Cephas Mukisi
Lusaka
Summary
Finance and operations professional with 8+ years managing end-to-end processes across operations and finance. Expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control to improve operational performance. Proven ability to align operational strategy with organizational goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Assistant
Apollo Agriculture
Lusaka
06.2026 - Current
- Processed supplier, staff, and operational payments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with approval procedures to support financial integrity
- Prepared monthly bank reconciliations and investigated discrepancies
- Supported month-end financial close activities through account reconciliations and journal preparation
- Managed invoice signing and transmission through Smart Invoice platforms, facilitating timely submissions that met tax compliance requirements
- Supported internal and external audits, tracking outstanding actions to enhance accountability and transparency
Administrative Associate
Apollo Agriculture
Lusaka
03.2023 - 05.2026
- Coordinated daily administrative and operational priorities for country head to streamline workflow.
- Worked with sales, HR, finance, and senior leadership to align administrative workflows with operational goals.
- Managed vendor onboarding from start to finish, including due diligence and performance tracking.
- Managed field travel logistics, including visa processing and car hire bookings, ensuring timely arrangements for service providers.
- Oversaw team expenses in collaboration with department heads and finance, implementing cost-control practices to ensure budget adherence.
Business Development Associate
deVere Group
Lusaka
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Identified and qualified high-potential leads through outbound calls, referrals, and market research, driving pipeline growth and enabling financial advisers to acquire clients more effectively
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings between prospective clients and senior financial consultants, facilitating communication and follow-up that improved client conversion and strengthened relationships
- Maintained accurate CRM records and tracked engagement metrics, leveraging data to evaluate outreach effectiveness and refine business development strategies in line with sales targets
Assistant Manager – Products and Services
Emerging Markets Investment Partners
Lusaka
09.2021 - 03.2022
- Conducted competitive and market analysis to inform strategic decisions on new service offerings and managed relationships with key stakeholders, including fund managers, institutional investors, and service providers, to enhance product positioning and execution of initiatives that improved product visibility and client satisfaction.
- Led development and enhancement of investment-focused content, reports, and digital products, aligning with industry trends and stakeholder needs across Africa's private equity landscape to ensure relevance and engagement.
- Coordinated emerging markets investment partner communications across internal teams and external stakeholders.
Team Coordinator and Assistant Manager
Emerging Markets Investment Partners
Lusaka
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Coordinated daily operations for research team to ensure seamless execution of tasks and timely news production
- Coordinated and streamlined administrative operations, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and organizing travel arrangements
- Implemented and optimized internal workflows and reporting systems, enhancing data accuracy, reducing turnaround times, and improving overall team productivity
Financial Markets Researcher
Emerging Markets Investment Partners
Lusaka
03.2018 - 12.2020
- Conducted in-depth financial and market research across African markets, identifying investment opportunities and analyzing industry trends to support strategic decision-making
- Prepared detailed reports and presentations on market dynamics, competitor analysis, and macroeconomic factors, guiding private equity players in investment decisions
- Monitored portfolio performance and tracked key financial indicators, delivering actionable insights that optimized investment strategies and mitigated risks
Counter Service Officer
Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZamPost Micro Finance)
Kabwe
04.2017 - 03.2018
- Delivered customer service at the counter, assisting with postal transactions, money orders, and inquiries while ensuring accuracy and efficiency
- Managed cash handling and transaction processing to ensure balanced cash registers while adhering to company policies and financial controls
- Coordinated counter operations, sorting and dispatching mail, updating records, and supporting logistical activities to facilitate smooth service delivery
Education
Degree - Banking and Finance
Copperbelt University (CBU)
Kitwe, Zambia01-2016
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCE) -
Chizongwe Secondary School
Chipata, Zambia01-2010
Skills
- Accounts payable
- Invoice management
- Invoice processing
- Bank reconciliation
- Month-end close
- Vendor onboarding
- Financial reporting
Certification
- Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) Financial Analyst Program
- Kectil Entrepreneurship and Leadership Program March 2022
Languages
English, Bemba, Tumbuka, Nyanja, Chewa
Interests
Professional Development, Event Planning & Coordination, Process Improvement & Efficiency Tools, Time Management & Productivity, Walking and outdoor activities, Reading and continuous learning
Timeline
Finance Assistant
Apollo Agriculture
06.2026 - Current
Administrative Associate
Apollo Agriculture
03.2023 - 05.2026
Business Development Associate
deVere Group
08.2022 - 03.2023
Assistant Manager – Products and Services
Emerging Markets Investment Partners
09.2021 - 03.2022
Team Coordinator and Assistant Manager
Emerging Markets Investment Partners
01.2021 - 08.2021
Financial Markets Researcher
Emerging Markets Investment Partners
03.2018 - 12.2020
Counter Service Officer
Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZamPost Micro Finance)
04.2017 - 03.2018
Degree - Banking and Finance
Copperbelt University (CBU)
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCE) -
Chizongwe Secondary School