Michael Gude

Area of Expertise:

• Administration, Management, Finance/Accounting, Procurement

Professional Experience:

HelpAge International, Port-au-Prince, Haiti September 2012 – Present
Finance and Support Services Manager

* Established and maintained effective procedures and systems for financial management and control in compliance with HelpAge International and donor requirements.
* Established and maintained effective accounting systems for the recording of all financial information.
* Overseen the year-end procedure, ensuring that all financial returns are completed accurately and to the required timescale.
* Provided monthly accounts and donor financial reports to HAI’s Secretariat in accordance with the organisation’s requirements and timetable.
* Managed cash flow, ensuring that regular and accurate transfer requests are made.
* Liaised with Audit staff (internal and external) ensuring that any recommendations and changes are fully implemented.
* Ensured - in close liaison with the Country Director - that thorough and effective budgetary control is undertaken in the Haiti program. Highlighted key variances, reasons for these, and any remedial action that is required.
* Prepared, co-ordinated and overseen the budgeting, budget monitoring and financial forecasting processes, liaising with budget holders and contract managers to ensure that procedures are understood and timetables communicated.
* Supported Programs staff in the production of project budgets and proposals, advising on assumptions, risks and opportunities contained within the budgets.
* Prepared and reviewed and authorised the financial aspects of all funding proposals.
* Identified the financial information needs of the program and set up systems to ensure that these needs are met.
* Identified and assisted in meeting the financial training needs of local staff.
* Overseen, developed and implemented systems and procedures relating to logistic operations, for examples: procurement, storage and distribution with supplier database; rigorous assets and materials controls compliant with donor and HelpAge requirements; scheduling of all transport, flights and the control and monitoring of vehicle and fuel usage;
* Ensured security procedures and that the required material and equipment are in place; and kept abreast of security developments by attending relevant cluster and/or working group meetings.
* Overseen, developed and implemented systems and procedures relating to office management, material and services management, for examples: sourcing office equipment and supplies - including computers, furniture and stationeries and maintaining inventories, liaising with contractors and service providers for efficient and cost effective servicing and repairs of material and equipment, and ensuring procedures are followed and adhere to;
* Ensured that all regular service providers are paid in a timely manner e.g. internet, utilities bills, security company etc;
* Sourced and managed accommodation for all international staff, ensuring gue