessment; Soft and Technical skills and Job profiling of 30 Bursars and their Assistants. (April to August 2019
- Member Board Of Directors | Destiny Community Development Initiatives| 2020 to date Developed the Finance Manual; Human resource Manual and Conflict of Interest Policy
- Board Treasurer | God’s Fortress Ministries | 2016 to date Set up the Finance and Administration department and developed the Finance Manual.
- Member Board of Directors | PAG – National Social Development services | 2005 to 2020 Developed the following policies 1) Finance Policy; 2) Conflict of Interest Policy 3) Whistle Blowing Policy; 4: declaration of Interest and Fraud and Bribery Policy
- Member Board of Directors | Teso Students Development Association | 2003-2005
- Finance and Operations Consultant | Bisina Industries Ltd – Registration; set up of systems and certification
ANNEXES
- Copies of degrees and qualifications;
- Testimonial of employment or work placement;
Timeline
Chief of Operations Officer
Bisina Industries Ltd
01.2019 - Current
Finance Director
Child’s i Foundation- Uganda
08.2017 - 01.2020
Head Of Finance
Gods Fortress Ministries –Uganda
07.2016 - Current
Head of Finance and Administration
African Centre For Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims- Kenya and Uganda
11.2015 - 07.2017
Head Of Finance
Water Aid- Uganda
04.2011 - 06.2015
Regional Finance Officer
Right To Play – East and Southern Africa
04.2008 - 03.2011
Regional Accountant
Actionaid International – Eastern Region
01.2003 - 03.2008
Master of Science - Business Accountancy
University of London
04.2001 -
Bachelors of Commerce -
Makerere University
04.2001 -
ACCA - Financial Management
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
04.2001 -
Uganda Diploma In Business Studies -
Makerere University
04.2001 -
Finance and Administration Officer
Save The children Denmark
11.1997 - 12.2002