Frederick Wara
@frederickwara
Experienced regional finance controller and forensic accountant for international donor-funded programs.
KenyaWhat I'm looking for
I am a finance professional with twenty years' experience managing accounting, compliance, and forensic investigations for international donor-funded projects. I hold CPA and CFE certifications and an MBA in Finance, and I specialize in strengthening financial management across multi-country operations.
In my current role as Regional Controller I established and oversee financial management systems, led forensic audits and fraud investigations, supported donor reporting to agencies such as USAID, UNHCR and FCDO, and provided tailored anti-fraud and finance trainings to staff and partners.
Previously I served as Regional Finance Controller for DRC and Compliance Manager at CMMB, where I coordinated audits, improved internal controls, managed budgets and payroll systems, and trained partner finance teams. I have a consistent record of ensuring compliance with donor policies and improving financial transparency.
I am practical and systems-focused, adept at reviewing policies and manuals, monitoring currency and program burn rates, and preparing financial forecasts and KPI reporting. I aim to drive stronger controls, clear reporting, and measurable improvements in financial governance across programs.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Regional Controller
Search for Common Ground
Jul 2016 - Present (9 years 2 months)
Established and oversee regional financial management systems and controls, led forensic audits and compliance assessments, and supported donor reporting to USAID, UNHCR, FCDO and others while improving financial oversight across multiple country offices.
Regional Finance Controller
Danish Refugee Council
Oct 2012 - Jun 2016 (3 years 8 months)
Oversaw finance and administration across Horn of Africa & Yemen, ensured donor-compliant accounting and timely financial reporting, coordinated audit responses and implemented financial tools and capacity building to close gaps.
Compliance Manager
Catholic Medical Mission Board
Aug 2007 - Sep 2012 (5 years 1 month)
Managed compliance for CMMB Kenya including donor contract adherence, cost allocation, audit planning and partner compliance, ensuring timely monthly financial reporting and resolution of external audit queries.
Finance & Administration Manager
Development Alternatives International
Aug 2004 - Jul 2007 (2 years 11 months)
Managed project finances and administration for DAI/USAID project, led budget planning, monthly budget vs actual reviews, cashflow forecasting and supported successful external audits.
Finance Officer
Family Health International
Feb 2002 - Jul 2004 (2 years 5 months)
Managed project financial operations for USAID-funded Four Pillars project, produced month-end and donor reports, maintained bank reconciliations and ensured procurement and asset safeguards.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
AEAssociation of Certified Fraud Examiners
Certified Fraud Examiner, Fraud Examination
2018 - 2018
Obtained the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential in December 2018, demonstrating expertise in fraud detection and prevention.
KUKenya Methodist University
Master of Business Administration, Finance
2014 - 2017
Completed a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Finance, strengthening financial management and analytical skills.
Kenya Institute of Project Management
Advanced Diploma in Project Management, Project Management
2012 - 2013
Completed an Advanced Diploma in Project Management, covering project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
KUKenya Methodist University
Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting & Finance
2008 - 2012
Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting & Finance, focusing on accounting principles and financial management.
SUStrathmore University
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accounting
2000 - 2007
Completed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) professional program (Parts I–III) at Strathmore University.
Kisumu Polytechnic
Certificate, Computer Accounting
1999 - 1999
Attended training in computer accounting packages, including QuickBooks, Sage and other accounting software.
St. Joseph’s Rapogi High School
KCSE, Secondary Education
1992 - 1995
Completed secondary education and sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
KenyaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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