Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
LANGUAGES
Timeline
Training
Generic

RICHARD NWANA M.

YAOUNDE

Summary

Dynamic financial and program management professional with over 10 years of experience in administration and operations management, specializing in strategic planning and staff leadership. Expertise in leading and coordinating complex national operations while implementing cost-effective resource management strategies that drive organizational success. Recognized for fostering team collaboration and achieving measurable results through effective project management and stakeholder engagement, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges. Eager to leverage extensive skills in a Country Director position at DT Global Solomon Islands, contributing to social and economic growth by developing the skills and training sector to eliminate preventable poverty and promote self-reliant economic development.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

FREE LANCE VOLUNTEERING

ACCOUNTING FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
04.2025 - 08.2025


  • Support project activities to meet funder objectives and country context
  • Oversee local partner NGO projects ensuring high-quality operating systems
  • Responded and reviewed and implemented of all Internal Audit recommendations
  • Assessed and monitored cash management from a risk based approach hence reducing loss from fraud and theft.
  • Reviewed all reports monthly, donor for external partner reports, and improved reporting quality
  • Coordinated one monthly department meeting with programme and implementation departments
  • Coached and facilitated wellbeing and CPD sessions to different staff
  • As a people person fostered a positive organisational culture as well as defining and setting annual KPIs and job description alignment
  • Strengthened internal controls, ensuring compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
  • organized a training seminar on fraud and corruption.


  • Spearheaded process improvements in financial planning and analysis, increasing responsiveness to changing market conditions.
  • Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.
  • Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
  • reinforced community participation on major decision making during project implenentation

Country Finance Manager

Plan International
02.2023 - 03.2025
  • Manage support services: Administration, Finance, HR, Security, IT, and Supply Chain
  • Align operations with program priorities in collaboration with HR, finance, logistics, and procurement staff
  • Support project activities to meet funder objectives and country context
  • Oversee INGO projects ensuring high-quality operating systems
  • Lead and supervise operations: grants, finance, HR, logistics, and security
  • Agile leadership in decision making and implementation
  • Responded and implemented of all Internal Audit recommendations
  • Manage country finance, emergency processes, and supervise four regional offices
  • Synergy and collaboration for double impact result or outcomes
  • Develop three-year budget aligned with Country Strategy 2025-2027
  • Enhance finance team into a trusted management unit for Country Strategy, promoted active whistleblowing and professional integrity
  • Assessed and monitored cash management from a risk based approach hence reducing loss from fraud and theft.
  • Reviewed all reports (GAAP, IFRS, IPSAS) monthly, donor and external partner reports, and improved reporting quality
  • Coordinated monthly department meetings and other meetings with programme and implementation departments
  • Coached and facilitated wellbeing and CPD sessions to different staff
  • As a people person fostered a positive organisational culture as well as defining and setting annual KPIs and job description alignment

RESPONSABLE REGIONAL – Regional

ACMS (Association Camerounaise Pour Le Marketing Social)-PSI
02.2018 - 01.2023
  • Leading Operational and Programmatic support activities for PSI, USAID and KFW sponsored multi-year project in Cameroon for the littoral, South West, West and North West Regions of Cameroon
  • Project for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in CEMAC ZONE or Central Africa, PPSAC and Women's Health Project
  • PASSR or Support programme in Sexual and Reproductive Health in the East region of Cameroon
  • Persuasion through influencing of outcomes for positive changes in the communities covered by the different projects
  • Influenced the participation of government and missionary into supporting campaigns on targeted groups and niches in the littoral region
  • Participated in all stakeholder meetings with beneficiary communities, government and regional representations, donors, and different technical experts
  • Scheduled quarterly supervision visits to implementing partners
  • Partnered with other different organizations such as OIM, UNHCR, to access urban refugees from the CAR and Chad in the city of Douala
  • With challenges on the field regarding implementation and reliable reporting, designed and was adopted by PSI HQ a PBF approach to project and programme implementation.
  • Enhanced team performance by providing regular coaching, training, and performance feedback to staff members.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing process reviews, employee engagement initiatives, and open channels of communication.
  • Strengthened program effectiveness by implementing strategic plans and monitoring progress towards goals.
  • Cultivated strong working relationships with government agencies for enhanced cooperation on projects initiatives.
  • Ensured compliance with donor regulations through thorough documentation practices and timely reporting submissions.
  • Established partnerships with key stakeholders for increased collaboration and resource sharing.
  • Overall child protection and safeguarding lead as well as for other Organisational requirements in compliance.

Lecturer in Accounting

Pan African Institute for Development PAID
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Preparing students for the Graduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance. 100% SUCCESS RATE
  • 2017/18 offered by the Institute of Commercial Management, ICM UK
  • Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
  • Pioneered use of multimedia resources in lectures, enriching learning environment.
  • Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field.
  • Enhanced student comprehension of complex theories through engaging lectures and interactive discussions.
  • Encouraged many female students to take up of the challenge of further education in professional accounting and finance.

External audit consultancy

MFIs
06.2017 - 08.2017
  • Accounting/audit services for International Development Organizations
  • External audit consultancy for 4 MFIs in Togo, Liberia, Benin and Cameroon
  • Audit, analysis, preparation, and implementation of short-term restructuring plan for a local financial institution
  • Financial analysis of NADEV Cameroon and Rural Investment Credit for potential investor - UNCDF
  • Investigation into the mismanagement of funds in the Western Union money transfer system of Crystal Finance Plc
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Director of Finance and Administration

CUSO International GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA
04.2015 - 08.2017
  • Drove operational efficiency within the administration team through continuous process improvement initiatives.
  • Oversaw accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely processing and accurate recordkeeping.
  • Collaborated closely with external auditors during annual reviews, facilitating a smooth audit process each year.
  • Played an integral role in long-term strategic planning efforts, using financial modeling techniques to project future performance accurately.
  • Streamlined administrative processes by implementing new software solutions, improving overall productivity.
  • Spearheaded process improvements in the finance department by developing standardized procedures and documentation templates.
  • Ensured timely completion of month-end close activities while maintaining strict adherence to accounting standards.
  • Managed payroll operations, ensuring accurate calculations and timely disbursements for all employees.
  • Implemented a new expense tracking system to improve transparency and accountability in spending practices.
  • Reduced operating expenses through effective vendor negotiations and contract management.
  • Conducted regular audits to identify areas of improvement and maintain a robust control environment.
  • Coordinated with various departments to develop annual budgets, monitoring expenditures throughout the year.
  • Boosted internal controls by conducting risk assessments and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Managed financial reporting for accurate decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Optimized cash management strategies to maximize available funds for investment opportunities.
  • Enhanced organizational revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and providing insightful analysis on potential investments.
  • Developed and maintained financial policies to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
  • Prepared comprehensive financial statements for executive review, highlighting key performance indicators.
  • Provided exceptional leadership to the finance team, fostering professional development and individual growth among staff members.
  • Produced reports outlining latest financial information such as expenses, income and outstanding balances.
  • Reconciled accounts and investigated variances.
  • Analyzed budgets, forecasts and current trends to support overall financial operations.
  • Monitored and compiled data and reports to present to leadership.
  • Performed banking, business administration and financial tasks to guarantee five-star service for clients.
  • Conducted financial due diligence on potential investments and acquisitions.
  • Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
  • Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
  • Created financial dashboards to provide insights into key performance indicators.
  • Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.

Acting Country Director

CUSO International
10.2015 - 04.2016
  • Country office finance, accounting and administrative management and reporting
  • Country finance and Accounting lead, Administration and security, HR, Procurement and logistics, contracts and partnerships
  • Acting Country Director - 6 months
  • Implementation of Country Strategy together with Country Head of Programmes
  • Evaluated program success using data-driven approaches leading to informed decision making around resource allocation.
  • Improved organizational capacity through the development of policies, systems, and infrastructure improvements.
  • Increased project visibility through consistent communication with donors, partners, and beneficiaries via reports, presentations, and events.
  • Managed a portfolio of 175 Canadian volunteers deployed in country within the framework of the local skills transfer project between youths of identified communities.
  • Cultivated strong working relationships with government agencies for enhanced cooperation on community identified projects such as the cassava mill and other value chains.

Finance Director

Hope International
04.2014 - 06.2015

Post conflict reconstruction of livelihoods

  • Reduced financial risk with comprehensive credit management strategies, strengthening the company''s financial position.
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments on potential investments, micro finance and lending, safeguarding from unwise financial decisions.
  • Reduced operational costs by renegotiating key contracts with suppliers, focusing on more favorable terms.
  • Reviewed historical records, current operational data and forecasting information to identify and capitalize on system enhancement opportunities.
  • Conducted financial due diligence on potential investments and acquisitions.

Senior Consultant

Accounting and Financial Services LLC
08.2014 - 12.2014

Country Finance Manager

Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO)
09.2013 - 03.2014

Accounting/audit services for International Development Organizations

Methodist Relief and Development Fund
03.2013 - 08.2013

Finance and Compliance Manager

Nowefor
09.2011 - 02.2013

Finance and Administrative Manager and Regional Finance Controller

Appropriate Development For africa foundation (adaf)
09.2005 - 06.2011

Audit Senior Manager

J.n. bakoh FCCA Chartered Certified Accountant
01.1998 - 08.2005

Audit Manager

J.n. bakoh FCCA
01.1996 - 01.1998

Education

MBA - Accounting and Finance

University of Douala - ESSEC Business School

MA - Humanitarian Aid and International Cooperation

MA - Humanitarian Aid and International Cooperation

Diploma - Development Studies

Pan African Institute for Development West Africa - PAID WA

Skills

  • Senior Management team
  • ERP
  • Grunt work
  • Internal Audit
  • RSA
  • SAP
  • QUICK BOOKS
  • SUN
  • Dynamics 365
  • Payroll management
  • Partner RFP and budgets
  • Project FEA
  • Power BI Microsoft Office /Spreadsheets

Accomplishments

  • Team Leadership - Led finance team, achieving 98% compliance rate in audits.
  • Donor Engagement Success - Increased donor engagement by 50%, raising project funding by 30% in 2023.
  • Cost Reduction Initiative - Reduced operational costs by 15%, enhancing financial efficiency across four regional offices.
  • Grant Acquisition Strategy - Supervised successful proposal submissions, securing $1 million in INGO grants.
  • Supervised team of 52 staff members across three main projects.
  • Introduced results based funding as a means to fighting corruption during project execution.
  • Documented and resolved safeguarding and protection issues which led to disciplinary actions.
  • Community engagement through market study for product development in community micro finance project

Certification

  • ACCA - Ongoing
  • CFE - CERTIFIED FRAUD EXAMINER -ongoing
  • Accounting level 7 FCCEA, FCPA
  • CFIP Certified Forensic Investigation Professional
  • CPM certified project manager

LANGUAGES

English - Native
French - Native

Timeline

FREE LANCE VOLUNTEERING

ACCOUNTING FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
04.2025 - 08.2025

Country Finance Manager

Plan International
02.2023 - 03.2025

RESPONSABLE REGIONAL – Regional

ACMS (Association Camerounaise Pour Le Marketing Social)-PSI
02.2018 - 01.2023

External audit consultancy

MFIs
06.2017 - 08.2017

Lecturer in Accounting

Pan African Institute for Development PAID
01.2017 - 01.2018

Acting Country Director

CUSO International
10.2015 - 04.2016

Director of Finance and Administration

CUSO International GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA
04.2015 - 08.2017

Senior Consultant

Accounting and Financial Services LLC
08.2014 - 12.2014

Finance Director

Hope International
04.2014 - 06.2015

Country Finance Manager

Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO)
09.2013 - 03.2014

Accounting/audit services for International Development Organizations

Methodist Relief and Development Fund
03.2013 - 08.2013

Finance and Compliance Manager

Nowefor
09.2011 - 02.2013

Finance and Administrative Manager and Regional Finance Controller

Appropriate Development For africa foundation (adaf)
09.2005 - 06.2011

Audit Senior Manager

J.n. bakoh FCCA Chartered Certified Accountant
01.1998 - 08.2005

Audit Manager

J.n. bakoh FCCA
01.1996 - 01.1998

MA - Humanitarian Aid and International Cooperation

MA - Humanitarian Aid and International Cooperation

Diploma - Development Studies

Pan African Institute for Development West Africa - PAID WA

MBA - Accounting and Finance

University of Douala - ESSEC Business School

Training

  • Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice – Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
  • IPSAS - International Public Sector Accounting Standards Certification ACCA
RICHARD NWANA M.