Mikah Ouko

I am a highly analytical and qualified professional with working knowledge of providing Financial Administration support in both International NGOs and Public sector. I have over 9 years of experience maintaining and updating project budgets, providing accounting support, financial management, grants compliance, handling administrative processes, contracts management, and overseeing the implementation and administration of the financial program. Having worked with different NGOs, I am highly skilled in effectively managing critical projects while delivering the highest quality possible.

I also have an unmatched ability to provide financial oversight for the organization and oversee an entire range of financial management, from daily operations to high-level management. I aim to add value through managing the company-wide process of management, learning, and development, all of which facilitate organizational effectiveness and growth.

Work ExperienceJul 2019 to Date Sightsavers International Organization  Position: Finance and Support Officer

Key Achievements:

• Improved Financial Checklist Performance from 90% to 99%.
• Proficiency in data systems and reporting tools. Improved operational efficiencies and timelines of reports.
• Successful Africa Payroll transformation.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and managing the payroll migration processes according to approved country-specific migration plans, in close collaboration with the country directors, finance and support services managers, the Africa finance and operations team, and the payroll service provider.
• Provide quality assurance on grant financial management and financial deliverables submitted to donors.
• Support and advice of grants financial management and donor compliance/Financial Reporting to key stakeholders across the organization.
• Maintain and updated reporting schedule for country program grants 
• Ensure awareness and compliance with donor policies 
• Ensure program portal data base and other organizational systems are updated, as necessary.
• Collaborate with HR operations to ensure that employees’ gross pay elements are accurately captured through key HR processes, e.g., Recruit to Work, HR Administration, Annual HR Cycle, Global Benefits Administration.
• Continuously monitor payroll compliance, and appropriately handle and communicate regulatory changes affecting the payroll.
• Continuously monitor the payroll provider’s service delivery vis a vis the service level agreement and according to mutually agreed key performance indicators.
• Engage relevant teams to manage and resolve issues, staff changes, and system changes (e.g., IT, country offices, Treasury, Regional Directors, payroll service provider, and others as needed).
• Support on the development and record maintenance relating to sub-grant agreements, partnership memoranda, and associated documentation.
• Handle regular payroll administration ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance, filing with respective authorities PAYE, NHIF, NSSF, NITA, Housing Levy & HELB
• Support partners in adjusting spending plans, monitor and maintain a consolidated tracker of disbursements to partners, reporting, and cash forecasts.
• Custodian of petty cash, cheque book and processing online payments.
• In charge of month end close procedures, financial reporting and reconciliations.
• Review project activity advances, staff travel advances, and other related invoices before processing
• Assist in preparing for document verification, financial audit, and Partner due diligence assessments.

Sept 2017 - Jun 2019 Sightsavers International Organization Position: Project Accountant

Key Achievements:

• Supported NTD Finance and Risk officer in development of risk identification, quantification, assessment and management procedures and matrices for the CATCH project that highlighted all risks (Financial, Operational and strategic) that could impact the project.
• Successfully conducted project close out procedures ensuring donor contractual agreements and deliverables are completed and internal procedures were followed. This includes review of assets and ensuring disposal in line with donor requirements.
• Successfully provided support and advise to key stakeholders for internal and external donor audits.

Responsibilities:

• Ensured partner compliance with (IATA) International Aid Transparency Initiative as required by DFID & compliance with Queen Elizabeth Diamond Trust Fund.
• Participated in project budget preparation and reviews.
• Managed payments and ensure that they are paid on time, authorized by appropriate staff, and the financial process and procedures are followed.
• Provided financial support to field projects, and cash flow management.
• Prepared monthly balance sheet reconciliations including bank reconciliations for review by Line Manager.
• Prepared monthly and quarterly reports including quarterly budgets vs actual reports with detailed variance analysis for review by Line Manager and budget holder.
• Closely monitor the bank account and the expenditure against the approved budget.
• Maintained accounting ledgers and cash book ensuring sufficient funds are available for field office operations.
• Oversaw general field office administration.
• Procurement of office supplies and timely processing of supplier’s payments.
• Maintained office asset register, performed periodic physical counts of the asset, review the state of the assets, and ensured assets are tagged.
• Maintained and File financial records ensuring core accounting and other records are secure.
• Handled workshop logistics and as well as travel logistics for staff and project team.
• Monitored and maintained field office project vehicles, proper mileage records for cost sharing.
• Responsible for project audit queries. 

Jan 2016 - Aug 2017 Evidence Action Position: Associate Accountant

Key Achievements:

• Supported successful implementation of intact accounting system for Malawi Country Office.

Responsibilities:

• Supported Project Staffs in processing their payments, advances, advance tracking and Liquidations.
• Prepared periodical financial reports as requested by head office.
• Prepared check request forms for payments attaching all required support documents duly approved.
• Reallocation of Africa regional direct shared costs.
• Supported Malawi office in posting accounts data into sage.
• Posted all cash receipts and advance refunds into sage / Intacct.
• Assisted in the reconciliation of data in intact and sage accounting systems.
• Disburse cash payments as per the financial policy, check, and airtime disbursements. 
• Process payments through electronic banking systems and reconciliations.
• Updated accounting records as and when transactions take place and assist senior Accountant to ensure that proper documentation was filed for each transaction while observing the confidentiality and safety of the documents.
• Maintained fixed assets register and ensure that assets inventory records are updated regularly.
• Liaise with Senior Accountant in preparation and review of staff Imprest accounts regularly and ensure the advance accounts are zeroed out.
• Assist Coordinator in overall:
  • Budgeting-Activity Budgets, Month Cash Flow forecasts.
  • Reporting-Activity Costing/Circuit rider costs.
  • Procurement.
  •  USAID compliance.

Other Positions Held

• Sept 2014 - Dec 2015: Finance Officer at Evidence Action
• May - Aug 2014: Accounts Assistant at Impact Research and Development Organization
• Sept 2013 - Apr 2014: Accounts Assistant at KEMRI/CDC
• Apr - Aug 2013: Assistant Accountant at Royal City Hotel Ltd
• Oct 2012 - Mar 2013: Accounts Clerk at County Government of Kisumu

EducationOngoing Masters of Science in Commerce, Finance Option 

KCA University

2017Bachelor of Commerce in FinanceKenyatta University2007 Kenya Certificate of Secondary EducationGot Rateng’ Secondary School Professional Qualifications

• 2016: CPA (K); Kenya College of Accountancy 
• 2010: ATC, Accounting Packages; Kenya College of Accountancy