Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Josephine Sao Musa

Accountant
Monrovia

Summary

PERSONAL SUMMARY: I am a dynamic, Committed, experienced and self-motivated Finance professional, and an Administrator who through passion and dedication have achieved excellence results in various aspects of financial management including: Financial reporting, Grants management, Budgeting and cost control, Audits and internal controls. As a consistent and reliable performer with proven Management skills, I take pleasure in working with others and prioritize team success over individual success. I seek an opportunity for a challenging role that will allow the management of financial resources to meet all long and short-term financial needs, Profile raising and personal growth.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications

Work History

Finance Manager

Easy Solar
Monrovia
01.2021 - Current
  • Improving consolidation and accounting procedures, assuring compliance of with IFRS standards
  • Managing the preparation of Easy Solar’s financial statements (yearly, quarterly, monthly) in compliance with IFRS standards including consolidation and prepare notes to the consolidated financials
  • Establish and implement improve control procedures, advising our teams on the optimal financial structure to serve our customers
  • Develop and implement policies related to financial reporting and compliance
  • Ensure effective controls over financial reporting whilst standing as point of contact for tax consultants and auditors
  • Implement, monitor and follow-up on KPIs that allow us to measure and improve Financial Reporting, Compliance, Finance Operations, and Internal Controls
  • Review and analyze financial information against the business plan to support strategic and operational decision making
  • Lead the preparation and managing of the company’s budget and tracking performance on a monthly basis
  • Efficient planning and management of the entity’s cash flow and position, ensuring all partner departments are financially supported for their activities
  • Give adequate and quality financial advice to the Senior Management Team to enable business evaluation and decision making
  • Administer trainings for SMT and non Finance staff align their understanding on financial systems, policies and procedures

Finance and IT Manager

WaterAid Liberia
Monrovia
01.2019 - 12.2020
  • Developed systems to ensure funds are always available for WaterAid programme and partner activities and that cash is secure
  • Ensure necessary tools and systems are in place to manage the cash flow process including requests for funds from UK and donors who fund programme activities
  • Reviewed and updated accounts manuals and policies and procedures in line with global policies, country labor laws and donor requirements and ensure compliance
  • Ensure WaterAid assets are adequately safeguarded
  • Implemented WA’s approved financial management and information systems that ensure data is accurate, complete and secure
  • Coordinated the annual three levels of budget planning and forecasting process and supported all budget-holders to complete their budgets
  • Ensure all financial plans are accurately uploaded onto the finance system within the timeframe as well as revised as necessary
  • Support the development of donor proposal and concept notes as well as funding matrix updates and lead on preparation of budgets to the International Program Department, Water Aid West Africa (WAWA) and/or external donors
  • Interpreting and analyzing actual results against budgets, feedback with advice and recommend actions if necessary as well as meet reporting requirements of the global organization
  • Manage donor contracts including monitoring of grants and projects to improve relations and ensure compliance with WaterAid (WA) restricted funds
  • Completed the monthly financial reporting process and submitted all checklists and supporting documents to the UK Financial Assurance Team and promptly responded to any queries from the monthly submissions review
  • Produce quarterly and annual financial reports for the country programme highlighting major variances from plan for submission to UK Finance with recommended actions for the attention of the country management team
  • Ensured the timely submission of high-quality financial reports, for internal and external audiences including to donors for funding
  • Also, Produce and submit relevant reports in line with the statutory requirements in Liberia Proactively draw attention to any problem areas and initiate solutions in consultation with the Country Director and other staff as appropriate
  • Ensured all financial accounting processes are completed
  • Ensure the Income and Expenditure accounts & balance sheet are reviewed and reconciled as appropriate and monthly returns are submitted within corporate deadlines
  • Ensured implementation of Water Aid financial policies and processes
  • These include updating the Fixed Asset Register, Delegation of Authority policy, Risk Register, Conflict of Interest Register, Cash & authorization limits, Code of Conduct and related global policies
  • Assist in the implementation of the new WaterAid Liberia full cost allocation policy
  • Led the development and disseminate IT policy and ensure all staff are in compliance with agreed policy
  • Identifying and agreeing service contracts with various individuals or organization and management, the delivery of IT services and infrastructure to ensure IT facilities are functioning in the country offices
  • Seek advice and guidance from UK IT
  • Supporte relevant WA staff to store and maintain all records for the office manually or electronically and make them accessible when necessary
  • Responsible for logistics arrangement for the office including service contract negotiations and management.

Finance and Operations Manager

Rising Academy
01.2018 - 12.2018
  • Network Liberia
  • Adapted Program financial and procurement policies and procedures to the Liberian program context including the establishment of program compliance standards
  • Prepared detailed and comprehensive financial reports for donors, management and investors and facilitated external and internal audits ensuring required reports and documentations were readily available for the audit process achieving unqualified audit reports
  • Contributed to developing program work plans and prepared annual budgets for project activities, reforecast and monthly fund requests
  • Key contributor to the Organizational strategic plans, making sure plans are financially achievable and sustainable both in the short and long term
  • Trained both finance and non-finance staff on financial management policies, procedures and tools thereby creating an environment of accountability and control within the Organization
  • Setup new offices and school resource centers, ensure environmental sanity and security, effective utilities management, arranged staff travels and accommodation rentals, hall rentals for training and workshops and executed vendor contracts making sure all comply with Organizational, national and donor regulations
  • Was responsible for financial risk management in the short, medium and long term ensuring the availability of funds for sustainable program implementations
  • Established the system of management accounting, providing analytical and strategic view of report to the management team for decision making and planning
  • Ensured strong internal control and monitoring systems in place for compliance to organizational, local and donor rules and regulations
  • Provided Administrative and logistics support to our head office, programs and schools for effective operations and achievement of organizational objectives and plans
  • Served as the principal liaison for donor financial relations, vendors, legal firm and other external parties

Finance and Operations Lead

John Snow International (JSI) Research & Training Institute, Inc
Freetown
01.2015 - 12.2017
  • Led budget developments and prepared management accounts of actual to budget expenditures to Country Director and project Managers
  • Prepared monthly cash flow forecasts based on annual budget for submission to JSI home office and monitored cash flow for any potential issues
  • Had the Responsibility for financial risk management and ensuring financial sustainability in short, medium and long term
  • Ensured robust internal controls in place to monitor projects and programs to confirm regulatory compliance and ensure data integrity
  • Provided Administration and HR support to all projects/units across the organization including; Rental arrangements, office setups, contract administration, office security and utilities, travel arrangements, Staff recruitments and induction and logistics support
  • Prepared timely monthly, quarterly and annual financial and donor reports and ensure all reports comply with organizational and donor requirements and reconciled with the books of accounts
  • Undertook reviews of the organizations, partners/sub grantees compliance with policy, making recommendations and review of policies to reflect emerging issues and organization’s circumstances
  • Reviewed and accounted for procurement transactions to ensure policy compliance, adequate supporting documentation, accuracy of amounts and control over payments
  • Was Responsible for reviewing and coding vendor invoices, travel and expense claims, monthly national payroll and national consultant invoices & timesheets for payment in accordance with project and contract policies and requirements;
  • Ensured that all project expenditures in relation to finance, administration, Procurement, operations, and personnel, follow grant, JSI policies and procedures and national regulations and are supported by accurate and complete documentation
  • Maintained accurate accounting records in the Organization’s QuickBooks system while ensuring data security and integrity
  • Served as the principal liaison with donors and auditors on matters related to the program to ensure financial accountability to donors
  • Provided training for Finance and non-Finance staff and support to country program and logistics

Finance and Accountability Coordinator

Restless Development Sierra Leone
Freetown
01.2013 - 12.2014
  • Monitored expenditure and provided up-to-date budgetary information for unit heads and managers thereby enabling them deliver program budgetary objective
  • Supported the Finance and Admin unit and program managers for the development of different project budgets ensuring full cost recovery and prepared monthly management account of expenditure against budget and investigated significant variances
  • Undertook reviews and internal audit of Restless Development Sierra Leone Offices’ and partners compliance with policies and regulations and shared findings and recommendation to the Management committee
  • Reviewed and accounted for all Administrative, HR and logistics support to all projects/ units across the organization
  • Accounted for all procurement transactions ensuring their compliance with Organizational and national regulations and value for money
  • Reviewed business support groups accounts and records for compliances and development process, gave feedback and recommendations, conducted training for policy areas and sustainability methodologies
  • Prepared accurate and timely financial and Donor reports based on donor agreement while ensuring all reports are reconciled to the books of accounts
  • Supported the development of financial and administrative systems, processes and procedures and supported managers and staff to ensure compliance
  • Monitoring of cash flow and identifying any potential issues in the short, medium and long term
  • Channeled the implementation of internal controls and audit recommendations to ensure data integrity and security and identify areas of non-compliance
  • Worked with the program Manager for audit preparations and acted as the focal person for all audit concerns
  • Led the assessment, capacity building and review of partners reports/sub grantees, records and accounts
  • Supervise and Support the work of our Regional Offices in Bo, Port Loko and Makeni to ensure all accounts are up-to-date, including bank reconciliations and assisting with audit preparation
  • Continuous coaching on current and emerging policies while building the capacity both finance and Programme staff on Financial accountability issues Policies and donor compliance

Finance and Administration Coordinator

Restless Development Sierra Leone
Makeni
10.2009 - 12.2012
  • Reviewed invoices and payment requests for compliance and ensured all transactions were posted on a timely basis in the accounting system, managed the cash safe, impress system and bank accounts and undertook timely cash, bank, debtors and creditors accounts reconciliations and follow up transactions with the bank
  • Liaised with the Program Managers and Regional Coordinators to prepare monthly budgets and quarterly reforecast in line with the annual budget and prepared monthly management account of expenditure against budget and submitted to head office and program managers for enhanced decisions effective budget execution
  • Implement the direction and priorities for the Procurement that are set by the country office and ensure compliance with country policies and procedures ensuring effective Procurement management
  • Ensure procurement processes are conducted in a manner that is timely, compliant with Restless Development and donor procedural requirements, and that all goods, services and works purchased represent value for money
  • Produced accurate financial information that exhibits sound financial integrity to head office and trained both finance and program staff on financial policies and administrative procedures to enhance compliance and improved audit practices
  • Provided logistics and administrative support to the regional office including office sanitation, maintenance and repairs, security, utilities and rentals, and all projects across the region including support for training, workshops, office setups, vehicle scheduling and supplies to beneficiaries
  • It also included ensuring all staff complies with security regulations
  • Produced timely and accurate Donor and financial reports as required and ensued all reports are reconciled to the books of accounts
  • Build relationship with suppliers undertake regular price review ensuring value for money is attained for all transactions and maintaining an updated and accurate asset register
  • Procured office equipment, furniture and supplies and provided logistics support to all program units in the region while ensuring procurement policies and procedures are followed
  • As head of the regional unit, maintained line management and leadership roles for the regional finance team

program Accountant

Community Empowerment and Development Agency, CEDA
Pujehun
04.2008 - 09.2009
  • A micro Finance Institution
  • Responsibilities:
  • Responsibilities included receiving all payments from CEDA clients, entering amounts into the accounting system and bank accordingly
  • Conducting support training for business groups and clients on sustainability, business growth and accountability
  • Preparing loan disbursement vouchers and ensure loans are authorized after verifying client acceptance documents before disbursement of loan to clients
  • Also had the responsibility for preparing staff payroll ensuring calculations are accurate and comply with regulations and salaries and related payments done on a timely basis
  • Trained on-finance Staff and business groups on policies and procedures relating to CEDA loans
  • Forecasted cash received and expenditure to ensure that sufficient cash was available for any sudden financial changes
  • Maintained the bank accounts and petty cash and undertook timely reconciliations
  • Administer the cash safes for loan collection from clients and petty cash and banked amounts received on a timely basis

Volunteer Peer Educator

Students Partnership Worldwide Sierra Leone SPW-SL
09.2005 - 06.2006
  • Provided Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Lessons In primary and secondary schools as part of the formal school timetable as well as in clinics
  • Established Anti-AIDS Club and other educational clubs and activities with in and out of school youths
  • Established and run a Youth Friendly Resource Center and provided appropriate advice and information for young people on a range of topics related to sexual health and life skill
  • Facilitated Workshops for community members on a range of topics including, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, conflict resolution and condom promotion
  • Took the lead in organizing regular awareness raising events on important days such as World AIDS Day, African Health Day, International Women’s Day, Malaria Day, and international candlelight Memorial Day

Education

ACCA Qualified, Equivalent To A UK Masters Degree -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
01.2016 - 12.2019

ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting-ACCA Part 2 -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
01.2012 - 12.2016

ACCA Professional Ethics Certificate - undefined

01.2007 - 01.2008

ACCA Certified Accounting Technician - CAT -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
01.2007 - 12.2008

Africa Senior School Certificate - undefined

Skills

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCESundefined

Certification

April 2015

Timeline

Finance Manager

Easy Solar
01.2021 - Current

Finance and IT Manager

WaterAid Liberia
01.2019 - 12.2020

Finance and Operations Manager

Rising Academy
01.2018 - 12.2018

ACCA Qualified, Equivalent To A UK Masters Degree -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
01.2016 - 12.2019

Finance and Operations Lead

John Snow International (JSI) Research & Training Institute, Inc
01.2015 - 12.2017

Finance and Accountability Coordinator

Restless Development Sierra Leone
01.2013 - 12.2014

ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting-ACCA Part 2 -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
01.2012 - 12.2016

Finance and Administration Coordinator

Restless Development Sierra Leone
10.2009 - 12.2012

program Accountant

Community Empowerment and Development Agency, CEDA
04.2008 - 09.2009

ACCA Certified Accounting Technician - CAT -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
01.2007 - 12.2008

ACCA Professional Ethics Certificate - undefined

01.2007 - 01.2008

Volunteer Peer Educator

Students Partnership Worldwide Sierra Leone SPW-SL
09.2005 - 06.2006

Africa Senior School Certificate - undefined

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