Sauda Kayaga
Kampala
Summary
Strategic and results-oriented Finance Director with 14+ years of leadership in the international NGO sector. Expert in managing $10M+ multi-donor portfolios (EU, USAID, FCDO, UN) and maintaining 100% success rates on institutional audits across complex regional environments. MBA-qualified with a track record of driving systems transformation, managing financial risks during regional crises, and leading high-performing regional teams. Known for an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to mission-driven impact.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Senior Finance Officer
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
Kampala
05.2021 - Current
- Directed financial operations and policy development across 4+ country offices in the Horn of Africa, ensuring 100% adherence to international donor regulations and statutory compliance.
- Led the successful regional migration to cloud-based QuickBooks, significantly enhancing reporting accuracy and providing real-time financial visibility for global leadership.
- Managed a complex portfolio of multi-currency grants, overseeing the full lifecycle from budget proposal through to successful multi-country audits for high-value INGO programs.
- Coordinated all internal and external audits, maintaining a 100% success rate through rigorous documentation and the implementation of robust risk mitigation protocols.
- Effectively maintained organizational stability and operational continuity during regional crises (including the Sudan conflict), ensuring secure fund flows and asset protection.
- Worked closely with the Regional Program Manager, Director, and Head of Finance to monitor project finances.
- Ensured monthly Budget versus Actual analyses were conducted and shared across the region.
- Coordinated with regional department heads to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Facilitated fluid communication on finance-related matters across regional and country offices.
- Spearheaded proposals and monitored compliance for high-value projects funded by the EU, UN, and USAID.
- Strategic Leadership: FP&A, Change Management, Multi-Country Coordination, Team Mentorship, Board & Stakeholder Engagement.
- Compliance & Governance: Grant Management (FCDO/Institutional), Internal Control Frameworks, Risk Mitigation, Statutory Compliance (Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia).
- Technical Excellence: Advanced Financial Modeling, Sensitivity Analysis, Budget vs. Actual (BVA) Analysis, QuickBooks Online, Data Visualization.
- Ensured accurate and transparent audit documentation, leading to successful donor and external audits and fostering organisational trust.
- Effectively managed and mentored finance professionals across the region, driving performance improvements and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Demonstrated adeptness in managing crises and emergency situations in politically unstable regions, ensuring organisational stability and continuity of operations.
- Recognised for exceptional performance, resulting in promotion from Finance Officer to Regional Senior Finance Officer.
Finance Officer
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
Kampala
05.2018 - 05.2021
- Collaborated with SIHA Finance staff to refine financial management policies and procedures.
- Ensured accuracy and compliance of financial summaries from regional country offices.
- Organised monthly financial reports for management review.
- Prepared financial records for audits.
- Supported the Regional Head of Finance and Administration in managing Finance Officers.
- Coordinated with department heads to uphold regulatory compliance and facilitate finance-related communication.
- Acted as a primary point of contact for resolving regional finance issues.
- Oversaw financial and budget consolidation with country teams, tracking project budgets.
- Reviewed donor reports for local submissions.
- Conducted monthly Budget versus Actual comparisons, distributing results regionally.
Customer Service Advisor
Barclays Bank Uganda
Kampala
10.2014 - 04.2018
Area Coordinator
BRAC Uganda
Mbarara
02.2013 - 09.2014
- I and my team of 4 credit officers initiated the Microfinance section of the youth (Empowerment and Livelihood for Adolescents, ELA) project in Mbarara area for BRAC Uganda.
- I managed the administrative, finance, monitoring and reporting of the project.
Education
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
University of East London
London06.2026
BACHELORS OF STATISTICS -
Makerere University
Kampala01.2010
Skills
- Financial Management
- Financial Analysis
- Forecasting
- Budgeting
- Variance Analysis
- GAAP Compliance
- IFRS Compliance
- Financial Coordination
- Financial Strategy
- Auditing Processes
- Accounting
- ERP Systems
- Excel Proficiency
- Financial Reporting
- Performance Management
Certification
- Mexoxo Take the Lead Program, eCornell University, 2025
- Financial Management, London (Online), 2022
- Statistical, Makerere University, 2008
Custom Section
(256) 774109820, saudakayaga@gmail.com, LinkedIn.com
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
Luganda
Proficient
C2
Arabic
Beginner
A1
References
Kimberley Anne Armstrong
Regional Program Evaluation and Reporting
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction- Canada
+256705069650
kimberley.armstrong@mail.mcgill.ca
Mayada ElTayeb
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
Regional Head of Finance and Administration
+249 915756944
Muwonge Moses
Branch Manager
ABSA Bank Uganda
+256772320596
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded the migration of cloud-based QuickBooks to online QuickBooks
- Ensured continuous project implementations in Sudan after the war broke out in April 2023.
- transparency and efficient financial management resulting in donor trust and increased financial sustainability for SIHA Network.
- Trained finance professionals for both SIHA and partner organizations in smooth and efficient financial management
- Effectively managed sub grants for all SIHA partners
Timeline
Regional Senior Finance Officer
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
05.2021 - Current
Finance Officer
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
05.2018 - 05.2021
Customer Service Advisor
Barclays Bank Uganda
10.2014 - 04.2018
Area Coordinator
BRAC Uganda
02.2013 - 09.2014
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
University of East London
BACHELORS OF STATISTICS -
Makerere University