James Kago Nganga
Finance Manager
Nairobi
Summary
Results-driven Finance and Administration Manager with expertise in financial management and grant oversight. Develops and implements robust financial systems that enhance programme efficiency and compliance. Cultivates strong stakeholder relationships to ensure effective communication and issue resolution.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance and Administration Manager
Global Evergreening Alliance (GEA)
Melbourne
07.2023 - 04.2026
- Provided strategic and technical leadership to Program Support Unit for Restore Africa Program (RESAf) in Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi, focusing on grants and financial management, program management, carbon development, strategic planning, procurement, and human resource management.
- Developed, implemented, and monitored financial systems and procedures to enhance operations of Program Support Unit and grants implementation across Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.
- Managed program and project budgets, assisting lead implementing organizations (LIOs) in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda to develop, implement, and monitor project and carbon budgets.
- Preparing periodical financial and grants reports for the grants awarded to Lead Implementing organisation in Kenya, Malawi and Uganda.
- Managed procurement and tendering processes for consultancy services, goods, and services, overseeing procurement planning, bid document reviews, bid evaluations, contract awards, and payment processes.
- Monitoring the day-to-day financial operations such as payroll, invoicing, and other transactions payment and treasury management processes.
- Built capacity and trained program staff and implementing partners to improve financial management skills and knowledge of financial systems, procedures, and grant management best practices.
- Reviewing audit reports of implementing partners and supporting the Regional Program Director and Program Manager to develop and implement plans to follow up.
- Monitoring the Risk Management Framework of the Restore Africa Program and the Regional office, updating the risk framework; periodical reporting on the risk in collaboration with Compliance Manager based in Melbourne, Australia.
- Developed detailed implementation plans, program log frames, and overarching project plans (OPP) in collaboration with program team and regional director to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
- Ensuring safeguarding, fraud prevention and anti-terrorism funding policies are implemented and facilitating support to projects.
- Overseeing the day-to-day function of the Human Resources function of the RESAf office.
- Developing solid and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of communications and resolution of issues.
- Based at The Restore Africa project (RESAf) Nairobi Office of the Program Coordination Unit (PCU).
Finance and Grants Manager
Kenya Climate Innovation Center
Kenya
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Managed financial operations for MSMEs, overseeing grants and commercial loans while coordinating procurement, administration, human resources, and IT management.
- Led team in transitioning organisation from donor-funded programme to company by developing financial management systems, documenting accounting procedures, and implementing organisation-wide ERP system; developed human resources manuals and recruited over 15 staff; conducted six external audits.
- Allocated funds to successful applicants, ensuring strict compliance with financial guidelines and maximising impact of resources.
- Posted journal and ledger entries, prepared financial statements and reports, and closed books to maintain accurate financial records.
- Reconciled monthly bank statements and resolved discrepancies.
Finance and Administration Manager
Kenya Climate Innovation Center
Kenya
01.2013 - 12.2020
- Managing multi-million US Dollars grants awarded by European Union, Danish Development Agency (DANIDA); IKEA Foundation, Lemelson Foundation from proposal budget development, compliance with grants agreements stipulations; implementing partners training and capacity building, reporting, grants and project audit and project closure.
- Financial management and reporting. Presenting monthly and quarterly financial and budget performance reports to management, Board of Directors and Donors including The European Union, UKAID, The World Bank and DANIDA.
- Preparing annual financial statements that are compliant with full International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), Consolidating Group Accounts in line with IFRS10; overseeing and managing the annual external audit of the organisation and implementing Audit Management Letter recommendations.
- Developed and implemented annual work plans and budgets; reported budget performance against expenditure to align with organisational goals.
- Facilitated business development by providing financial input, including cost allocation, for donor funding proposals.
- Assessed financial and grant management capacity of implementing partners for grant awards; reviewed and approved POC grant contracts for SMEs; built capacity in grant and financial management; reviewed POC grant accounting and expenditure; and recommended closure of grantees.
- Treasury management of the cash resources; developing annual cash flow forecast; review and approval of payments to vendors, consultants and suppliers; proposing the short-term cash investments proposals including fixed and call deposits and negotiating with the bankers on interest earning banking facilities.
- Managing performance of Finance and Administration team through developing of annual performance targets, coaching staff to enhance performance; performance evaluation, development and implementation of training and development needs. The team consists of Senior Finance Officer, Human Resources Officer, IT Officer, Procurement and Administration Assistant, Finance Assistant; and Front Office Assistant.
- Supervising, reviewing and approving large scale procurements bids; procurement reports and recommendations and approval of vendor and consultant contracts.
- Implementing and managing the organisation computerized ERP system that encompasses Client Management System (CRM); Human Capital Management (HCM); Enterprise Resource Planning -Finance, Budget and Travel Management; and E-procurement.
- Reviewing and proposing mitigation measures of organisations operational and other risks on a quarterly basis and updating the risk register.
- Relationship management with our bankers; vendors and service providers, donors, auditors; company secretary, company lawyers and other stakeholders.
- Remitted statutory withholding tax, VAT, corporate tax, and PAYE; filed annual and monthly tax returns.
- Remitted statutory withholding tax, VAT, corporate tax, and PAYE; filed annual and monthly tax returns.
Financial Management Consultant
Independent Financial Consultant
Nairobi
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Provided financial management consultancy to Save The Children Somalia, enhancing financial strategies and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with team to deliver projects aligned with organisational objectives.
- Managed client complaints through effective communication and problem-solving strategies.
- Maintained safe working environments, reducing potential accident risks.
Senior Advisor, International Development Advisory Services (IDAS)
KPMG Kenya
Nairobi
07.2010 - 07.2012
- Delivered advisory services for donor-funded programmes managed by KPMG, including DANIDA and SIDA-Sweden, improving programme outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Developed financial management procedures, systems, and processes for new programmes; implemented internal controls; managed financial reporting and risk management; oversaw procurement processes; maintained donor relations and managed grant activities.
- Strengthened client relationships through strategic outreach and engagement initiatives, resulting in increased collaboration and project opportunities.
- Spearheaded business development efforts, identifying and capitalising on new market opportunities.
- Anticipated changing industry trends and refined programmes to align with evolving needs, positioning KPMG as a leader in international development.
Finance and Administration Assistant
The African Development Bank (AfDB)
Nairobi
05.2008 - 06.2010
- Managed financial accounting and reporting, prepared budgets, monitored reporting for Kenya country programme, coordinated procurements, and oversaw human resources functions to support operational integrity.
- Oversaw management of short-term grants from AfDB to Kenya government agencies and private sector, facilitating capacity building initiatives.
- Coordinated operations of Kenya country office to enhance support for programme delivery.
Senior Accountant- Public Sector Development
KPMG KENYA
Nairobi
08.2006 - 04.2008
- Managed budgeting, forecasting, financial accounting, reporting, procurement reviews, risk management, internal controls, and grants management, ensuring financial integrity and compliance across all processes.
- Managed grants amounting to approximately 10 million US Dollars for a period of 1.5 years awarded to over 30 Kenya Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs);
- Renewed KPMG financial management contract with development partners, strengthening support for GJLOS programme and enhancing overall programme delivery.
Various positions Assistant Management Accountant, Assistant Accountant (Treasury), Assistant Accountant Depots
Brookside Dairy Limited
Nairobi
01.1999 - 07.2006
- Managed monthly management accounting reporting, bank and cash management, vendor and supplier payments, and conducted audits and financial reviews of sales depots, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting to support strategic decision-making.
- Formulated monthly management accounting reporting templates and streamlined accounting processes through implementation of SYSPRO accounting software, improving data accessibility and reporting efficiency for timely financial insights.
Education
Programme for Management Development (PMD) - Management Development
Strathmore University -Strathmore Business School (SBS)
Nairobi, Kenya12-2017
Certified Public Accountant of Kenya -CPA (K) - Accounting
Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University
Nairobi, Kenya12-2004
Bachelor of Science - International Business Administration (Finance and Accounting)
United States International University
Nairobi, Kenya08-2006
Master in Business Administration (MBA) - Strategic Management
United States International University
Nairobi, Kenya05-2011
Skills
- Financial management
- Grant Management
- Financial accounting
- Budgeting
- Procurement
- Treasury forecasting
- Risk management
- Strategic planning
- Project Management
- Human resource management
- Governance
- Administration and operations
Language Skills
English
Swahili
French
Certification
- Certified Public Account of Kenya (CPA-K)
- Member no. 5035
Timeline
Finance and Administration Manager
Global Evergreening Alliance (GEA)
07.2023 - 04.2026
Finance and Grants Manager
Kenya Climate Innovation Center
01.2021 - 07.2023
Finance and Administration Manager
Kenya Climate Innovation Center
01.2013 - 12.2020
Financial Management Consultant
Independent Financial Consultant
08.2012 - 06.2013
Senior Advisor, International Development Advisory Services (IDAS)
KPMG Kenya
07.2010 - 07.2012
Finance and Administration Assistant
The African Development Bank (AfDB)
05.2008 - 06.2010
Senior Accountant- Public Sector Development
KPMG KENYA
08.2006 - 04.2008
Various positions Assistant Management Accountant, Assistant Accountant (Treasury), Assistant Accountant Depots
Brookside Dairy Limited
01.1999 - 07.2006
Programme for Management Development (PMD) - Management Development
Strathmore University -Strathmore Business School (SBS)
Certified Public Accountant of Kenya -CPA (K) - Accounting
Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University
Bachelor of Science - International Business Administration (Finance and Accounting)
United States International University
Master in Business Administration (MBA) - Strategic Management
United States International University