irene angwenyi

Motivated and results-driven Finance and Administration Manager with over 10 years of experience in the financial and operational management of large organizations. Track record in developing and implementing financial strategies, improving processes, and managing budgets. Expert in ensuring the organization’s compliance with applicable laws, and industry best practices, while overseeing grants process from solicitations to award implementation. Proven ability to conduct trainings, create and strengthen policies, and develop methods for monitoring and auditing compliance. Strong leadership skills with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Faith to Action Network 

Manager – Finance and Administration, (September 2022 to Present) 

• Prepare periodical reports that compare budgeted costs and actual costs, including year-end close and annual accounts.
• Build capacity of staff, Network members and partners in financial management, reporting and other compliance issues.
• Ensure accurate and timely posting of data into the accounting system - SUN LEDGER i.e payments, various journals types and receipts.
• Lead monthly standard accounting submissions, including general ledger files, account reconciliations, expenditure by cost center/project, required subgrantee reporting, as well as other financial information on a timely and accurate manner.
• Manage several sub-grants, including selection, due diligence assessments and contracting of sub-grantees.
• Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, assess risks, and make data-driven decisions to improve the financial performance of the organization.

Key Accomplishments: 

• Conducted regular audits and risk assessments to identify potential areas of non-compliance and ensure the organization is following proper financial and administrative practices.
• Improved the accuracy of reporting by 40% by streamlining internal processes and providing regular training to staff on compliance requirements.
• Reduced the number of compliance-related issues with donors by 50% by proactively identifying and addressing potential compliance risks.

Lutheran World Relief 

East Africa Regional Finance & Administration Manager (November 2019 to August 2022)

• Country lead as the regional director does not sit in the region and there is no country director.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with local stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and local partners across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan.
• Represented the organization in negotiations and discussions with stakeholders, ensuring that the organization's interests are protected.
• Monitored the use of financial resources, ensuring that expenditures are in line with approved budgets and donor requirements.

Key Accomplishments:

• Oversaw the development and implementation of grant management policies and procedures, ensuring that the organization’s grant portfolio is managed in a compliant, efficient, and effective manner.
• Implemented internal controls to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial records, and working with auditors and other stakeholders to identify and address any weaknesses in the organization's financial management practices.
• Developed and managed budgets and financial forecasts for the East Africa region, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that all spending is in line with organizational goals and donor requirements.

Feed the Children – Reginal Office, Kenya (August 2014 to October 2019)

Regional Grants Manager (July 2017 to October 2019)

• Oversight of the procurement unit in the Kenya office and administration of fuel cards through the Total Online portal. 
• Chair of fundraising committee and offers financial guidance and budget development during proposal development process.
• Finance Oversight for the country offices in Uganda and Tanzania. This includes review and submission of monthly reports to the head office.
• Conducted regular monitoring and evaluations of grant projects, leading to a 90% success rate in meeting project objectives and outcomes.
• Negotiated and secured additional funding from key stakeholders, resulting in a 20% increase in overall funding for the region.
• Managed grant finances, including preparing grant budgets, tracking expenses, reconciling grant accounts and preparing financial reports for grant funders.

Grants Manager (August 2014 to June 2017)

• Acting Head of Finance, ensuring compliance with tax laws, regulations and reporting requirements in all countries in which the organization operates.
• Capacity building of regional finance staff and non-finance staff on compliance to finance policy and donor requirements. 
• On a monthly basis prepared the variance reports against budgets which are discussed with Senior Management Team. 
• Reviewed invoices, receipts, and other financial documents to verify their accuracy and completeness for submission to donors as disbursements fall due.
• Prepared and presented financials at Quarterly Review Meetings to discuss performance and plan for the coming quarter.
• Successfully spearheaded the process of developing asset register and procurement of asset management software.
• Ensured that all grant-related reporting requirements are met, including progress reports, financial reports, and other reports as required.
• Managed funding from different donors namely WFP, ICRAF, P&G, USAID as a sub grantee under R4D and Rupal Dhanani Trust Fund.
• Allocated resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to ensure that the grant-funded projects are implemented effectively and efficiently.

Helpage International – East, West & Central Africa Regional Development Centre 

Grants and Contracts Accountant (March 2013 to July 2014)

• Grants Accountant for Hunger Safety Net Programme funded by DFID. I managed accounts for 6 local partners implementing the program in Northern Kenya (Wajir, Turkana, Mandera and Marsabit). 
• Reviewed and posted of Partner Accounts into SUN system database and managing the tracking sheet of expenditure vs. budgets. 
• Preparation of quarterly reports and annual donor reports for submission to DFID in line with the program requirements. 
• Management of disbursements advanced to partner organizations and capacity building of staff at the partner organizations to ensure compliance to donor rules and value for money is achieved.
• Managed the procurement process and contract execution, including negotiations and monitoring of subcontractor expenses.
• Follow up of audit issues resolutions and development of Capacity Building Plans for implementing partner organizations.
• Performed audits of grant and contract recipients to assess their financial operations, including review of financial statements, invoices, receipts, and other records.

Care International (August 2010 to February 2013)

Grants Officer, Kenya (December 2011 to February 2013)

• Collaborated with program staff to ensure that the grant proposals and reports accurately reflect the organization's activities and impact.
• Grants Management for 5 organizations spread across Kenya Implementing Global Fund Round 7 to Fight HIV/AIDs. The partner organizations were; Women Fighting AIDs in Kenya & Beacon of Hope in Nairobi. KWETU & Mothers Delight Moments in Mombasa, Peace & Development Network Trust in Garissa.
• Reviewed the partner expenses on a monthly basis to ensure they are complete and in compliance with the donor regulations.
• Managed grant budgets and ensure that grant funds are spent according to the grant agreement and in compliance with organizational policies.
• Regular field visits to partner organizations for Monitoring & Evaluation and Capacity building.
• Facilitated both internal and external audit of the partner organizations.
• Preparation of Program Update & Disbursement Request to the donor every quarte

Budget Accountant, Kenya (January to November 2011)

• Reporting of Foreign Taxes (VAT & DUTY) Prepare annually a report on the amount of foreign taxes charged by the Government as required under the donor grants. (E.g. USG Grants due by November 17th for the year end 30th September or annually as stipulated in the donor Grants).
• Maintained accurate and comprehensive records of all grant-related activities, including financial transactions, reports, and other required documentation while preparing monthly/or quarterly cash drawdowns report for CARE USA.
• Supported to internal and external auditors during the auditing process, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is available for audit purposes.
• Prepared the monthly Expenditure Statements and submit to the Budget & Grants Manager for review as well as donor financial reports for 28 donor funded projects.

Finance Officer, Dadaab-Kenya (August to December 2010)

• Entry of data and documentation into SCALA system of accounting, analyzing financial data to make recommendations for improving financial performance and making strategic financial decisions.
• Preparation of invoices for WFP payments for distribution of food commodities and Non-Food Items 
• Cheque preparation and issuance to the vendors. 
• Participation in the end month closure processes.
• Preparation of payrolls for incentive workers, payment of incentive wages and reconciliation of the payrolls.
• Updating of the monthly cash book.
• Maintenance of the safe cash (Ksh. 24,000,000

Rural AIDS Prevention & Development Organization (RAPADO)

Project Accountant (July 2008 to July 2010) 

• Preparation of donor financial reports in line with USAID regulations and AED CAP (Academy for Educational Development – Capable Partners Program) Kenya requirements.
• Coordination of both the donor specific audit and the organization’s statutory annual audit.
• Recorded and tracked project transactions, reconciling project accounts, and ensuring that all project expenses are accurately accounted for and allocated to the correct project.
• Monitored project expenses, tracking variances, and recommending changes to project budgets as needed to ensure that projects are delivered within budget using budget tracking tool.
• Preparation of Payroll for 15 staff members.

University in Nairobi

Master of Business Administration, Strategic Management