MS Excel
Edward Okech
Finance Management Specialist
Kampala,102
Summary
Strategic-thinking individual who oversees every facet of life with strong project management and decision-making skills. Brings comprehensive knowledge of project management, financial management, proposal writing and team-building. Skilled at coordinating budgets and personnel resources to complete work under tight deadlines.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Director Finance/ Business Official
AIDS Information Centre- Uganda
10.2023 - Current
- Navigated company through periods of significant change, maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals.
- Enhanced stakeholder satisfaction with timely and transparent communication strategies.
- Led cross-functional teams to exceed benchmarks for SLA delivery, staying on top of challenging schedules with multiple competing timelines.
- Strengthened financial health with rigorous cost control measures and revenue enhancement strategies.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Director Finance and Administration
AIDS Information Centre-Uganda
11.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Enhanced stakeholder satisfaction with timely and transparent communication strategies.
Lead Const- Finance & Accounting
TDS & Co. Certified Public Accountants
12.2021 - 10.2022
- Established key relationships with team members, upper management, customers, and partners through well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
- Contributed accounting expertise toward implementing business improvements.
- Reconciled bank statements.
- Enhanced accuracy in financial reporting through meticulous review and reconciliation of accounts.
- Mentored junior accounting staff, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
Project Finance Officer
African Tax Administration Forum (AfDB Project)
04.2021 - 11.2021
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Optimized cash flow management, ensuring timely payment of invoices and reducing outstanding debts.
- Streamlined financial processes for increased efficiency and accuracy in reporting.
- Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
- Reduced financial risk by implementing robust internal controls and regular audits.
- Verified compliance of financial policies and accounting procedures against federal regulations.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared financial goals and objectives.
- Implemented new accounting software system resulting in improved automation and streamlined workflows.
- Analyzed financial statements against forecasts to prepare high-level variance analysis.
- Utilized financial software to prepare consolidated financial statements.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Supported the Finance Manager with special projects and additional job duties.
- Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.
Lead Const- Finance & Accounting
TDS & Co. Certified Public Accountants
06.2016 - 04.2021
- Supervised accounts payable/receivable functions, ensuring timely processing of invoices while maintaining strong relationships with vendors and clients.
- Mentored junior accounting staff, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
- Acted as primary liaison between finance department and external auditors during annual audit process, facilitating smooth communication channels throughout engagement period.
- Conducted thorough internal audits, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective measures.
- Reconciled bank statements.
- Entered journal updates to balance general ledger accounts.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
Finance Management Specialist
Consulting World Partners Ltd
03.2016 - 06.2016
- Oversaw budget planning and financial analysis, ensuring accurate forecasting and prudent fiscal decision-making.
- Facilitated regular team meetings focused on problem-solving discussions that led to practical solutions.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
Finance Manager
Aids Information Centre- Uganda
03.2011 - 02.2016
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Enhanced budget management by implementing expense tracking and cost reduction strategies.
- Processed invoices and contacted appropriate parties for timely payment receipt.
- Optimized cash flow with diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable.
- Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for strategic business planning and growth initiatives.
- Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
- Ensured compliance with statutory obligations; timely filing of all required documents, mitigating potential penalties or fines.
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by regularly reviewing reconciliations of accounts receivable, accounts payable and bank accounts.
- Played key role in senior management meetings, offering insights that shaped company direction and growth.
- Coordinated with external auditors to ensure smooth and compliant audit process each fiscal year.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Created financial dashboards to provide insights into key performance indicators.
- Supported the Finance Director with special projects and additional job duties.
Accounts Payables Controller
Airtel Uganda Ltd
03.2010 - 03.2011
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Ensured compliance with tax regulations by managing the timely preparation and filing of all required returns.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
- Provided insightful financial analysis to support executive team in making informed business decisions.
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by implementing internal controls.
- Followed up with delinquent accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
- Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
- Reduced month-end closing time by optimizing reconciliation procedures and improving collaboration between departments.
Inventory Accountant
McGee Group Ltd
04.2008 - 03.2009
- Streamlined inventory accounting processes by implementing new software solutions and improving data accuracy.
- Enhanced financial reporting quality for better decision-making by conducting regular audits and reconciliations of inventory accounts.
- Identified discrepancies between physical counts and system records, initiating investigations and making necessary adjustments for accurate financial reporting.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
Sales & Distribution Controller
Nile Breweries Ltd
02.2007 - 01.2008
- Collaborated with other functional areas to develop integrated solutions for complex business challenges related to finance operations.
- Prepared detailed variance analyses on a monthly basis, enabling more effective tracking of actuals versus forecasted figures.
- Managed budgeting process, aligning departmental budgets with organizational goals and monitoring performance against targets.
- Established robust internal control framework, minimizing the risk of fraud and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Management Accountant
Nile Breweries Ltd
04.2005 - 02.2007
- Reduced operational costs by identifying inefficiencies in workflows and implementing process improvements.
- Managed a team of junior accountants, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure consistent growth in their professional skills.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including department heads, vendors, and banking partners.
- Optimized cash flow management strategies by analyzing historical trends, improving forecasting models, and minimizing working capital requirements.
- Prepared and presented Budget Variance Analysis Reports to Department heads on a monthly basis, highlighting areas of strength as well as areas that required corrective action.
- Cooperated with senior leaders to create operating budgets and initiate financial planning.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Enhanced profitability analysis methods by incorporating non-financial metrics into evaluations, resulting in a more holistic view of company performance.
- Collaborated closely with external auditors during annual reviews, ensuring timely completion of audit procedures without any significant findings or adjustments required.
- Developed comprehensive financial reports for senior management, facilitating effective decision-making based on accurate data insights.
Purchasing Manager
Nile Breweries Ltd
01.2004 - 04.2005
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and pricing with suppliers.
- Evaluated supplier performance through regular audits and assessments, ensuring compliance with quality standards and contractual terms.
- Purchased raw materials required for manufacturing products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
- Established long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, securing favorable pricing and delivery terms.
- Reduced order processing time by keeping regular communication with suppliers and ensuring their pre-payments are processed in time.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify cost-saving opportunities in the supply chain.
- Coordinated with finance and budgeting departments to align procurement strategies with fiscal objectives.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
- Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.
- Supervised and mentored a team of four staff.
Treasury Accountant
Nile breweries Ltd
01.2003 - 12.2003
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by conducting thorough daily bank reconciliations for company accounts.
- Diligently monitored interest rate fluctuations, adjusting investment strategies accordingly to preserve capital and maximize returns consistently.
- Developed informative treasury reports to provide senior management with insights into the company's liquidity position and risk exposure levels.
- Implemented process improvements in relation to cash handling procedures, reducing instances of discrepancies or errors significantly.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
Banking Officer
Post Bank Uganda Ltd
03.2002 - 12.2002
- Assisted clients with various banking needs including account openings, loan applications, and financial planning advice.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing timely and accurate banking services.
- Worked closely with colleagues in other departments to ensure seamless delivery of integrated financial solutions for customers.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with personalized financial advice and product recommendations.
Banking Officer
DFCU Bank Ltd
04.2001 - 02.2002
- Handled large transaction volumes accurately, maintaining high levels of operational excellence within the branch.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in a high retention rate among existing clients.
- Received and posted cheques into the central banking system.
Data Officer
Tibbett & Britten Int.
09.1999 - 04.2001
- Enhanced data quality by implementing standardized processes and best practices for data collection and entry.
- Reduced errors in data processing tasks by introducing validation checks and monitoring procedures.
- Suggested initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of data-driven decision-making across the organization, resulting in more informed strategic choices.
Education
Master of Science - Project Management
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool, United Kingdom 05.2022 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Quantitative Economics
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda 04.2001 - 01.1999
A Levels (UACE) -
Busoga College Mwiri
Jinja, Uganda04-1996
O Levels (UCE) -
Busoga College Mwiri
Jinja, Uganda12-1993
Bachelor of Science - Quantitative Economics
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda 04.2001 -
Skills
Grants Management
undefinedCertification
ACCA, London School of Business & Finance, Management & Accountancy Training College Kampala
Accomplishments
Reduced organisation's tax liability by $420,000 through recomputing value-added-tax liability using alternative method rather than the direct method.
- Reduced organisation's tax liability by $420,000 through recomputing value-added-tax liability using alternative method rather than the direct method.
Affiliations
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Software
MS Word
MS Microsoft
MS Outlook
MS Dynamics 365
QuickBooks
Tally
MS Powerpoint
Section name
Golfing, Badminton, Jogging, football
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementFlexible work hoursWork from home optionWork-life balanceQuote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Elementary (A2)
Interests
Travelling
Golfing
Badminton
Football
Jogging
Websites
Timeline
Director Finance/ Business Official
AIDS Information Centre- Uganda
10.2023 - Current
Director Finance and Administration
AIDS Information Centre-Uganda
11.2022 - 09.2023
Master of Science - Project Management
Liverpool John Moores University
05.2022 - Current
Lead Const- Finance & Accounting
TDS & Co. Certified Public Accountants
12.2021 - 10.2022
Project Finance Officer
African Tax Administration Forum (AfDB Project)
04.2021 - 11.2021
Lead Const- Finance & Accounting
TDS & Co. Certified Public Accountants
06.2016 - 04.2021
Finance Management Specialist
Consulting World Partners Ltd
03.2016 - 06.2016
Finance Manager
Aids Information Centre- Uganda
03.2011 - 02.2016
Accounts Payables Controller
Airtel Uganda Ltd
03.2010 - 03.2011
Inventory Accountant
McGee Group Ltd
04.2008 - 03.2009
Sales & Distribution Controller
Nile Breweries Ltd
02.2007 - 01.2008
Management Accountant
Nile Breweries Ltd
04.2005 - 02.2007
Purchasing Manager
Nile Breweries Ltd
01.2004 - 04.2005
Treasury Accountant
Nile breweries Ltd
01.2003 - 12.2003
Banking Officer
Post Bank Uganda Ltd
03.2002 - 12.2002
Bachelor of Science - Quantitative Economics
Makerere University
04.2001 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Science - Quantitative Economics
Makerere University
04.2001 -
Banking Officer
DFCU Bank Ltd
04.2001 - 02.2002
Data Officer
Tibbett & Britten Int.
09.1999 - 04.2001
A Levels (UACE) -
Busoga College Mwiri
O Levels (UCE) -
Busoga College Mwiri
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