Max Stuart Oruo

Max Stuart Oruo. P. O BOX- Nairobi Cellphone: -/- Email address:- Summary A highly-motivated accountant with 13 years’ cumulative experience in grants management, financial management in both private and development sectors with specific skills in grants management, capacity building and institutional development, budgets, Internal controls, Internal audit, financial risk analysis and management, compliance enforcement, contract preparation and project close out management. Extensive experience working in multi stakeholder projects involving donor partners, government, private businesses, national and international humanitarian organizations. Key Achievements  Successfully provided grants management back stopping for a portfolio budget of GBP 43 million covering 23 grantees on Kenya Essential Education Program in Kenya- DIFD.  Effectively oversaw grantee USAID grant management and close out processes in two projects both totaling to USD 190 Million.  Managed the implementation of 2,860 grants under the IDA & DFID funded TOWA project covering the former Western, Nyanza and South Rift Provinces of Kenya.  Effectively provided oversight to Nutrition International for African regional grants in Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Bukina Faso, Nigeria and Tanzania.   8 years’ cumulative experience in providing financial grants management support. 13 years’ cumulative experience in financial management spanning across private and development sectors. Technical Competencies            Training, Capacity building and institutional strengthening. Grants management, budget and internal controls. Practical understanding and knowledge of Donor guidelines, policies and procedures on grants – DFID, 2 CFR 200, PRAG, BMZ, ECHO and WFP. Procurement oversight Contracts development -Working knowledge of contract types including: Cooperative Agreements, grants, CPFF, CPAF, FFP, T&M, IDIQ, and/or DFID commercial contracts. Due diligence, donor Compliance & reporting. Value for Money and Assessment and application of SMART Rule to Business Case and Project Implementation. Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally on complex projects. Donor Partnership management Risk assessment analysis and Project risk management. Advanced working knowledge with MS Office suite and experience working with accounting software including Sage Evolution, Quick Books, Tally, Pastel and Navision. Work Experience 15th August 2018 to December 2019 Country Finance Manager Somalia, Mogadishu. Daryel Bulsho Guud My job portfolio in this position involves leading all sub-granting activities and apply GAAP to manage and oversee pre and post-award administration of multiple and complex subgrants, and subcontracts ensuring strict compliance with donor requirements steering the institution on Financial policies desermination and capacity building, donor grant compliance, Oversight on internal controls, procurement and donor reporting, drafting contracts for contractors and subawards on broad programs in Food Security/livelihood, Education, Shelter/protection WASH, empower women economically and socially, promote social cohesion. This includes donor management Somalia Stability Fund, DFID, USAID, BMZ, WFP, CARE Somalia and SHF. Personal strategic achievements include:                       Oversaw and implemented plan for the efficient management of full cycle subgrant award administration, including assessment of subgrantees, award of subgrants, administration, and close out of subgrants granted; Advised and trained program teams on funder compliance requirements and set up systems, policies and procedures to assure compliance; Advised and trained the project teams on specific project compliance requirements; Collaborated with program staff during proposal submission, and review grant applications to ensure compliance with guidelines and policy, and support of the goals and mission of DBG; Reviewed, negotiated, approved and modified sub grant agreements and subcontracts in line with DBG and funder guidelines, ensuring they support the goals and mission; Reviewed, analyzed and monitored to ensure sub grants are expended in compliance with funder requirements and DBG policies and procedures; Reviewed the accounting procedures and internal controls for the organization and provide useful recommendations for improvements; Conducted organizational risk assessment and establish financial monitoring plan; Prepared sub award packages insuring that any specific donor requirements are incorporated into the cooperative agreements, routes to management for approvals, and issues the agreements to subrecipients; Performed on-site reviews and training at subgrantee locations, as needed; Assisted in the development of partner organizational policies and procedures, as needed; Managed the drawdown process for the subgrants; Monitored financial and narrative report submissions and ensures timely submission of reports by the subrecipients; Reviewed subrecipient and Projects financial reports and supporting documents; Reviewed required subrecipient and Projects audit reports; Provided sub grants management training to DBG staff Prepared regular financial analysis and updates on subgrant issuance and pipeline tracking records Ensured sub grant related accounts are accurately and completely reconciled, and subgrants related records securely and safely maintained in line with DBG guidelines and policy Assisted the audit process to include audit work-papers, and work with auditors to ensure a clean audit Develop guidelines, policies and procedures on subgrants Developed and implement internal controls, audits, and best practices across all subgrants functions Assumed full and overall responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, integrity, and security of managed subgrants and subcontracts-related systems and data           Serve as the point of contact for assigned subcontracts and subgrants including compliance related inquiries Managed professional relationship with stakeholders such as partners, subgrantees, funders, etc. Researched and interpreted accounting policy, apply approved recommendations to operational and programmatic issues. Applied broad conceptual judgment, initiative and ability to deal with complex sub grants/subcontracts issues. Provided standard and ad hoc reports in user friendly formats to authorized personnel as needed Resolved all work-related problems promptly, and use good judgment in escalating important issues Monitor applicable federal regulations for changes and updates to grants, subgrants, and contracts Update knowledge, and keep abreast of current and proposed work-related legislation in Somalia Shared knowledge with staff, and provide finance training to new hires, and other employees as needed Acted as back-up to the country director staff as needed April 2018 to 30th June 2018 (3 months) Grants Officer Child Fund International My portfolio in this position entailed managing grant budget of GBP 336,500 in anchor funding from DFID for Implementing Strengthening the Capacity of Pastoral Communities to Address Food Supply Gaps through Rangeland Management Under Climate Change Governance under Deepening Democracy Programme (DDP) for 20 month Period ending September 2019 in Samburu and Turkana. August 2017 to 13thFebruary 2018 (6 months). Short Term Contract. Regional Contract, Grants and Compliance Officer Nutrition International My portfolio in this position entailed managing grant budget of $ 600 million (CAD) in anchor funding from the Canadian government million to implementing partners, Government institution a broad spectrum of programmes in Supplementation, Fortification, Women and Girls Nutrition, Maternal & newborn health and evidence generation & Policy in grants in Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Bukina Faso, Tanzania and Nigeria. Personal strategic achievements included:  Managed the sub-recipient process in coordination with the head office awards and compliance team including: i. Performed due diligence on potential sub-recipients in accordance with federal regulations ii. Prepared sub-award agreements and securing internal approvals iii. Reviewed requests for disbursement of cash requests to sub-recipients for accuracy and compliance with the agreement documents  Lead the grants team in determining capacity building needs for the sub-grantee staff and work with various stakeholders (programs, health systems teams, operations departments, etc.) to design customized training packages, including post-training follow up and associated documentation  Reviewed, analyzed and submit to HQ the monthly financial reports and corresponding supporting documentation from the sub-grantees  As a member of the budget monitoring committee, monitored grant periods and spending trends for all sub-grantees and work with project teams to request and secure any award funding and modifications on a timely basis.  Support the new business development team on proposal and budget preparation as requested, particularly for those involving components on sub-grantees  Ensured that all required sub-grantee documentation are deposited in the Contracts and Grants Information System, and also ensured that copies of supporting documents for sub-grantee expenses are available in hard copy for audit.  Reviewed the completeness and accuracy of the funding approval form and related documents received from the country offices in the Region.  Reviewed the completeness and accuracy of the contract approval sheet and related draft contracts received from the country offices in the Region.  Reviewed the completeness and accuracy of the payment request form and related documents received from the country offices in the Region.  Reviewed the completeness and accuracy of contract closure form and project closure form and related documents received from the country offices in the Region.  Reviewed and provided comments to the Finance Director, Africa on approval applications for changes to grant/consulting agreement conditions (budget supplements, time extensions) as well as any ensuing amendments.  Reviewed the contracts related to Government, Universities, UNICEF, multiyear agreements of nonadministrative support services, support supervision, demand generation, process documentation, studies etc.  Ensured compliance with established MI policies for the release and approval for signature of legal documents. (Grant agreements, consulting contracts, travel letters, extension and supplement requests). March 2014 to December 2016 (2year 10 months) Senior Grants and Compliance Manager Adam Smith International In this duration, I worked under the Kenya Essential Education Programme (KEEP) which was a 4-year DFID funded initiative managed by Adam Smith international in Kenya between 2012 and 2016. Working under the direction of the Programme Finance Director, I was responsible for providing grants management support to 23 grantees overseeing the efficient management of a grant budget of GBP 43 million with an effective absorption rate of 95 percent. Personal strategic achievements included:  Managed ASI KEEP Project portfolio of awards (donor, prime, sub recipient), MOUs in coordination with the Regional Director, Program leaders, Project Manager and regional staff.  Reviewed all funding and partner award transactions, in collaboration with other functional areas such as program, finance, intellectual property, administration, and/or HR for their approval and signature.  Responsible for the drafting, negotiating and approval-for-signature (as defined in the Delegation of authority) of partner sub-recipient agreements and technical collaboration MOUs.  Ensured adherence to applicable delegation of authority policies, as they relate to signatory delegation of authority powers and thresholds.  Convened with implementing partners on regular meetings to ensure communication on contractual aspects of projects, identify issues requiring action and ensure follow-through on deliverables.  Developed and maintain shared learning with Program director regarding grants and contracts.  Maintained an up-to-date database and repository of all ASI Project signed awards, MOUs and contracts.  Delivered training for regional or country office staff on a variety of grants and contracts topics.  Identified and supported needs of sub recipients in areas affecting G&C compliance and timely delivery; and contribute to providing training and check-ups.  Participate in the development of institutional policies, guidance documents and procedures and in thinking creatively and critically on ways to streamline operating procedures.  Support the HQ technical reporting function by ensuring timely follow up with ASI Principal Investigators on submission deadlines and response to donor queries.  Participate in project life cycle reviews and meetings on behalf of the G&C ASI function (PNM meeting, startup meeting, closeout meeting).  Ensured grantee compliance to DFID donor requirements through the value chain by means of providing training to grantees, their downstream partners on policies, reporting requirements and general accepted accounting standards and general business practice.  Reviewed grantee monthly invoices for accuracy and completeness and in consultation with the Finance Director and the Programme Team Leader ensured that the grantee financial performance was aligned to the programme deliverables.  Ensured grantees submitted the required reports promptly as per the terms of the contract and that they received the necessary funds to carry out their scope of work timeously.  Followed up with implementing partners on the due diligence and capacity assessment recommendations and ensure they are actioned and appropriately evidenced where necessary.  Carried out trainings and capacity development initiatives to investees/grantees based on the capacity assessment gaps identified from the due diligence and capacity assessment.  Undertook monthly and quarterly review and update of the KEEP risk registers and matrix.  Work with the ASI Finance Team and KEEP finance director in identifying fiduciary risks, impacts and any appropriate mitigation strategies  Undertake follow-up, management and close of all audit and risk recommendations.  Undertake periodic investment asset verification, update the asset register and lead the asset disposal processes  Monitored expenditure versus the approved budget and current obligation to ensure that grantees expenditure is within acceptable flex limits.  Managed the grant audit as well as the close-out process.  Undertook regular monitoring of financial transactions, grantee financial statements and obligations against budget and contractual obligations.  Maintained up-to-date files of all grant awards including sub-agreements, modifications, approved budgets, pre/post-award assessment reports, important correspondences, etc. July 2009 to December 2013 (4 years 6 months) Regional Grants Officer PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited My portfolio in this position entailed managing a grant budget of USD 135 million and 2,460 implementing a broad spectrum of IDA International Development Association, DFID Department for International Assistance funded health HIV/AIDS program in the former Western, Nyanza and South Rift Provinces of Kenya. Personal strategic achievements here included  Facilitated the timely review and accurate processing of new awards and amendments to existing awards.  Reviewed new/amendments to awards, including Request For Application/proposals/project narratives and other supporting documentation.  Ensured compliance with regulations and sponsor regulations and proposed alternative language for sub agreements, as appropriate.  Reviewed sub agreement budgets, and interpreted indirect cost implications.  Liaised with the Procurement Department to ensure timely and seamless procurement approval for subcontracts.  Developed content and provided training on grant agreement management to Total War Against Aids (TOWA) staff.  Provided technical support to project teams on grant award and grants management.  Supported the project team to develop and execute comprehensive project close out plans.  Provided scheduled updates to the Project Grant Manager.  Worked closely with the Grants and Contracts Coordinator to ensure data integrity in the awards and sub awards database.  Conducted grantee pre-award assessments and recommend modifications to the grant agreement and/or monitoring plan to streamline financial and compliance risks.  Prepared and reviewed of grantee agreements.  Provided on-going training and support to grantees in TOWA grant financial procedures and assisted in conducting formal grantee training workshops.  Reviewed grantee financial reports for correctness and completeness and ensure that reports are submitted on time.  Assisted in grantee site audits and prepared site visit reports.  Followed up on all grant compliance requirements, audits and documented resolutions.  Maintained grant tracking dashboard as well as financial files in accordance with the Field Finance Manual.  Processed grantee payments and reconciled grantee financial tracking to general ledger reports. January 2005 to June 2009 (4 years 6 months) Credit Controller Sandstorm International Limited Sandstorm International Limited is a manufacturing company focused on manufacturing premium Products like safari tents and bags. Its clients spread globally with a client base estimated at 20% in Kenya. As a credit controller, my contributions to the team were:  Prepared periodical ageing debtors analysis and participated in the valuation of foreign denominated debtors.  Undertook regular analysis of emerging risks related to management of debtors and took appropriate remediation steps.  Facilitated timely payments for client claims.  Conducted quarterly in depth reviews of client credit period and limits.  Maintained an accurate and up to date record of client accounts. January 2003 to July 2003 (6 Months) Intern- Accounts Trainee InvesteQ Capital Limited Investe Q Capital Limited is a financial services company focused on arranging trade & asset finance for Small& Medium sized Enterprises. During my short stint as an intern, my contribution to the team included  Assisted in the computation and reporting of all monthly overheads, accruals and prepayments as per the company’s policies.  Contributed to maintaining regional tax strategies.  Provided support in maintaining suitable filling and coding process.  Posted sales receipt into the oracle system.  Conducted revaluation of foreign denominated creditors. Education 2018 – To date Msc in Professional Accounting University of London - ACCA (International) Strathmore University 2001 – 2004 Bachelor of Commerce Finance Option (Second Class Honours Upper Division) University of Nairobi 1997 – 2000 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education St Mary’s School Yala. 1992 – 1996 Kenya certificate of Primary Education St Mary’s School Mosocho. Seminars/Short Courses  Succession planning and culture shock adopting to change – Tony Stubridge (2003).  Business analysis risk, management & competitive markets – Prof. John Woodley (2004).  Talking technology and corporate theft – Isaac Newton Onyango (2004).  Accounting for hot air Kyoto Treaty – Simon Riley Earnest & Young (2007).  USAID Rules & Regulations: Grants & Cooperative Agreements – (Inside NGO 2016)  Value for money analysis- Procurement and SMART Rule applications – (DFID & Lamp Development 2015)  Procurement Planning & Execution: USAID Grants & Cooperative Agreements – (Hementum 2017) Referees Mr. Richard Carter Adam Smith International KEEP Finance Director P.O. Box 26721 – 00100 Nairobi Telephone: - Email:- Mrs. Viola Mwangi PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited Senior Consultant - Advisory Public Sector P.O. Box 43963 – 00100 Nairobi Telephone: - Email:- Mr. Hesborn Onyango Odago Daryel Bulsho Guud Country Programs Director Somalia Mogadishu Telephone: - Email:- Victor Ondoro Nutritional International Regional Contracts and procurement Director, Africa P.O. Box 22296 – 00505 Nairobi Telephone: - Email:-