Elisha Tanuna

I am a finance and operations professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in international development, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. I specialize in financial management, grants and budget oversight, compliance, and operational support in multi-donor and multi-stakeholder environments. I bring strong analytical skills, high ethical standards, and a proven ability to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in financial systems.

I am proactive, detail-oriented, and experienced in supporting both field and headquarters operations in complex programs.

I have held senior finance and administration roles across international organizations and government institutions.

Finance/Project Role – KADCSDA (World Bank–Funded Project)Supported financial management and project operations under a World Bank–funded development initiative, contributing to budgeting, reporting, compliance, and financial monitoring in line with donor requirements.

Finance & Grants Manager – MEDA (2021, Maternity Cover)Managed grant financial oversight, partner budgeting, donor reporting, compliance monitoring, and risk management. Strengthened partner financial systems, supported audits, and delivered capacity-building for implementing partners.

Consultancy & Voluntary Assignments (2017–2021)Provided financial advisory services, mentoring, and organizational capacity building for NGOs and community initiatives, including budgeting, financial systems improvement, and audit support.

Finance & Administration Manager – UNOPS (2011–2017)Led financial planning, budgeting, grants management, reporting, and donor compliance for a large international development program. Strengthened internal controls, coordinated internal/external audits, and supervised finance, HR, and administrative functions across field operations.

Project Accountant – UNDP (2006–2011)Managed project budgeting, financial reporting, treasury and cash management, procurement support, and compliance with UNDP/IPSAS standards. Supported project start-up and close-out processes and ensured timely donor reporting and audit readiness.

Earlier Career Experience

Inspector of Taxes – Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue, Kaduna, Nigeria | July 2001 - June 2006

· Conducted tax audits and compliance reviews for public and private organizations.

· Assessed PAYE, withholding tax, and direct assessment obligations in line with Nigerian tax regulations.

· Prepared tax reports, compliance findings, and enforcement recommendations.

· Supported revenue collection targets through taxpayer engagement and monitoring activities.

· Facilitated taxpayer education and public awareness programmes on statutory compliance requirements.

· Contributed to staff training and capacity-building initiatives within the tax office.

Audit Trainee – Maaji & Co. Chartered Accountants, Kaduna, Nigeria | May 1999 - April 2000

· Assisted in conducting financial audits for private and public sector clients.

· Reviewed accounting records, financial transactions, and supporting documentation for compliance and accuracy.

· Supported preparation of audit reports and management recommendations.

· Assisted with tax and VAT review processes and compliance assessments.

· Utilized accounting software and audit tools in financial analysis and reporting activities.

· Maintained confidentiality and professional standards in handling client financial information.

NYSC – Development Support Officer (rural livelihoods programme), Borno State, Nigeria | 1998 - 1999

· Supported implementation of rural livelihoods and community development activities.

· Assisted in programme coordination, community engagement, and field monitoring activities.

· Contributed to reporting, stakeholder communication, and administrative support functions.

· Participated in local development initiatives aimed at improving community welfare and resilience.

· MBA (Finance), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria

· Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management

· Chartered Accountant (ANAN)

Additional professional development in financial management, grants administration, audit processes, and donor compliance frameworks (UNDP/UNOPS standards, GAAP/IPSAS).