Albert Kamara Email & Phone Number

Freetown, Western Area, Sl

Sierra Leone

Provided general oversight over the Country Office financial management system. Ensured Country Office compliance with CARE’s accounting policy and procedures and generally accepted accounting principles; Ensured alignment of the Country Office’s accounting systems and procedures with CARE’s global procedures. Developed, managed, and administered the CO (Country Office) plans for proper recording, documentation, control, monitoring, and reporting of financial operations in compliance with CARE, local, and donor rules and regulations. Also provided oversight of the day-to-day financial and Awards Management operations at the CO level and is accountable for organizing and providing high level quality financial services to CO programs, projects, and unit staff. Worked closely with the Shared Services Center (SSC) and Regional Management Unit (RMU) and CO senior management to ensure appropriate financial support and resources are available. S/He ensures a partnership is developed and nurtured between Finance, Program, and other program support units in the CO. Planned and coordinated all internal and external audits conducted in the CO, and ensured all audit recommendations pertaining to finance and grants units are followed up and implemented. Conducted Finance training and technical support to the CO Finance and non-Finance staff and ensured the CO operations successfully adhered to the organization's financial systems and policies.

Sierra Leone

Ensured the effective management of the CARE Sierra & Liberia financial management accounting system –PeopleSoft (accurate and timely inputting of financial transactions, and financial reporting processes). Production of management financial information generated from the accounting system. Supervised accountants in the Finance Department, as agreed by the Finance Manager. Directly responsible for the efficient management of the day-to-day finance operations to ensure the provision of an efficient & user-friendly service whilst complying with CARE and statutory accounting policies.

Sierra Leone

Responsible for donor reporting and compliance. Supported the finance manager in the preparation and submission of complete, accurate, reliable, and timely donor-format financial reports. Ensured all expenses posted in the CARE financial and grant management system were captured in the donor financial reports for the period of reporting. Managed all aspects of the grants and contracts cycle from selection, start-up, implementation, and monitoring through to closeout faces. Conducted due diligence on subrecipient and capacity assessment to identify weaknesses and developed a capacity-building plan. Raised the awareness of Budget holders on their responsibility for budget management to avoid under and/or overspending. Ensured program compliance with CARE Accounting policies and donor regulations as they relate to the management of the donor-funded grant. Advise Budget holders on relevant compliance issues related to the financial management of their grants. Report any exceptions to respective program coordinators and finance Manager. Provided capacity-building training to partners’ staff on financial and grants management skills. Reviewed supporting documentation for adequacy and completeness.

Freetown, Western Area, Sierra Leone

Provided general oversight over the Ecozone financial management system in Sierra Leone by ensuring compliance with internal/external financial policies and procedures and maintenance of accurate records of financial transactions. Initiated and led the implementation of the use of accounting software (QuickBooks) to track and record financial transactions which led to a more accurate and timely report. Drove profitable operations by maintaining and overseeing corporate budgets and executing detailed forecasting income and cost analyses. Drove strategic planning through reporting and recommendations based on results. Ensured all financial transactions were entered daily in the accounting system. Prepared monthly/annual financial reports which complied with applicable accounting and reporting standards. Managed the assets of the group by maintaining the assets register. Supervised the reconciliation of all bank and petty cash accounts every month. Reviewed the payroll ensuring that all statutory deductions (i.e., NASSIT and PAYE) were deducted and paid over to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner. Provided the needed support to internal/external auditors in a timely fashion. Management of A/P and A/R.

Freetown, Western Area, Sierra Leone

Be the lead reference point on all financial matters in the Country Office. Formulate strategic direction and support the Country Director in all financial decisions. Responsible for all donor reporting. Prepared accurate and timely financial donor and management reports explaining variances. Oversaw and comprehensively managed the financial needs of the organisation, from program budgeting to spend. Coordinated and Provided leadership on all proposal development in conjunction with other senior management and departmental heads. Developed recommendations concerning funding opportunities, portfolio diversification, and cost reduction based on detailed analysis of monthly cash flow and budgets vs. expenditure variance analysis. Also responsible for the management of numerous key areas, including all aspects of accounting, payroll, bank reconciliations, auditing coordination, asset management, and human resources, including insurance, staff requests, and retirement contributions. Slashed administration costs by ten percent by negotiating pricing and fees with suppliers while ensuring the continuation and enhancements of services. Managed and led finance and non-finance colleagues across the country. Developed a clear succession plan by identifying critical positions and deciding how best to satisfy future requirements.

Western Area Urban, Western Area, Sierra Leone

Ensured all project-related transactions were posted daily into the QuickBooks accounting system.Vetted all expenditures to ensure that they were within the project budget.Managed petty cash and Payroll.Prepared quarterly, and annual financial reports submitted to donors. Maintained Fixed Asset Register. Followed up on significant variances identified in project management accounts for remedial actions to be taken. Prepared monthly bank reconciliation.Prepared and reviewed budget proposals submitted to donors for funding. Worked closely with Programme Managers in monitoring and controlling of project budget vs. expense variance

Master Of Business Administration Finance (Mba Finance), Business Administration And Finance, Pass

Bachelor Of Science With Honours In Applied Accounting - Bsc (Hons) In Applied Accounting, Accounting, Upper Second Class Division Honours

Advance Diploma In Accounting And Business (Acca Part Ii), Accounting And Business/Management, Pass

Acca Part I, Accounting, Pass