Mercy Chimwaza

I’m a strategic finance executive and CPA with 10+ years of progressive leadership experience across nonprofit, charitable, conservation, education, and international organizations. I bring proven expertise in financial planning and analysis, board reporting, audit management, grant compliance, risk management, cashflow forecasting, and organizational transformation.

In my current role as Director of Finance and Operations, I lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic planning processes while partnering with executive leadership and boards to support organizational decision-making. I prepare and present monthly and annual financial statements, forecasts, and variance analyses; manage audits and compliance requirements with external auditors; and develop and strengthen financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.

I also own grant reporting, restricted funds management, donor compliance requirements, and lead cashflow forecasting and treasury management alongside financial risk assessments. I implement financial systems and reporting improvements that increase efficiency and transparency, and I’ve led a finance and operations team in Nicaragua working entirely in Spanish to support strategic organizational initiatives.

Previously, with African Parks Network, I supported finance and operational management within one of Africa’s largest conservation organizations, including managing financial controls, budgeting, reporting, procurement, and operational support activities. Living and working within protected wildlife reserves shaped my lifelong commitment to the transformative power of nature—and I’m passionate about mission-driven organizations creating meaningful social and environmental impact.