Bridget Mumba Stephenson
Ibex Lusaka
Summary
Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Results-driven financial professional leader experienced in report reviewing, auditing and reporting. Well-versed in producing positive results, evaluating department operations and handling month- and year-end closings. Meticulous, conscientious and methodical in approach.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Finance Manager
VVOB
01.2024 - Current
- Successfully set up, managed, executed, monitored, and optimized operational financial systems by guiding the finance department
- Successfully managed and was responsible for the financial department, thus managing all possible direct reports within the department
- Effectively strengthen procedures, systems, and tools for financial management, reporting, and auditing in line with Finance Manual by using a strong project and change management approach
- I oversaw the financial functions, ensuring the value, efficiency, and compliance of the organization with local and global policies
- Successfully navigate and process transactions in multiple currencies, ensuring accurate and efficient financial operation
- Reviewed and managed contracts with suppliers and ensured their compliance with VVOB procedures and relevant Zambian laws
- Provided strong organizational leadership through on-the-job mentoring, coaching, capacity development, and change management for direct reports
- Successfully managed Audit engagement and processes up to the final report.
- Successfully managed and conducted spot checks on sub-grant awarded organizations.
- Represented the organization to external stakeholders in the domains of finance and procurement, ensuring effective communication and collaboration
- Successfully created a multi-donor financial system that aligns with the needs and requirements of various funding sources.
- Reviewed documentation shared by the team, provided checks and balances to the team, and ensured timely and accurate updating of financial records and documentation according to the latest financial guidelines
- Supported reporting and forecasting on donors and advised on the availability of funds for planned activities and large procurements
- Developed action plans based on evidence, audit findings, and the Finance Manual on how to improve financial processes in the organization
- Supported and updated the program teams on proposed improvements to the financial processes, shared the action plan with them for discussion, and followed up.
- Managed, mentored a national team of seven finance personnel.
- Maintained productive relationship regarding donor management across a variety of sectors, including private, government, and institutional organizations.
- Successfully managed 9 projects with different donor reporting requirements.
- Successfully collaborated to draw up proposals for funding.
Assistant Finance Manager
USAID DISCOVER Health
11.2021 - 12.2023
- Assisted in preparing, developing, reviewing and monitored the costed work plan and project budget
- Assisted in maintaining financial and administrative system; ensure compliance with USAID rules and regulations, JSI policies and procedures and Zambian law
- Trained new and existing staff members as well as offered technical assistance on financial procedures to ensure job proficiency
- Implemented, maintained and monitored a robust system of internal controls to ensure all disbursements are supported with appropriate documentation and documents are filed appropriately for audit
- Reviewed field reports and vouchers for Highlands Regional Office ensuring that field reports are accurate and audit ready
- Developed and maintained relationships with key vendors and banking officials for smooth communication
- Assisted in tracking program activity budgets, monitored expenditures and assisted in preparing financial reports for senior management and USAID
- Managed the preparation and review of HQ monthly field reports, ensure high quality account reconciliations are prepared and submitted for approval before being sent to JSI/Home Office (USA) before deadlines
- Collaborated with team members during Tender meetings and participated in due diligence of procurement processes for single tenders valued at over ZMW1 million
- Proactively contributed to timely and efficient responsiveness of the finance department to demands of a fast- paced project with extensive field based operations whilst adhering to regulations, control procedures and project guidelines
- Assisted in maintaining the monthly accounting cycle including vendor and activity participant payments
- Ensured that banking transactions were cleared and tracked
- Ensured that all mobile money claims are processed promptly and verified with source documents
- Assisted Finance Manger conduct reviews and audits of paid Claims for compliance and risk management
- Provided support to Finance Manager to closely monitor staff performance to streamline department functions and efficiency
- Reviewed and ensured staff advances and expense reports for various activities are processed in a timely manner to prepare expenditure reports for the donor
- Ensured that the Sales account program income was fully reconciled
- Ensured that all sales products were invoiced and accounted for
- Reviewed and approved Hotel Bills and oversaw vendor reconciliations
- Tracked and reviewed JSI vendors’ invoices to ensure timely payment
- Ensured Finance trackers are submitted to Finance Director for review
- Successfully reduced lead time of payment claims by fourteen (14) days
- Collaborated with the Finance Team to ensure that number of claims were reduced in RIMS
- Supervised Accountants in ensuring that the mobile money reconciliations were reconciled daily
- Collaborated and provided input in ensuring that mobile claims of over ZM 50,000,000 were fully paid and reconciled during the COVID 19 campaigns of 2022
- Ensured that mobile money claims were created using the correct rates and followed project guidelines by supervising claim creators and Accountants during field and office operations.
Project Accountant
USAID DISCOVER Health
12.2020 - 11.2021
- Project, Lusaka
- Eliminated discrepancies by carefully creating activity budgets to prevent overspending and adhere to financial objectives
- Assessed, cleaned and closed out accounts with depleted funds upon project completion
- Supported monthly reporting analysis to achieve validation of internal reports and to reconcile operations and sales accounts
- Performed reviews of staff advance accounts and ensured all were closed within 30 days by reconciling expense reports and supporting document
- Implemented and maintained robust financial and administrative systems in accordance with USAID rules and regulations and JSI set financial policies and procedures
- Assisted program staff with accounting issues and identifying any bottlenecks or process improvements wherever possible
- Assisted Finance Manager and Director in coding of Costed Work Plan on monthly basis
- Maintained monthly accounting cycle through managing vendor and activity participant payments including account monitoring and reconciliation
- Worked with team members to verify and consolidate FSN step movements after annual appraisals for payroll computation in Dove payroll system
- Reviewed and verified overtime forms submitted by staff members before uploading in Dove payroll system
- Timely processed staff advances and participant payments for project activities by using appropriate rates as per approved budget
- Collaborated with Procurement and Administration units to ensure timely processing of vendor payments
- Calculated tax requirements, prepared and submitted returns and upheld statutory compliance with Zambia Revenue Authority
- Enhanced budget administration by reviewing activity request memorandums submitted by staff members for budget processing
- Participated in tracking program activity budget(s), monitor expenditures and help prepare financial reports for senior management and USAID
- Prepared Program Income reports by posting client invoices and receipting all sales incomes
- Assisted in developing and monitoring all medical detailer’s sales, bonuses and commissions
- Prepared all sales income reconciliations by verifying product sales with Social Marketing department
- Collaborated in successful closeouts by making changes to monthly disbursement reports as per guidance given
- Posting of receipts from Home office and making transfers to Regional offices
- Assessed, cleaned and closed out accounts with depleted funds upon project completion
- Reviewed all documentations and monthly reports from Regional offices, timely dispatch to Home office
- Reviewed and checked petty cash returns for monthly reimbursements before submitting to Finance Manager
- Investigated mobile money account by comparing statements from ZOONA and ABSA for identification of variances and reconciliation purposes
- Maintained claims in PIPAT by ensuring quick processing
- Collaborated with bank representatives to assist with bank queries arising from banking transactions
- Processed funds transfers into and out of project accounts
- Created documents to display financial reports and data using QuickBooks
- Consulted with representatives of regulatory agencies to complete accurate filings and uphold strict compliance
- Used QuickBooks to prepare monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and take corrective actions on deviations for both local currency and United States Dollar
- Generated Local purchase orders for Head Quarters, Midlands and Highlands
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
- Enhanced communication between accounting and project management teams with regular financial updates and collaborative meetings.
- Monitored project costs, developed job cost forecasts, managed cash flow and approved invoices for payment.
- Ensured compliance with accounting standards and regulations through meticulous record-keeping and documentation practices.
Branch Accountant
Fund Control Board
04.2017 - 12.2020
- -Maintained up-to-date knowledge on permits, certificates and documents mandatory for government departments
- Supported monthly reporting analysis to achieve validation of internal reports and to reconcile production operations and general ledger using SUN Systems
- Prepared monthly cash flow projections in order to prepare funds requisition from Head office
- Ensured compliance to internal controls and procedures thereby maintaining low risk in internal audit for financial period 2018 to 2019
- Identified and investigated variances to financial plans and forecasts
- Successfully reconciled Operations, Pensions and Collection accounts for onward submission to Head office
- Verified, allocated, posted and reconciled transactions to maintain operational costs below 30% of all revenue
- Identified and investigated variances to financial plans and forecasts to save 25% of set budgets
- Ensured payment vouchers for operations, pensions are processed before making payments
- Prepared operational budgets, re-forecasting and tracking
- Met deadlines by proactively managing individual and team tasks and implementing strong processes
- Organized budget documentation and tracked expenses to maintain tight business controls
- Analyzed and prepared annual budgets to contain costs, minimize losses and assure compliance with internal controls
- Mitigated impacts on financial accounting and business operations by working proactively to identify and resolve strategic concerns
- Partnered with auditors on annual audits to ensure compliance with governmental tax guidelines.
- Assisted in budget development and forecasting, supporting branch management decision-making processes.
- Contributed to continuous process improvement initiatives by identifying areas for potential enhancement within the accounting function.
- Optimized expense tracking to identify cost-saving opportunities within the branch operations.
- Ensured compliance with internal controls, performing regular audits of financial records and transactions.
Assistant Finance Coordinator
Restless Development
07.2016 - 03.2017
- Successfully met targets by working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere
- Assisted in preparation and submission of year end schedules and documentation
- Submitted donor reports timely leading to donor confidence in the organization’s financial systems
- Performed monthly payroll reconciliations
- Tracked funds for Donors such as Irish Aid, Comic Relief, Amplify Change and UNICEF
- Trained and oriented staff members and over 300 volunteers on various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements
- Supported non-financial staff through relevant coaching, training and technical support where required
- Delivered human resources financial support by certifying and processing payroll, completing deposits, performing pay adjustments and promptly distributing transfers
- Calculated payroll deductions by accurately using Financial Force and processed payroll to meet preset requirements
- Upheld strict confidentiality protocols with client details and tax return information
- Identified audit risks, prepared budgets and coordinated with management and audit team in preparing related reports
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting functions on accrual basis
- Used Financial Accounting software to issue PAYE and NAPSA tax returns and prepare consolidated payroll reports
- Computed taxes owed by applying prescribed rates, laws and regulations
- Collaborated with Operations and People department to review and reconcile time sheets submitted by staff members
- Reviewed vouchers and supporting documents submitted for payment processes
- Executed vendor setup and payment, administration of bank accounts and account reconciliations
- Supported program managers in providing procedural training on finance and accounting
- Created and distributed reports on internal and external finances, audits and budgets
- Followed up with delinquent staff accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
Accounts Assistant
Babcock International
06.2010 - 03.2010
- Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements and statements using Sage Pastel
- Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month
- Communicated and resolved disputes with clients regarding outstanding invoices, payments and adjustments
- Prepared and mailed invoices to customers, processed payments and documented account updates
- Performed administrative and clerical duties such as word processing, data entry, faxing and copying
- Reconciled company accounts for Tom cards, employee expenses and commissions
- Directed clients to appropriate accountants, answered phone calls and replied to office emails for excellent customer service
- Applied proper codes to invoices, files and receipts to keep records organized and easily searchable
- Coordinated domestic and international travel arrangements, including booking airfare, hotel and ground transportation
- Arranged rapid office equipment repair and maintenance with over 50 vendors
- Maintained staff directory and company policy handbook for human resources department
- Processed payments and documented account changes for financial accuracy and transparency
- Disbursed petty cash by recording entries and verifying documentation
- Kept vendor files accurate and up-to-date to expedite payment processing
- Maintained accurate and complete documentation for financial department procedures to facilitate new employee training
- Ensured annual renewal for statutory requirements were made for Engineering Institute of Zambia, Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants and workers Compensation and local authorities permits.
Audit Trainee
PKF Chartered Accountants
01.2010 - 06.2010
- Inspected cash on hand, notes receivable, and payable and negotiable securities to confirm accurate records
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings
- Followed quality standards and procedures to minimize errors and maximize customer satisfaction
- Identified management control weaknesses and provided value added suggestions for remediation
- Developed and implemented corrective actions to bring business areas in line with standards for 10 client
- Reviewed clients' inventory systems and procedures for internal control to assess for compliance and signs of fraud
- Enhanced audit controls by improving planning and testing processes for clients
- Completed audit papers by thoroughly documenting audit tests and findings
- Timely preparations of reports after audit process completion
Board Chairperson
Restless Development Zambia
01.2022 - Current
- Approved external audit reports according Zambian Law
- Reviewed and approved strategy proposed by Country Director
- Reviewed and approved internal audits as per donor compliance agreements
- Provided guidance regarding operations in areas including: Personnel Management, Strategic operational choices, adherence to all legal requirements and good practice for charitable organizations
- Engaged in high level access to potential donors and supporters from various sectors for assistance on fundraising
- Advise and assist in raising and maintaining the profile of Restless Development in Zambia internationally.
Board Member
Restless Development Zambia
08.2017 - 08.2022
- Successful review and appointment of Country Director after each tenure
- Assisted in review of organisations management accounts prior to submission to headquarters based in UK
- Assisted in review of financial work plans before submission to donors
- Collaborated with accounting staff to review financial structures and procedures to identify bottlenecks and solutions
- Contributed to financial and operational reduction by evaluating effectiveness of controls and subsystems.
Education
Master of Science - Accounting and Finance
Copperbelt University
Kitwe, Zambia04.2024
ZICA Professional Qualification - Accounting
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants
ZICA, CA12.2018
ZICA Licentiate - Finance
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants
Ndola06.2011
ZICA Technician - Accounting
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants
Ndola12.2009
Skills
- Strong Analytical processes
- USG rules and regulations
- Policy and guideline implementation
- Audit processes management
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Mentoring and Task Delegation
- Financial Auditing & Reporting and cashflow analysis,
- Financial Budgeting
- Internal Controls
- Financial Management
- Strategic Planning
- Standard operating procedure template creation
Accomplishments
- Successfully changed the Audit rating for VVOB in 5 months.
- Successfully contributed to implementation of COVID -19 vaccine sensitization activities country wide to attain 70% vaccination coverage of Zambia.
- Successfully contributed to budget formulation and implementation for placement of health workers from 10 Provinces for COVID – 19 vaccinations of Zambia with payment of 2,000 health workers and volunteers.
- Awarded Staff member of the quarter for January to March 2017.
- Successfully migrated financial transactions from cash based to online banking.
Certification
- CA ZICA designation
2024 - Zambia Institute of Chartres Accountants
- USAID Rules & Regulations: Grants & Cooperative Agreements
2023 - Humentum
- Infrastructure for Good Governance Course
2023 Global Health Center
- Grant Seeking Essentials Certificate Program
2023 Nonprofit Ready - Cornerstone on Demand Foundation
Affiliations
- Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants - Associate
- Forum of women Accountants in Zambia
Additional Information
- QuickBooks
- Pastel Evolution
- Sage
- Field link
- Navision and Microsoft Packages with advanced Excel skills
- Financial force
References
Ms. Doris Gumboh
Finance Manager
USAID DISCOVER-Health Project
Project 0965860220
dorisd.kabaso@gmail.com
Mr. David Chanda
Financial Accountant
Workers Compensation Fund Control
0977566327 / 0955566327
davidchandadc@gmail.com
Mr. Benny Chembe
Finance Director
Chantete Mining Service
0978 512437
bennyc@jvchantete.com
Timeline
Finance Manager
VVOB
01.2024 - Current
Board Chairperson
Restless Development Zambia
01.2022 - Current
Assistant Finance Manager
USAID DISCOVER Health
11.2021 - 12.2023
Project Accountant
USAID DISCOVER Health
12.2020 - 11.2021
Board Member
Restless Development Zambia
08.2017 - 08.2022
Branch Accountant
Fund Control Board
04.2017 - 12.2020
Assistant Finance Coordinator
Restless Development
07.2016 - 03.2017
Accounts Assistant
Babcock International
06.2010 - 03.2010
Audit Trainee
PKF Chartered Accountants
01.2010 - 06.2010
Master of Science - Accounting and Finance
Copperbelt University
ZICA Professional Qualification - Accounting
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants
ZICA Licentiate - Finance
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants
ZICA Technician - Accounting
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants
- CA ZICA designation
2024 - Zambia Institute of Chartres Accountants
- USAID Rules & Regulations: Grants & Cooperative Agreements
2023 - Humentum
- Infrastructure for Good Governance Course
2023 Global Health Center
- Grant Seeking Essentials Certificate Program
2023 Nonprofit Ready - Cornerstone on Demand Foundation
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