Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Accomplishments
Timeline
References
background-images

Marshal Kumwenda

Lilongwe

Summary

An accountant by profession with over 17 years’ hands on experience in project management, financial management, Human resource management, Grants management, Budgeting and planning, Operations and logistics, donor compliance, Accounting and taxation in both International and local Organizations. I am highly experienced in Managing finances for international development partners as follows: USAID, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), African Development Bank (ADB)/AWF, EU, FCDO formerly DFID, SD International and Gates Foundation. A holder of a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)-Nov 2018, Bachelor of Finance -Dec 2012, Diploma in Accounting -Aug 2007. A results-oriented financial leader with a proven track record of overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and ensuring compliance with diverse financial regulations. I possess exceptional skills in strategic financial planning, grant management, and operational efficiency, consistently delivering results that align with organizational goals. My commitment to transparency and accountability drives my approach to managing finances, ensuring resources are utilized effectively to support project objectives.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Finance, Administration and Grants

Palladium International Group
09.2022 - 05.2025
  • Management of Country Office annual budget of above US$ 14.3 million
  • Oversee management and compliance of the cooperative agreement in line with financial requirements for USAID, Palladium international and laws of the Malawi government.
  • Assist the Chief of party to manage the financial aspects of the project. This includes but is not limited to cash management, project accounting, invoicing, vendor and staff payments, initiating and managing funds transfer requests (FTR).
  • Oversee the implementation of finance and administration policies and procedures for the program.
  • Ensure complete documentation, stewardship, and accountability of financial transactions.
  • Ensure budgets and forecasts are prepared and submitted on time.
  • Putting in place a robust budgeting, financial management, and tracking system is in place for strong financial accountability.
  • Provide financial oversight to the project grants program.
  • Ensure compliance with project financial management systems.
  • Providing support to the Chief of Party to maintain effective working relationships with donors and key government officials related to finance and operations.

Finance & Operations Manager

JSI/ World Education Inc
12.2020 - 08.2022
  • Management of Country Office annual budget of above US$ 12 million
  • Oversee management and compliance of the cooperative agreement in line with financial requirements for USAID, World Education, Inc. (WEI) and laws of the Malawi government.
  • Oversee the implementation of finance and administration policies and procedures for the program.
  • Support and supervise staff to carry out day-to-day finance and administrative functions.
  • Ensure complete documentation, stewardship, and accountability of financial transactions.
  • Ensure budgets and forecasts are prepared and submitted on time.
  • Ensure a robust budgeting, financial management, and tracking system is in place for strong financial accountability.
  • Support and mentor financial support staff to ensure compliance with financial controls and operational systems.
  • Provide technical assistance to sub-grantees to strengthen financial and operational systems.
  • Ensure accurate and timely financial information is presented to management and project staff for decision.
  • Work with the Grants Manager and Accountant to ensure all WEI audit recommendations are addressed.
  • Review and ensure an up to date APA fixed asset register is maintained.
  • Ensure Field Link queries are resolved for both WEI and partners. To maintain FL tracker on weekly basis for sharing with DFA.
  • Support in preparation of PEPFAR Expenditure report per set deadlines.

Finance & Operations Manager

Cowater International, Global Affairs Canada
10.2017 - 09.2020
  • Member of Senior Management Team
  • Management of Country Office annual budget of above US$ 10 million
  • Coordinating staff recruitment by following all the procedures as stipulated in the manual
  • Coordinating staff appraisals and continuously monitoring all staff recommendations on quarterly basis.
  • Successfully managed organisation specific audit with unqualified opinion
  • Coordinating monthly budget vs actual (BVA) meetings with Budget holders
  • Conducting capacity building trainings for staff and partners and pre-award assessment of partners/Contractors
  • Staff management, mentorship and development
  • Overseeing the financial management and accounting system, and lead all project financial management activities in Malawi; reviewing expenditures and developing budget control mechanisms which enables the project to adequately monitor performance to budget by result for the project as a whole;
  • Working in collaboration with the Project Team Leader by ensuring that project financial accounting procedures, norms and systems are followed and applied;
  • Overseeing all necessary procurement, management, logistics and support services for the project, ensuring compliance with Cowater and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) procurement rules;
  • Coordinate and oversee handling of routine office administration tasks, including: payroll preparation; correspondence; design and management of digital and paper filing systems; and inventory and management of project assets;

Finance and Administration Manager

Foundation for Irrigation & Sustainable Development
07.2014 - 10.2017
  • Successfully managed huge humanitarian response from proposal to close out of the project
  • Developing donor financial reports and ensure timely submission
  • Managing all procurements for the Organisation
  • Responsible for forecasts and budget projections (Finance and Procurement)
  • Successfully led the development of detailed budgets
  • Responsible for tracking and monitoring budget expenditures and ensure burn rates are within the limit
  • Conducting Budget Vs Actual review meetings with Program Managers and ensure all reclassifications and corrections are timely posted
  • Managing Institution Audit including Donor funded Audits and Expenditure verification exercise for EU funded projects
  • Maintaining proper internal accounting and administrative controls for all Organisation running projects
  • Ensuring that accounting information is up to date in the QuickBooks accounting software.
  • Management of all organisation Bank accounts including bank recs
  • Maintaining proper internal accounting controls for the office
  • Management of external and internal audit including audit schedules and management letters
  • Timely follow-ups (supporting documentation or liquidations) on all advances related to various projects

Finance and Administration Manager, Projects Accountant

Centre for Community Organization & Development
04.2008 - 05.2014
  • Coordinating staff recruitment by following all the procedures as stipulated in the manual
  • Successfully led to finding free audits i.e. both external and internal audits
  • Involved in procurement evaluation
  • Responsible for review of financial documents including payment vouchers, journal vouchers, fuel vouchers, advances etc. before they are posted into Pastel system
  • Preparation of financial reports as per funder requirements
  • Maintaining general ledgers up to trial balance
  • Budget preparation and preparation of periodic budget monitoring reports
  • Preparing audit schedules, timely tax payments and banking all payments as per finance manual
  • Management of all Bank accounts including bank recs
  • Management of external and internal audit including audit schedules

Education

Master in Business Administration - MBA

East and Southern Africa Management Institute
11.2018

Bachelor of Finance - undefined

University of Malawi - Chancellor College
12.2012

Diploma in Financial and Management accounting - undefined

Malawi College of Accountancy
08.2007

Skills

  • Microsoft Excel, Word & PowerPoint
  • Accounting Packages: QuickBooks & Sage
  • Budget planning & management
  • Cash flow management
  • Accounting packages
  • Managerial & Supervisory skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills
  • Audit
  • Project management

Languages

English: C2 Proficient
Chichewa: C2 Proficient
Tumbuka: C2 Proficient

Accomplishments

  • Successfully managed an annual budget exceeding US$ 14.3 million, ensuring financial integrity and accountability across all operations.
  • Implemented a robust budgeting and financial management system that enhanced financial tracking and reporting accuracy.
  • Oversaw compliance with financial regulations for USAID and other international partners, achieving 100% audit compliance during my tenure.
  • Supported the Chief of Party in financial planning and project budgeting, improving efficiency in financial operations and resource allocation.
  • Maintained effective relationships with donors and government officials, resulting in increased funding opportunities and collaborative partnerships.
  • Developed and mentored finance staff, leading to improved operational performance and adherence to financial controls.
  • Implemented comprehensive training programs for finance staff, resulting in a 30% increase in compliance with financial protocols and operational efficiency.

Timeline

Director of Finance, Administration and Grants

Palladium International Group
09.2022 - 05.2025

Finance & Operations Manager

JSI/ World Education Inc
12.2020 - 08.2022

Finance & Operations Manager

Cowater International, Global Affairs Canada
10.2017 - 09.2020

Finance and Administration Manager

Foundation for Irrigation & Sustainable Development
07.2014 - 10.2017

Finance and Administration Manager, Projects Accountant

Centre for Community Organization & Development
04.2008 - 05.2014

Bachelor of Finance - undefined

University of Malawi - Chancellor College

Diploma in Financial and Management accounting - undefined

Malawi College of Accountancy

Master in Business Administration - MBA

East and Southern Africa Management Institute

References

Tambudzai, Rashidi, Technical Lead (MNCH,FT/RH), tambudzairashidi@gmail.com, +265 888 201 838, Palladium International, MOMENTUM Project, Lilongwe, Malawi, P/Bag B301

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Marshal Kumwenda