SAGE Evolution
Lazarous Mangazi
Finance Manager
Lilongwe
Summary
A result-oriented Finance Expert with 20 years’ practical experience in managing donor funded programs implemented by Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Proficient in design, setting up and maintaining robust accounting systems in compliance with local regulations, accounting standards and procedures governing multiple donors like Global Fund, ADB, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, EDF, ECHO, Irish Aid, USAID and World Bank.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Program Accountant
Global Fund PIU, Ministry Of Health
08.2023 - Current
- Managing Budget of $84m- monitoring and reprogramming
- Reviewing and analyzing funding requests and proposals
- Maintaining accounting records and ledgers in accordance with GAAP and IPSAS
- Handling and processing of payments and disbursements to suppliers and implementing entities of approximately $2m monthly.
- Managing taxes and ensure VAT charged is recovered.
- Cashflow management and bank reconciliations
- Resolving and reducing issues and queries from Fiscal Agent and internal/external auditors
- Preparing management reports and annual financial statements.
Financial Management Specialist
Post Cyclone Idai Kenneth Recovery & Resilience Programme
07.2020 - 07.2023
- Overseeing financial management including maintenance or all records and reporting
- Developed robust financial management systems and Policy and Procedures Manual for the programme
- Trained and supervised government staff in 7 implementing sectors/Departments.
- Coordinated preparation of annual budgets and monitoring of budgets
- Implemented internal controls to ensure compliance with donor regulations and accounting standards resulting in zero ineligible expenditure.
- Reviewing and authorizing payment requests and timely disbursement of funds
- Timely submission of quarterly and annual reports as well as other management reports as deemed necessary
- Managing end of year audits
- Treasury management and timely disbursement of funds to contractors and partners.
Finance and Administration Manager
Malawi Enterprise Productivity Enhancement (MEPE) Project
01.2015 - 02.2020
- Taking lead in all finance and administrative functions of project with budget of over EUR6.5million
- Managed to design and set up computerized accounting system for the project from scratch which was also adopted by COMESA for use in other countries that were implementing same project.
- Managed procurement of goods, services and works from development of tenders, award and implementation of contracts according to European Development Fund (EDF) & EU Procedures
- Negotiated with Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) to offset VAT claims with tax liabilities.
- Coordinated with programme officers to achieve 99% absorption and implementation of activities with no ineligible expenditures
Assistant Financial Controller
GOAL MALAWI
01.2014 - 08.2014
- Treasury management of Malawi office and ensuring that funds are always available for project activities.
- Managed budgets for projects and monitoring budgets to avoid over expenditures.
- Promoted compliance with Goal Finance and logistics procedures at all times and in accordance with other donors like USAID, Irish Aid, ECHO
- Responsible for month end closure and addressing any queries from GOAL Head Office
- Added value to programming by providing oversight role to project managers through effective participation in formulation of plans and implementation.
- Managed payroll data entry and processing for over 45 employees in compliance with cost sharing guidelines
- Coordinated internal and external audits.
Programme Accountant
Improved Forest Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (IFMSLP)
01.2012 - 02.2014
- Leading accounting and financial management in 4 districts, managed to maintain records that were sound and up to date
- Producing monthly management accounts and annual financial statements
- Ensured compliance EDF rules and managed to reduce ineligible expenditures to less than 1%.
- Reviewing and approving expenditures resulting in project achieving absorption rate of 96%.
- Trained and mentored government and partner staff
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed liquidation of advances to districts
Finance Manager
National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM)
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Restored confidence of institutional donors who had pulled out due to poor systems and financial mismanagement of Council.
- Developed finance and administration policy and enhanced compliance with standards.
- Within 2 years council passed HACT assessments and organizations like UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, NAC resumed funding Council.
- Developed resource mobilization strategy for council resulting in increased funding.
- Coordinated annual audits and cleared backlog of three years when institution was not audited.
- Contributed to development of Strategic plan of council.
- Created organizational structures to improve accounting and finance functions.
Business Manager
National Smallholder Farmers Association Of Malawi
02.2004 - 12.2006
- Successfully implemented innovative programs to increase membership loyalty and income.
- Oversaw crop marketing and procurement produce from farmers.
- Coordinated recording and accounting records as well as financial reporting to NASFAM and other donors.
- Developed association strategic plan.
Education
Bachelor of Accountancy Degree -
University of Malawi
Blantyre, BL09.2003
MBA -
Malawi Institute of Management (MIM)
Lilongwe, 09.2019
Skills
Financial Analysis
Payroll Management
Financial Management
Budgeting and Monitoring
Computerized Accounting Software Systems-
Documentation and Reporting
Tax accounting
Grant Accounting
Cash Flow Management
Procurement & Contract Management
Capacity Building
Strategic Planning
Software
Sun Accounting
QuickBooks
IFMIS
Certification
- ACCA - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Member # 1128445
- ICAM - Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi, Member # 4034
Timeline
Program Accountant
Global Fund PIU, Ministry Of Health
08.2023 - Current
Financial Management Specialist
Post Cyclone Idai Kenneth Recovery & Resilience Programme
07.2020 - 07.2023
Finance and Administration Manager
Malawi Enterprise Productivity Enhancement (MEPE) Project
01.2015 - 02.2020
Assistant Financial Controller
GOAL MALAWI
01.2014 - 08.2014
Programme Accountant
Improved Forest Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (IFMSLP)
01.2012 - 02.2014
Finance Manager
National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM)
01.2007 - 01.2012
Business Manager
National Smallholder Farmers Association Of Malawi
02.2004 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Accountancy Degree -
University of Malawi
MBA -
Malawi Institute of Management (MIM)
References
- Mr. Grenard Mkwende, Project Coordinator, Post Cyclone Idai Kenneth Emergency Recovery and Resilience Project, Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Private Bag 336, Lilongwe, Malawi, 0999 953 336, gmkwende@gmail.com
- Mr. Wiskess Nkombezi, Director of SMEs and Cooperatives, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, P.O Box 30366, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265999203590, +265888300176, wdgnkombezi@gmail.com
- Norah Kalolokesya, GOAL Malawi, P.O Box 31807, Blantyre, Malawi, +2651827083, nkalolokesya@mw.goal.ie
- Mr. Aubrey Chibwana, Executive Director, National Youth Council of Malawi, P/Bag 389, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265999 043 284, +265888853496, aubrey.chibwana@gmail.com
References
- Mrs Rhoda Banda, Deputy Program Manager, Global PIU-Malawi, P.O Box 30377, Lilongwe, +265991 029 672, rhoda.banda@mohpiu.com
- Mr. Grenard Mkwende, Project Coordinator, Post Cyclone Idai Kenneth Emergency Recovery and Resilience Project, Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Private Bag 336, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265999 953 336, gmkwende@gmail.com
- Mr. Wiskess Nkombezi, Director of SMEs and Cooperatives, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, P.O Box 30366, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265999203590, +265888300176, wdgnkombezi@gmail.com
- Magasten Banda, Head of Finance, National Authorizing Office-Support Unit of EU, P.O Box 30049,Lilongwe, +265888340252, mmbanda@naosupport.org
- Mr. Aubrey Chibwana, Executive Director, National Youth Council of Malawi, P/Bag 389, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265999 043 284, +265888853496, aubrey.chibwana@gmail.com
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