MISHECK PHIRI
Summary
Experienced finance professional with a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance from Mulungushi University and nearing completion of ACCA. Demonstrated success in project implementation, financial management, and budget analysis in both profit and nonprofit sectors. Specializes in NGO programs, humanitarian response projects, and large-scale grant accounting (BMZ, DFID, Australian Aid). Recognized for flexibility, dedication, and social entrepreneurship, with strong communication and organizational skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Federation Accountant
Chongwe Child Development Agency
01.2021 - 09.2024
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
- Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses, and line of credit transactions.
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
- Completed daily cash functions like account tracking, payroll and wage allocations, budgeting, donating, and cash, and banking reconciliations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on professional accounting standards to manage financial recordkeeping.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
- Assisted in reducing outstanding accounts receivable balances by diligently following up on overdue invoices.
- Streamlined month-end closing processes, resulting in reduced time spent on financial reporting tasks.
- Managed cash flow effectively, ensuring all company liabilities were met in a timely manner and surplus funds were invested wisely.
- Collaborated with external auditors during the annual audit process to provide necessary documentation and address any concerns or findings promptly.
- Maintained accurate records of fixed assets, including acquisition costs, depreciation schedules, and current values for insurance purposes.
- Detected and corrected mistakes early on and implemented systems to avoid recurring issues.
- Prepared and filed tax forms to meet needs of customers.
- Improved financial reporting accuracy through meticulous data analysis and reconciliation efforts.
- Enhanced financial decision-making capabilities by providing timely, accurate information to management through regular performance reports.
- Reduced expenses by negotiating with vendors for better pricing and terms on services and supplies.
- Identified significant tax savings opportunities by conducting in-depth research on applicable deductions and credits.
- Optimized cash flow management, ensuring adequate liquidity for operational needs without compromising investment opportunities.
- Contributed to enhanced revenue growth by analyzing revenue streams and identifying underperforming areas.
- Played key role in financial planning and analysis, contributing to company's long-term financial strategy.
- Improved budget forecasting accuracy with detailed variance analysis between actual and budgeted figures.
- Streamlined monthly financial reporting processes, significantly reducing time required for report generation and analysis.
- Supported strategic decision-making by providing accurate and timely financial reports to executive management.
- Improved financial decision-making by creating comprehensive financial models and forecasts.
- Achieved compliance with all tax regulations by staying updated on changes and conducting thorough reviews of financial operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with external auditors, ensuring smooth and efficient audit process.
- Assisted in successful negotiation of terms with vendors and suppliers, improving company's cost-efficiency.
- Conducted detailed cost-benefit analyses for proposed projects, guiding senior management in making informed investment decisions.
- Implemented new accounting software, leading to more efficient financial data management and reporting.
- Facilitated smoother audit processes by maintaining organized and comprehensive financial documentation.
- Enhanced team productivity and knowledge by leading regular training sessions on accounting best practices and software updates.
- Reduced financial risks by implementing robust internal controls and monitoring mechanisms.
- Ensured accurate and timely payroll processing for over 200 employees, maintaining employee satisfaction and compliance with labor laws.
- Reduced outstanding accounts receivable by developing and enforcing stricter credit control policies.
- Enhanced financial accuracy by meticulously reconciling bank statements and financial records monthly.
- Led successful integration of financial systems following merger, ensuring continuity and accuracy of financial reporting.
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
- Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
- Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
- Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Used accounting software to issue tax returns and prepare consolidated reports.
- Cooperated with senior leaders to create operating budgets and initiate financial planning.
- Initiated comprehensive account assessments to check viability, stability, and profitability of business operations.
- Developed financial models to assess and analyze financial performance of clients.
- Kept up-to-date with tax changes and industry trends by participating in professional organizations, opportunities, and networks.
- Diminished outstanding debts by analyzing accounts for issues.
- Found tax solutions to complicated tax issues or errors from incorrect tax filings.
- Collaborated with accounting manager to comply with governing bodies and limit regulatory risks.
- Identified legal tax savings and recommended ways to improve profits.
Grant Accountant
Chimbombo Child Development Agency
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Ensured continuity in staffing levels during periods of rapid growth by developing scalable processes for managing multiple grants simultaneously.
- Strengthened organizational capacity for grant reporting by developing templates and guidelines that ensured consistency in the presentation of financial data across multiple projects.
- Safeguarded compliance with federal regulations by staying up-to-date on changing guidelines and applying them to financial management practices.
- Improved accuracy of grant financial data through regular monitoring, analysis, and adjustment of budgets as needed.
- Maximized use of available funds by identifying opportunities for cost savings within existing budgets and reallocating resources accordingly.
- Boosted efficiency in the grants department through the implementation of a grants management software system tailored to organizational needs.
- Increased accountability among program staff through regular training sessions focused on proper expense coding procedures and other financial bestpractices.
- Minimized risk exposure related to non-compliance issues through diligent review of contractual obligations tied to each grant award received.
- Supported long-term planning efforts with comprehensive analyses of past grant performance data, highlighting areas for improvement or increased investment.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with colleagues from various departments to ensure seamless integration of new funding streams into existing programs or initiatives.
- Ensured timely submission of grant applications by collaborating closely with program teams and senior management.
- Streamlined grant application processes by implementing efficient tracking and reporting systems.
- Contributed to the development of high-quality proposals by providing accurate budget projections for potential funders.
- Created user-friendly tools that enabled program staff to monitor their budgets, promoting increased ownership and understanding of financial management practices.
- Provided timely support to colleagues seeking assistance with grant budget development or interpretation, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Maintained strong relationships with funders through prompt responses to inquiries, sharing relevant project updates, and submitting required reports on time consistently.
- Enhanced communication between departments with regular financial updates and insights related to grant-funded projects.
- Facilitated smooth audits by maintaining organized documentation of all grant-related transactions and correspondence.
- Conducted regular reviews of grants portfolio performance using key metrics, identifying trends and areas requiring attention for continuous improvement.
- Reduced errors in financial reports by conducting thorough account reconciliations and reviewing budget allocations.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
- Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses, and line of credit transactions.
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
- Completed daily cash functions like account tracking, payroll and wage allocations, budgeting, donating, and cash, and banking reconciliations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on professional accounting standards to manage financial recordkeeping.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
- Detected and corrected mistakes early on and implemented systems to avoid recurring issues.
- Prepared and filed tax forms to meet needs of customers.
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
- Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
- Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
- Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Used accounting software to issue tax returns and prepare consolidated reports.
- Cooperated with senior leaders to create operating budgets and initiate financial planning.
- Initiated comprehensive account assessments to check viability, stability, and profitability of business operations.
- Developed financial models to assess and analyze financial performance of clients.
- Kept up-to-date with tax changes and industry trends by participating in professional organizations, opportunities, and networks.
- Diminished outstanding debts by analyzing accounts for issues.
- Found tax solutions to complicated tax issues or errors from incorrect tax filings.
- Collaborated with accounting manager to comply with governing bodies and limit regulatory risks.
- Identified legal tax savings and recommended ways to improve profits.
Finance and Administration Assistant
Save the Children International, Zambia Country Office
02.2017 - 06.2017
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing timely and professional responses to inquiries via phone, email, or in-person visits.
- Facilitated employee onboarding experience by coordinating orientation sessions and completing necessary paperwork efficiently.
- Executed record filing system to improve document organization and management.
- Reduced administrative workload for supervisors, managing calendar appointments and coordinating meeting logistics.
- Recorded expenses and maintained accounting records.
- Safeguarded private information through meticulous record-keeping practices, adhering to company confidentiality policies at all times.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability when faced with shifting priorities or new assignments from management figures in real-time situations.
- Developed and updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and sales data.
- Assisted human resources department in maintaining up-to-date personnel records by collecting relevant documentation from employees periodically.
- Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and sales data.
- Improved workplace productivity with the implementation of a centralized filing system, organizing both digital and physical documents.
- Managed travel arrangements for senior executives by securing flights and making hotel reservations.
- Streamlined office processes by implementing efficient organizational strategies and time management techniques.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and placed orders.
- Managed filing system, entered data and completed other clerical tasks.
- Assisted coworkers and staff members with special tasks on daily basis.
- Managed phone and email correspondence and handled incoming and outgoing mail and faxes.
- Managed paper and electronic filing systems by routing various documents, taking messages and managing incoming and outgoing mail.
- Opened and properly distributed incoming mail to promote quicker response to client inquiries.
- Built and maintained excellent customer relationships through timely response to inquiries and going above and beyond to accommodate unusual requests.
- Completed forms, reports, logs, and records to quickly handle all documentation for human resources.
- Liaised between clients and vendors and maintained effective lines of communication.
- Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
- Identified and recommended changes to existing processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and quality service.
- Created and maintained detailed administrative processes and procedures to drive efficiency and accuracy.
- Established administrative work procedures to track staff's daily tasks.
- Continually sought methods for improving daily operations, communications with clients, recordkeeping, and data entry for increased efficiency.
- Supported company leaders by managing budgets, scheduling appointments and organizing itinerary.
- Facilitated timely delivery of special projects to meet organizational and departmental objectives.
- Transcribed and organized information to assist in preparing speeches and presentations.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Recorded new hires, transfers, terminations, changes in job classifications and merit increases to main human resources files.
- Increased office participation in special events by creating newsletter with detailed calendars and other office updates.
- Organized logistics and materials for each meeting and took detailed notes for later dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Performed research to collect and record industry data.
- Surpassed team goals by partnering with colleagues to implement best practices and protocols.
Reginal Internal Auditor
Alliance Ginneries Limited Zambia
06.2016 - 09.2016
- Conducted regular internal audits to ensure financial processes followed organizational policies
- Reviewed financial transactions and prepared audit reports to highlight potential risks
- Evaluated internal control systems and recommended improvements
- Assessed operational practices for efficiency and adherence to regulatory requirements
- Investigated discrepancies in financial records and worked with departments to rectify issues
- Ensured compliance with national tax laws and corporate governance standards
- Collaborated with the finance department to develop and implement improved audit procedures
- Trained staff on best practices in internal controls and financial management
- Monitored inventory and cash handling processes to mitigate the risk of fraud or mismanagement
- Presented audit findings and recommendations to senior management
- Assisted in the preparation of audit reports that clearly communicated findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
- Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthroughs for compliance with documented processes.
Accounts Assistant and Administration
ChildFund Zambia – Nyimba Office
01.2013 - 09.2015
- Assisted in preparing monthly and quarterly financial reports for review by senior management
- Managed project funds by ensuring proper tracking of cash inflows and outflows
- Conducted monthly bank reconciliations to ensure the accuracy of cash balances
- Managed procurement processes, including vendor selection and contract management
- Handled petty cash and ensured accurate record-keeping for all office expenditures
- Coordinated logistics for project-related travel and activities, ensuring timely execution
- Assisted in the preparation of budgets for new projects and programs
- Ensured the timely submission of acquittals for project advances
- Organized and maintained office records, including financial and project documentation
- Supported the preparation of financial statements and reports for internal and external use.
- Maintained clean and organized files by keeping accounts payable records up-to-date.
- Performed administrative and clerical duties such as word processing, data entry, faxing and copying.
Salesperson
MTN Zambia
10.2009 - 12.2012
- Promoted MTN products and services through door-to-door sales and customer outreach
- Conducted market research to identify new sales opportunities and customer needs
- Maintained accurate records of inventory and sales transactions
- Provided customer service support by setting up mobile phones and troubleshooting issues
- Assisted in the execution of promotional campaigns and events
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with customers to ensure repeat business
- Collaborated with marketing teams to improve product visibility and awareness
- Delivered daily reports on sales performance and customer feedback to management
- Worked to build relationships with customers and built potential for additional sales.
- Developed relationships with clients for increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Boosted sales by consistently engaging with customers and addressing their needs effectively.
- Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database.
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
Education
ACCA Final Level -
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance - undefined
Mulungushi University
01.2020
ZICA Technician Level - undefined
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)
01.2011
Grade 12 'O' Level Certificate - undefined
Anoya Zulu Secondary High School
01.2006
Skills
- Budget oversight
- Budget management and evaluation
- Cash flow analysis
- Proficient in Peachtree accounting software
- Streamlined accounting system
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Data-driven report generation
- Payroll processing
- Financial reconciliation
- Effective inventory oversight
- Proficient in Crystal Reporting
- Financial risk assessment
- Regulatory compliance reporting
- Financial record management
- Invoice processing
- Bank account reconciliation
- Financial record maintenance
References
1. Abraham, Banda, Finance Lead , Abraham377@yahoo.com, +260965410978, ChildFund Zambia
2. Green Makamo greenmakamo3@gmail.com +260977241822
3. Honest Mutesha, muteshahonest1@gmail.com +260977691184
Timeline
Federation Accountant
Chongwe Child Development Agency
01.2021 - 09.2024
Grant Accountant
Chimbombo Child Development Agency
01.2018 - 12.2020
Finance and Administration Assistant
Save the Children International, Zambia Country Office
02.2017 - 06.2017
Reginal Internal Auditor
Alliance Ginneries Limited Zambia
06.2016 - 09.2016
Accounts Assistant and Administration
ChildFund Zambia – Nyimba Office
01.2013 - 09.2015
Salesperson
MTN Zambia
10.2009 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance - undefined
Mulungushi University
ZICA Technician Level - undefined
Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)
Grade 12 'O' Level Certificate - undefined
Anoya Zulu Secondary High School
ACCA Final Level -
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