Lydia Kiarie
Nairobi
Summary
Highly adaptable and versatile CPA with 15+ years of experience in Finance, specializing in Public Finance Mobilization within international, private, and public sector organizations. Proven track record of success in securing and managing funds, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring financial integrity. Demonstrated expertise in budget preparation and analysis, donor relationship management, grant writing, and financial reporting within a public sector context. Adept at navigating complex regulatory environments and driving organizational efficiency through process improvement and technology implementation. Finance professional skilled in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. Known for strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Adaptable to changing needs, reliable, and results-driven. Expertise in financial reporting, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Epic Financial Consultants
07.2023 - Current
- Provided expert financial advisory services to a diverse portfolio of clients, including microfinance institutions, the private sector, and other clients in the public and non-profit sectors
- Conducted in-depth financial assessments to identify client needs and opportunities for improvement in resource mobilization and financial management
- Developed and implemented tailored financial strategies to enhance clients' ability to secure and manage funding from various sources, including grants, public funds, and private investment
- Supported clients in developing and implementing robust financial management systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and accounting standards
- Provided guidance on budget preparation, financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies to optimize clients' financial performance and sustainability
Director, Finance & Administration
Dexis Consulting
05.2021 - 06.2023
- Managed all financial aspects of a USAID-funded project, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and achieving project objectives
- Developed, implemented, and provided training on financial policies, financial rules & regulations, and procedures to enhance and harmonize financial reporting and compliance
- Collaborated with the Chief of Party (COP) to enhance the efficiency of Dexis' Finance and Grants management system
- Prepared and reviewed work order budgets and financial reports as requested by the COP and USAID
- Provided expert financial and budgeting analysis, such as pipeline analysis and projected expenditures per work order budget
- Developed internal control measures and standard operating procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting at HQ and field levels
Head Finance Business Partner & Strategic Finance Manager
Limelight Creations Ltd
08.2018 - 04.2021
- Led the transformation of business systems, processes, and policies related to financial strategy, cash flow management, planning, analysis, modeling, and reporting
- Drove strategic financial analysis and planning, identifying mission-critical needs, issues, and business drivers
- Acted as a key member of the operations team, providing strategic thought leadership, expert advice, and guidance to the CEO, Executive Director of Finance and IT, and the leadership team
- Managed forecasting models and reporting for the business area
- Drove monthly performance reviews with budget owners to enhance forecast accuracy and enforce disciplined expense management
- Supported long-term business and financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes
- Developed business cases and recommendations for expenditure decisions
Finance Officer
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF DRUGS & CRIME
05.2017 - 07.2018
- Managed all financial and contractual aspects of grants, adhering to UN's Grants Management policy and donor regulations
- Collaborated with donors and HQ members to develop, negotiate, and finalize awards, ensuring alignment with UN rules and regulations
- Conducted capacity-building activities for staff and implementing partners on financial management, budgeting, and reporting for public sector projects
- Collaborated closely with program teams and stakeholders in the proposal development process, ensuring accurate and compliant budget proposals
Accounts Service Unit
UNITED NATION OFFICE IN NAIROBI
08.2013 - 04.2017
- Led the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), ensuring compliance with public sector accounting requirements and enhancing financial reporting transparency
- Managed multi-million dollar budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to UN Financial Regulations and Rules
- Achieved notable progress in curtailing donor outstanding contributions receivables through strategic engagement and collection approaches
- Designed, developed, and managed a comprehensive Risk Management System across all accounting units, mitigating financial risks and ensuring compliance
Budget Officer
UNITED NATION OFFICE IN NAIROBI
09.2003 - 08.2010
- Led budget preparation and allotment issuance activities, meticulously evaluating and analyzing resource requirements for budget submissions
- Prepared UNON extra-budgetary allotments by assessing requirements, funds availability, and projected income
- Ensured compliance with established regulations, rules, and policies while monitoring extra-budgetary resources
- Generated comprehensive reports on budget utilization, highlighting discrepancies and recommending corrective actions
Education
Ongoing PHD - Project Planning & Management
University of Nairobi
10.2024
Master’s in development finance -
KCA University
01.2017
Certified Public Accountants -
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
01.2003
Master’s in business administration - Finance
University of Nairobi
01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Moi University
01.1996
Skills
- Public Finance Mobilization
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Donor Relationship Management
- Grant Writing and Proposal Development
- Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Problem-Solving
- Excellent Communication
- Decision-Making
Certification
- Six-Sigma – Black Belt & Lean Management, 2010
- Kaizen Practitioner, 2012
- Financial Modelling, Valuation and Analysis using Microsoft Excel, 2020
- The Business Intelligence Analyst Course, 2020
Accomplishments
- Successfully secured funding for critical projects through grant applications, donor partnerships, and resource mobilization initiatives.
- Effectively managed and allocated multi-million-dollar budgets for various UN projects.
- Cultivated and leveraged rapport with diverse donors and other stakeholders.
- Produced accurate and timely financial statements, dashboards, and reports for management.
Professionalreferences
- James Omwenga, Chief, Security Information Officer, United Nations Offices in Nairobi, +2542027624081, James.Omwenga@UN.org
- Alina Mutua, Chief Of Party, Dexis Consulting, +254733720413, alina.mutua@gmail.com
- Paul Odhiambo, Chief Executive Officer, Epic Financial Consulting, +254739828038, info@epicfinconsulting.com
Languages
English
Native language
French
Upper intermediate
B2
Swahili
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Epic Financial Consultants
07.2023 - Current
Director, Finance & Administration
Dexis Consulting
05.2021 - 06.2023
Head Finance Business Partner & Strategic Finance Manager
Limelight Creations Ltd
08.2018 - 04.2021
Finance Officer
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF DRUGS & CRIME
05.2017 - 07.2018
Accounts Service Unit
UNITED NATION OFFICE IN NAIROBI
08.2013 - 04.2017
Budget Officer
UNITED NATION OFFICE IN NAIROBI
09.2003 - 08.2010
Master’s in development finance -
KCA University
Certified Public Accountants -
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
Master’s in business administration - Finance
University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Moi University
Ongoing PHD - Project Planning & Management
University of Nairobi
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