Benson Wanjau Kamau
Accounting and Finance Professional
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Accounting and Finance Professional with over eight years of experience in managing financial operations, reporting, and compliance within the private sector and NGOs. Proven ability to align financial strategies with organizational objectives, enhance accountability, and streamline processes. Expertise in financial accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, internal controls, and compliance with statutory and donor requirements. Known for excellent problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Finance Officer (Part-time)
Foundation for Dialogue (FFD)
08.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: FFD is an NGO with operations in Kenya specializing in conflict resolution, design, and implementation of Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programs through the Devolved National Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism (NSCVE) in partnership with County Governments and the National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC)
- Provide financial input in budget preparations, funding agreements, and project work plans
- Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions and reconciliation of accounts
- Monitor project expenditures to align with funding agreements and donor requirements
- Oversee financial operations, vendor payments, and bank reconciliations
- Coordinate operational and logistical support for meetings, workshops, and trainings
- FFD is an NGO with operations in Kenya specializing in conflict resolution, design, and implementation of Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programs through the Devolved National Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism (NSCVE) in partnership with County Governments and the National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC)
Finance Officer
Kenya Good Neighbors
01.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Good Neighbors is a global humanitarian and development organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals, particularly children, by providing access to education, implementing community development programs, promoting health and sanitation, and delivering disaster relief initiatives
- Preparation of donor reports ensuring compliance with accounting policies and regulatory requirements
- Prepare and present financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, for management and donors
- Ensure that procurement is carried out in accordance with the internal policies as well as funder's specific Procurement Policy
- Actively participate in donor budget preparation, revision, advice on donor requirements, and ensure proposal budget and reports are submitted in the correct format
- Monitor financial performance of donor-funded projects, ensuring funds are utilized effectively and efficiently
- Support procurement processes, ensuring compliance with organizational policies
- Development of annual budgets and financial forecasts aligned with organizational goals and donor requirements
- Conduct regular reconciliations of Bank accounts, Petty cash, ledgers and other financial records to ensure consistency and accuracy
- Ensures financial practices comply with each donor's requirements and internal financial regulations
- Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard financial assets and ensure compliance with statutory regulations
- Support internal and external audits by preparing required financial documentation and reports
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies
- Ensure statutory compliance by processing payments on time
- Ensure that all financial operations comply with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies
- Monitor the day-to-day financial operations within the company, such as payroll, invoicing, and other transactions
- Good Neighbors is a global humanitarian and development organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals, particularly children, by providing access to education, implementing community development programs, promoting health and sanitation, and delivering disaster relief initiatives
Finance & Administration Officer
Foundation for Dialogue (FFD)
03.2021 - 01.2024
- Company Overview: FFD is an NGO with operations in Kenya specializing in conflict resolution, design, and implementation of Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programs through the Devolved National Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism (NSCVE) in partnership with County Governments and the National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC)
- Managed financial operations, including preparation of reports, bank reconciliations, and payroll processing
- Provided financial oversight for project expenditures, ensuring compliance with donor agreements and timelines
- Coordinated internal and external audits, resolving queries and implementing recommendations
- Supported the program teams in planning and managing activity budgets, to ensure funds are utilized within the required timelines in line with funding agreement, and budget revisions are processed on time
- Maintained accurate documentation of donor agreements, financial transactions, and reports for audit purposes
- Provided administrative assistance, ensuring organizational compliance with operational standards
- Providing operational and logistical support and coordination of meetings, trainings, workshops, and seminars
- Payroll Preparation and statutory deductions payments
- Participates in proposal writing for grant-funded programs
- Providing financial input in budget preparations, crafting of funding agreement, and supporting the program team in development and formulation of project work plans
- Formulate operating/ capital budgets, establish cost control procedures, and present results to both finance & non-finance people to understand
- Supervise/manage petty cash
- Managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial, and other management accounting functions
- FFD is an NGO with operations in Kenya specializing in conflict resolution, design, and implementation of Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programs through the Devolved National Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism (NSCVE) in partnership with County Governments and the National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC)
Finance & Administration Officer (Part-time)
Central Kenya Development Network (CKDN)/CEREB
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Provided financial expertise and administrative support for CKDN and CEREB activities
- Liaised with stakeholders to ensure effective communication and documentation of programs
- Developed and implemented financial policies and procedures for CKDN
- Managed and oversaw administrative functions, including documentation, reporting, correspondence management and events planning in CKDN and CEREB
Accountant
Trevor Collection Limited
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Maintained financial records, ensuring compliance with accounting standards
- Conducted reconciliations and prepared daily sales reports
- Prepared financial statements and projections to support decision-making
- Reconciling the Daily sales, banking, and debtors' register for the organization
- Reconciliation of account payables and account receivables
Coordinator
Easy Masters Agency Ltd
10.2019 - 07.2020
Accountant (Part-time)
Temus Holdings Ltd
10.2016 - 10.2019
Senior Accountant
Ashleys Kenya Limited
10.2013 - 10.2019
- Strengthened internal controls by updating and implementing accounting systems
- Managed financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow optimization
- Facilitated company expansion by providing strategic financial advice and revenue forecasting
- Ensured compliance with statutory requirements, including NHIF, NSSF, VAT, and withholding tax
- Prepared financial statements and other reports to summarize and interpret current and projected company financial position
- Performed monthly bank and petty cash reconciliation
- Preparing Monthly Cash flows and projections
- Support internal and external audit and ensuring the organization complies with accounting standards and local statutory requirements
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance
Mount Kenya University
01.2018 - 01.2022
Certified Public Accountant - CPA-K
Excel Institute of Professionals
01.2011 - 01.2012
KATC I & II - Accounting Technician Certificate
Excel Institute of Professionals
Skills
Financial Planning & Analysis
Budgeting & Financial Reporting
Internal Controls & Risk Management
Program & Procurement Management
Tax Compliance & Statutory Reporting
Asset Management & Cash Flow Optimization
Accounting Software: QuickBooks
Accounting Software: Zoho Books
Accounting Software: Xero
Leadership & Team Management
Analytical & Strategic Thinking
Strong Interpersonal & Communication Skills (Verbal & Written)
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
Attention to Detail & Time Management
Organizational & Planning Skills
Certification
Risk Management, International Business Management Institute, 2018
Accomplishments
- Streamlined financial reporting processes, enabling timely fund disbursement and enhanced accountability.
- Designed and implemented financial policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Foundation for Dialogue (FFD), strengthening internal controls.
- Advised on expenditure reduction strategies, leading to a 20% cost-saving annually.
- Consistently achieved budgetary goals and financial objectives between 01/2021 and 12/2023.
- Supported the expansion of Ashleys Kenya Limited by developing financial strategies that facilitated revenue growth and operational scaling, adding six new outlets.
Timeline
Finance Officer (Part-time)
Foundation for Dialogue (FFD)
08.2024 - Current
Finance Officer
Kenya Good Neighbors
01.2024 - Current
Finance & Administration Officer (Part-time)
Central Kenya Development Network (CKDN)/CEREB
01.2023 - 12.2023
Finance & Administration Officer
Foundation for Dialogue (FFD)
03.2021 - 01.2024
Accountant
Trevor Collection Limited
08.2020 - 02.2021
Coordinator
Easy Masters Agency Ltd
10.2019 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance
Mount Kenya University
01.2018 - 01.2022
Accountant (Part-time)
Temus Holdings Ltd
10.2016 - 10.2019
Senior Accountant
Ashleys Kenya Limited
10.2013 - 10.2019
Certified Public Accountant - CPA-K
Excel Institute of Professionals
01.2011 - 01.2012
KATC I & II - Accounting Technician Certificate
Excel Institute of Professionals