Open to opportunities

OPHANEL NYIRENDA

@ophanelnyirenda

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Senior finance and administration manager with 19 years’ public-sector accounting and IFRS expertise.

Zambia

Message

What I'm looking for

I want a finance leadership role where I can drive IFRS-compliant reporting, budgets, internal controls, and audit readiness, while coaching teams and improving cost efficiency through clear financial analysis and governance-focused operations.

I am an experienced Accountant and finance professional with 19 years in finance, administration and accounting within the public sector. I am currently acting Finance and Administration Manager for the National Science and Technology Council, leading administrative, financial, and risk operations and reporting to Management and Board.

My work focuses on reliable financial management: overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, bank reconciliations, and monthly/quarterly/yearly financial statements prepared in line with IFRS. I also lead budgeting and financial planning, including annual budget development, variance reporting to senior management and committees, and identifying cost optimization opportunities while maintaining operational efficiency.

I strengthen control and compliance through internal systems, audits coordination (internal and external), grant financial oversight, and ensuring adherence to tax and reporting regulations. I support capability building by training and mentoring finance and administrative staff, leveraging tools such as Pastel, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and I bring a strong professional foundation through ACCA (and associate memberships with ZICA and CIPFA) as well as an MBA and my ongoing Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Acting Finance & Admin Manager

Current

National Science and Technology Council

Oct 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Managed administrative, financial, and risk operations of the Council and provided timely IFRS-compliant financial reporting to management and the board. Oversaw budgeting and financial planning, grant financial management, audit coordination, payroll, tax compliance, and internal controls.

IFRS Audit Coordination Payroll Administration Tax Compliance Internal Controls

Accountant

National Science and Technology Council

Jan 2016 - Oct 2021 (5 years 9 months)

Executed finance and administrative processes to support transparent use of financial resources in line with Council rules and government requirements. Managed month-end/year-end closures, bank reconciliations, budgeting support, payments processing, partner advance tracking, and internal audit follow-ups, including donor reporting inputs.

Bank Reconciliation Payments Processing Cost Saving Initiatives Donor Reporting Audit Recommendation Follow Up

Assistant Accountant

National Science and Technology Council

Sep 2005 - Dec 2015 (10 years 3 months)

Supported accounting operations including salary data reporting, cashier unit monitoring, payments and receipts processing, and assistance with financial statement preparation. Ensured statutory compliance (NAPSA, PAYE), assisted with postings in Pastel, and contributed budget and financial information for decision-making.

PAYE And NAPSA Compliance Financial Statements Statutory Compliance

Bank Clerk

Barclays Bank Zambia Limited

Apr 2002 - May 2005 (3 years 1 month)

Supported banking operations by assisting with customer acquisition and product sales, and resolving customer and account issues. Prepared monthly deposit reports, investigated erroneous charges, and helped maintain accurate processing and follow-up on customer transactions.

Customer Onboarding Support Monthly Deposit Reporting