Norah Kirumba

A highly accomplished finance and accounting professional with over 8 years of experience, specializing in grant management, financial reporting and relationship building. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Finance with Second Class Honors from Kenyatta University, complemented by ongoing pursuit of a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. I am a certified CPA-K (Membership No. 21562) and excels in financial analytical skills, complex financial modelling and compliance with international financial regulations. My career highlights include significant achievements in risk management, capacity building for grant recipients and streamlining financial operations across various sectors. I

Finance and Programs Lead | August 2021 - Current

Cohere Charity Organisation (Formerly Xavier Project).

• Implemented innovative risk management strategies resulting in a 50% reduction in the company's financial exposure.
• Facilitated a Capacity Strengthening and Sharing Course that enabled Refugee-Led Organizations to increase donor funding by 60%.
• Monitored and managed funds disbursed to Refugee-Led Organizations, ensuring accountability and optimal resource utilization.
•  Built and maintained strong relationships with Refugee-Led Organizations, providing timely feedback and detailed project reports.
• Implemented targeted capacity strengthening initiatives that led to a 50% increase in grants for Refugee-Led Organizations.
•  Streamlined financial operations including payroll, invoicing, and grant management, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Group Finance Manager |July 2019 – July 2021

CIO East Africa Ltd, African eDevelopment Resource Center, Events Management Solution.

• Managed the company's financial planning process through budgeting, providing strategic advice to directors that enhanced decision-making processes.
• Prepared accurate and timely weekly, monthly, and year-end financial reports ensuring comprehensive financial oversight and transparency.
• Conducted in-depth financial data analysis and reporting using visual tools (charts, graphs), facilitating clear communication of financial insights to stakeholders.
• Performed detailed account analyses and prepared month-end reports presenting key findings to top-level management for informed strategic actions.
• Accurately maintained the company’s general ledger using QuickBooks Online ensuring precise and up-to-date financial records.
• Prepared and filed all necessary periodic taxes in compliance with company and state requirements, ensuring regulatory adherence and avoiding penalties.

Group Financial Accountant | January 2017 - May 2018

Bamba Corporation Ltd 

• Managed and maintained accurate general bookkeeping for Bamba Corporation Ltd's branches in Kenya, Canada and the USA ensuring financial records were up-to-date and compliant.
• Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual management reports that provided detailed insights into financial performance and strategic recommendations.
• Processed payroll accurately and managed asset records to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Managed accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring timely payments to suppliers and accurate recording of customer transactions.
• Oversaw inventory management activities to maintain optimal stock levels and accurate inventory records, supporting operational efficiency.
• Managed treasury functions to optimize cash flow and liquidity management ensuring financial stability and meeting operational needs.

Finance Officer | April 2015 – December 2016

Biashara Factors 

• Produced invoices accurately and ensured they contained all necessary information to facilitate timely payments from clients, supporting cash flow management.
• Assisted in the preparation of weekly management reports, monthly management accounts, quarterly board meeting reports, and other financial reports as required by stakeholders, providing insights for informed decision-making.
• Managed the banking of cash and cheques received from buyers and suppliers ensuring deposits were made into the correct accounts in a timely manner.
• Prepared requests for cash disbursements and ensured all transactions had appropriate supporting documents, maintaining transparency and accountability in financial operations.
• Advised on financial procedures and practices in accordance with company policies contributing to improved financial controls and operational efficiency.

Maintained up-to-date records of debtors, prepayments, accruals and creditors, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies

Master’s in business administration, Finance| January 2017- Current

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Bachelor’s Degree In economics and Finance | September 2008 – December 2012

Kenyatta University

CPA-K Membership No.21562