QUICKBOOKS, ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PROGRAMM (ERP)-ATLAS, QUANTUM, GLOBAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE, POWER QUERY, POWER BI
YIRAH MANSARAY
Freetown,W
Work Preference
Summary
Results-oriented professional with a proven history of delivering high-quality outcomes. Strong communication and collaboration skills contribute to achieving organizational objectives and enhancing service delivery. Committed to ongoing learning and skill enhancement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Project Finance Analyst
United Nations Development Programme
Dili
11.2024 - Current
- Provide support in the preparation of project budgets and related financial reports for internal and external uses and in accordance with UNDP’s set rules, guidelines, and procedures.
- Periodically review project revenue and expenditure, monitor budget implementation, prepare and enter project budget revisions, identify and resolve issues e.g budget errors, as may be needed and in line with UNDP operational procedures and donor requirements.
- Facilitate clearance process for funding agreements, ensure full compliance with the corporately approved templates, and submit requests for new funds.
- Ensure timely response to requests including providing necessary financial input and resolve financial data issues.
- Supports CTA initiate project annual budget, review and perform budget revision and reversal.
- Monitors budget delivery and implementation in order to alert the CTA for timely modifications.
- Prepare budget reports - quarterly and annual financial reports as per agreed work plan.
- Prepares financial ad-hoc reports upon request of CTA or by UNDP Management.
- Maintenances accounts receivable for the project and inform CTA on need to follow up on contributions.
- Prepare and review other partnership agreements like MoUs, Low Value Grant, Letters of Agreement etc.
- Advises the project team on the specific donor financial guidelines.
- Proactively monitors Finance Dashboard and takes corrective action.
- Provides financial input to prepare the Annual Work Plan of the Programme.
- Support the preparation of financial reports to donors, consistent with specific agreement requirements; collaborate with relevant project staff to prepare necessary reports.
- Reviews and ensures all requests for payments, requisitions and required vouchers, all payments and receipts are compliance with the UNDP Rules and Regulations.
- Ensures control of supporting documents for payments Maintenance of internal expenditures control system, which ensures that vouchers and all transactions are properly documented, reviewed and approved in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Implement procurement based on UNDP’s guidelines and procedures for the conduct of procurement under European Union funded projects.
- Set up and utilize a simple procurement management tracking system that would monitor the implementation of procurement activities and support the timely provision of regular credible updates and responses to queries.
- In consultation with the Chief Technical Adviser, prepare and update the Project’s Annual Procurement Plan via Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement, detailing contract packages for goods, works and services, the estimated cost for each package, the procurement or selection methods and processing times till completion of each procurement activity.
- Monitor procurement implementation and update the procurement plans prepared at the beginning of the financial year, for the procurement of goods and works, and the procurement of consultants’ services, annually and whenever it becomes necessary to do so.
- Prepare Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on consulting assignments, and specifications for the preparation of bidding documents for goods and works activities, using UNDP standard documentation, and also participating in evaluation of expressions of interest for shortlists and pre-qualification of suppliers and contractors where necessary.
- Maintain data on all procurement contracts and take timely actions for the renewals.
- Ensure full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of effective internal controls; proper functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system.
- Support preparation and issuance of payments to consultants and contractors.
- Provide support in other administrative, organizational and logistical tasks as required.
- Support in HR Processes, including support to preparation of relevant documents and facilitation of hiring process, onboarding, preparation of contracts extension/termination as needed.
- Provide administrative support, including for the organisation for meetings, workshops, training, round tables, and conferences, as needed.
- Prepare travel requests, travel claims, and expense reports as needed.
- Draft correspondence concerning operations and administrative matters, as required.
- Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on the achievement of participation in training for the operations/projects staff on finance and contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Provide support in the preparation of project budgets and related financial reports for internal and external uses and in accordance with UNDP’s set rules, guidelines, and procedures.
International Admin, Finance & Procurement Specialist
United Nations Development Programme
Dili
12.2022 - 10.2024
- Ensures administration of budgets and implementation of finance processes are in line with UNDP operational procedures and donor requirements.
- Prepares and modifies budgets in the operational system as per orientation of the CTA and NPM.
- Monitor all expenditures through a shadow accounting tracking mechanism so the precise financial status of the project is maintained.
- Supports NPM initiate project annual budget, review and perform budget revision and reversal.
- Monitors budget delivery and implementation in order to alert the NPM for timely modifications.
- Prepare budget reports - quarterly and annual financial reports as per agreed work plan.
- Carry out all procurement processes, including those for International and National Competitive Bidding procedures, ensuring compliance with agreed procurement methods’ threshold, prior review requirements specific to the project, and agreed aggregate threshold amounts for less competitive procurement methods.
- Participate in bid opening sessions, evaluating goods and works bids and consultants’ proposals and ensuring that the appropriate guidelines are followed to arrive at the recommendations for award to suppliers, contractors and consultants.
- Support in coordinating response to inquiries, and communicate result of the evaluation process to the applicants, in response to guidelines.
- Prepare minutes of the Evaluation Panel meetings, and coordinate arrangements for negotiation process, where necessary.
- Establish a performance monitoring database for all suppliers, contractors, consultants, and ensure efficiency and timeliness in the delivery of outputs from the services providers.
- Establish and maintain a procurement filing system, and ensure all related documents are included in the respective files, to ensure ease of retrieval of information and the ease of following the paper trail of procurement by independent external auditors or authorized agents.
- Advises the project team on the specific EU financial guidelines.
- Reviews and ensures all request for payments, requisitions and required vouchers, all payments and receipts are compliance with the UNDP Rules and Regulations.
- Ensures control of supporting documents for payments Maintenance of internal expenditures control system, which ensures that vouchers and all transactions.
- Executes and ensures that all financial and related activities of decentralization project are implemented in a timely manner in strict accordance with UNDP’s set rules, guidelines and procedures.
Finance Assistant
United Nations Development Programme
Freetown
08.2017 - 12.2022
- Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of full compliance of financial processes and financial records; input the CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in finance.
- Ensures functioning of optimal cost-recovery system focusing on provision of inputs for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for services provided by UNDP.
- Provides accounting and administrative support to the Finance Unit focusing on the achievement of proper controls for payments and financial reports for projects; preparation of all types of vouchers for management projects; maintenance of internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed.
- Presentation of information on the status of financial resources; maintenance of Accounts Receivable for UNDP projects, management of cash receipts and petty cash, maintenance of proper filing system for finance records and documents.
- Ensures proper cash management system focusing on achievement of presentation of information on the status of financial resources required.
- Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on the achievement of participation in trainings for the operations/projects staff on finance and contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of full compliance of financial processes and financial records.
Administrative Assistant
World Health Organization
Brookfields
08.2016 - 07.2017
- Preparation and timely submission of office quarterly budget.
- Manage petty cash according to rules and regulations make timely supplier payments and record transactions timely.
- Timely submission of monthly cashbook returns and monthly reconciliation.
- Timely response to cash book queries.
- Timely submission of returns to responsible technical officer for Direct Implementation activities (trainings and workshops).
- Timely raising of Travel requests for all field office staff as required.
- Support to DHMT for management of DHMT operational funds: Ensure timely preparation and correctness of budgets.
- Provide support on timely fund utilization.
- Ensure timely preparation correctness of financial reports.
- Maintain HR records for district staff as follows: Timely submission of District HR weekly monitoring tool.
- Maintain daily attendance register, leave plan and leave record.
- Manage the district fleet as per the Sierra Leone Fleet management policy through: Manage and keep track of fueling and maintenance of vehicles and generators.
- Updating of fuel entries in Fleetio (Fleet Management Software).
- Timely submission of weekly fuel reports indicating quantities consumed.
- Notifying of insurance, license expiry and accident procedures in case of a vehicle accident.
- Timely submission of vehicle logbooks to Fleet Manager.
- Ensured vehicle is parked in a safe place and custody of keys during driver off duty periods.
- Ensured proper maintenance of the office building.
- Keep an accurate record of all office assets and submit monthly asset management report to ASO.
- Managed all procurement processes for the field office, including preparation procurement plan, draft report and request for contract amendment.
- Provide ICT support to field office staff.
- Effective and efficient financial management of the field office.
Administrative/Finance Manager
Good Shepherd Development Ministry
Freetown
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Enhance Internal Controls, Strategic Planning and Analysis, budget planning and cost management, cash flow forecasting, manage risk and prepare financial management reports.
- Overseeing the Accounting Staff to assure timely and accurate production of monthly Financial Reports and build the capacity of junior staff.
- Supervises assigned personnel, allocates work and make decision regarding employment, performance appraisal, training and development, salary recommendations, promotions and transfers.
- Oversees all financial activities including banking, project funds management. Ensures the strategies comply with relevant statutes, regulations and policies including the Risk Management Policy guidelines and procedures.
- Assist management in the development of the strategic direction for and administration of project and donor funds.
- Supervise all project procurements and inventory/maintenance of all assets.
- Verify vendor invoices and deliveries and make sure that all supporting documents are received and correct.
- Establish effective relationships with other senior executives.
- Contributes to strategic planning, supports organizational initiatives and keeps abreast of critical issues in other divisions/groups.
- Directs and oversees the management in their area of responsibility including all duties and accountabilities as identified in the yearly organizational goals and objectives, while effectively managing expenditures and annual budgets.
- Ensures that employees receive timely salaries, allowances and fair treatment and consideration.
- Provide oversight and supervision to office administrative assistants, logistics officer, cleaner and driver.
- Provide accurate financial statements, prepare financial reports and assist in external auditing of all accounts.
- Play a key role in proposal writing and fund-raising activities.
- Assumes and executes additional responsibilities as assigned.
- Enhance Internal Controls, Strategic Planning and Analysis, budget planning and cost management.
Administrative/Finance Officer
Good Shepherd Development Ministry
Freetown
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Preparation of all financial statements and periodic reconciliation statements.
- Monitor, control and communicate the planning cycle and its related timetable.
- Prepare information for inclusion in monthly financial reports.
- Ensure financial records are complete accurate and up to date and agree with records held by third parties.
- Prepare and consolidate the organization’s revenue capital and manpower.
- Maintain section; procedures to ensure they are accurate and up to date as systems and working practices are developed.
- Prepare monthly performance measures and statistics for submission to the Director.
- Prepare the Organization’s annual and project budgets.
- Assist with preparation and coordination of audit process.
- Assist with procurement and supplies.
- Manage the payroll.
- Manage and monitor all inventory processes.
- Perform general administrative duties.
- Collect and maintain inventory of all project equipment and supplies.
- Maintain hard copy and electronic filing system.
- Support staff in assigned project-based work.
- Responsible for financial reporting for donor funded projects and timely request for project funds.
- Ensure prompt payment of all staff salaries and allowances.
- Other duties as may be assigned.
- Preparation of all financial statements and periodic reconciliation statements.
Administrative/Finance Assistant
BALSA Construction Enterprise
Freetown
01.2008 - 12.2010
- Prepare and liquidate budget.
- Prepare payment vouchers.
- Prepare and maintain fixed asset register.
- Prepare staff payroll.
- Monitor and Record stocks.
- Receive and Monitor employees expenses report.
- Prepare bank reconciliation statement.
- Assist the logistics officer in procurement and supplies.
- Prepare tax and NASSIT returns.
- Prepare all financial statement.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Education
Bachelor of Social Sciences - Accounting & Financing
Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
12.2007
Advanced Diploma - International Public Financial Management
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)
Diploma - International Public Financial Management
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
M.Sc. - Accounting and Finance
Fourah Bay College (FBC)
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - Student
Skills
- Information systems management
- QuickBooks accounting
- ERP software proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Procurement and sourcing
- Cost analysis and control
- Project finance management
- Revenue tracking and reporting
- Financial compliance oversight
- audit support services
- Risk assessment strategies
- Facilities management expertise
- Internal controls implementation
- Variance analysis techniques
- Cash flow management strategies
- Cost accounting practices
Training
National Revenue Authority (NRA), 09/01/12, Legal Framework of Taxes Relating to NGOs, Technical Mechanism of Taxes Relating to NGOs
References
- Charles Amponsah, Oversight and Compliance Specialist, UNDP, Freetown, Sierra Leone, +23230968830, charles.amponsah@undp.org
- Mr Fredrick Conteh, Director, Good Shepherd Development Ministry, 076-802294, gsdm2013@gmail.com
- Joao Crisostomo, Communication Officer, UNDP, Dili, Timor-Leste, +67077513010, joao.crisostomo@undp.org
Specific Trainings
- UNDP’s Procurement Certification (CIPS) - Level 1, 09/01/22
- Finance for Development, 12/01/15, World Bank Group, Online Training
- Proposal Writing and Fund Raising Activities, 10/01/15, Asset Africa Institute-Kenya, Key Fund Raising Tips & Concepts Used in Proposal Writing & Fund Raising, Log Frame Design, Proposal Development, Designing effective Fund Raising Strategies & Online Fund Raising
- International Training on Entrepreneurial Management, 12/01/10, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Introduction to Entrepreneurial Management, Entrepreneurial Organisations, Managing People and Performance, Entrepreneurial Marketing, Systems Processes and Technology, Finance and Accounts for Entrepreneurial Managers, Intrapreneuring in Action
- Result Based Management and Human Right Based Approach to Programming, 08/17/12, UNICEF, Human Rights and Power, Situation Assessment and Bottleneck Analysis, Role and Capacity Gap Analysis, Applying Equity Lens to Bottleneck Analysis, Result Based Management, Monitoring for Results
- Procurement and Supply, 06/01/10
- Warehousing and Inventory Management, 06/01/10
- Financial Management/HACT Training, 10/01/15
Certification
Advanced Diploma and Diploma in International Public Financial Management-CIPFA
Accomplishments
● Created Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP), saving $35,000 by eliminating the need for external consultancy services.
Provided financial input and prepare quarterly and annual financial reports aligned with work plans, along with ad-hoc reporting as required by CTA or UNDP management.
● Negotiated consultancy fee from USD 28,000 to USD 9,700, achieving a cost saving of USD 18,300 for a portal upgrade project.
● Instituted an Internal Controls Framework at the project unit level, reducing equipment maintenance costs through improved process enforcement.
● Diagnosed system glitch causing an underreporting of total expenditure by over $1.5M, correcting fiscal reporting issues and enhancing performance visibility for senior management.
Identified and resolved a discrepancy in financial balances amounting to a surplus of $276,000 across fiscal periods.
● Served as common premises manager while maintaining role as a finance assistant, effectively handling pooled budget arrangement under Lead-Body Arrangement.
● Coordinated data stock take and part of Common Back Office team promoting Efficiency Agenda for all UN Agencies in Sierra Leone.
● Developed Peacebuilding Fund budget with UNDP, UN Women, and World Vision, securing successful proposal funding.
● Facilitated training for operational service clustering phase transition through GSSC, ensuring smooth process transition.
Contributed to detailed budget development for Elections Units, UNDP Sierra Leone, utilized during National Elections.
● Consistently exceeded targets set by GSSC, leading to global vendor approval responsibilities being delegated for Country Offices.
● Received a certificate of satisfactory performance for excellence in vendor request approvals.
● Appointed as Common Premises Champion for all UN agencies in Sierra Leone following successful oversight of pooled financial resources, recognized for driving operational efficiency and disciplined resource management.
Spearheaded cross-agency initiatives to advance the UN’s efficiency agenda, including comprehensive premises assessments, cost analysis of operational expenditures, and consolidation evaluations across all UN offices nationwide.
● Supported the District Health Management Team (DHMT) in optimizing operational fund usage through accurate budget preparation, timely disbursement, and oversight of financial reporting.
Maintained district HR records by tracking attendance, leave schedules, and submitting weekly workforce monitoring updates.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
Software
Languages
KRIO
Native language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Kuranko
Proficient (C2)
C2
Interests
My interests include continuous learning particularly in areas related to finance and project management, staying up to date with development policies, and improving operational efficiency I also enjoy organizing systems and processes, as well as collaborating with diverse teams Outside of work, I value community involvement and personal development activities
Quote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Additional Information
Accomplished and results-driven finance and operations specialist with extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, procurement, and administrative operations across international NGOs and UN agencies.
Proven expertise in developing and monitoring multi-million-dollar budgets, managing donor funds (UNDP, EU, UN Women, UNICEF, World Vision), and ensuring full compliance with international financial regulations and donor requirements. Adept at implementing internal control frameworks, maintaining accurate financial records, and overseeing cash, asset, and inventory management. Experienced in leading shared services and facility management functions including budgeting, workspace assignment, and centralized support services. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks, and ERP systems; advanced knowledge of donor financial guidelines and reporting standards. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong track record of collaboration with cross-functional teams, project leads, and stakeholders.
Timeline
Project Finance Analyst
United Nations Development Programme
11.2024 - Current
International Admin, Finance & Procurement Specialist
United Nations Development Programme
12.2022 - 10.2024
Finance Assistant
United Nations Development Programme
08.2017 - 12.2022
Administrative Assistant
World Health Organization
08.2016 - 07.2017
Administrative/Finance Manager
Good Shepherd Development Ministry
01.2013 - 12.2016
Administrative/Finance Officer
Good Shepherd Development Ministry
01.2010 - 12.2013
Administrative/Finance Assistant
BALSA Construction Enterprise
01.2008 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Social Sciences - Accounting & Financing
Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
Advanced Diploma - International Public Financial Management
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)
Diploma - International Public Financial Management
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
M.Sc. - Accounting and Finance
Fourah Bay College (FBC)