Cecilia Amahaya

Financial Analyst , International Non Profit

Olathe, United States

Financial Management Specialist and ACCA Member with 30+ years supporting USAID-funded programs. Expertise in grants management, compliance, fiduciary risk, and audit oversight. Proven track record managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, strengthening financial systems, and supporting development outcomes across complex international environments with government, donor, and NGO stakeholders.

Contact Cecilia Amahaya
Area of Expertise:
  • Administration, Management, Finance/Accounting, Procurement
Professional Experience:

I bring over 30 years of progressive experience in financial management, grants oversight, and compliance within international development, primarily through long-term service with USAID Kenya and East Africa. Throughout my career, I have supported the design, implementation, and oversight of complex, donor-funded programs across multiple sectors, including health, education, and environmental initiatives.

In my role as a Financial Analyst, I served as a senior advisor on financial management matters to technical teams and implementing partners, providing strategic guidance on budgeting, financial planning, and compliance with U.S. Government regulations. I managed financial oversight of large and complex program portfolios, ensuring effective utilization of funds, adherence to donor requirements, and alignment with development objectives. My work involved conducting financial reviews, pre-award assessments, and due diligence processes to evaluate the capacity of implementing partners and strengthen their financial management systems.

I have extensive experience in fiduciary risk assessment and mitigation, supporting audit processes, and strengthening internal control frameworks. I played a key role in ensuring full compliance with financial regulations and contributed to the successful closure of audit recommendations. My ability to identify financial risks and recommend corrective actions has enhanced accountability and improved the overall financial integrity of development programs.

A significant component of my work has involved capacity building and stakeholder engagement. I have delivered targeted training to implementing partners, USAID staff, and program teams on financial management, grants compliance, and audit requirements. Through these efforts, I have contributed to strengthening institutional capacity and promoting sustainable financial practices among local and international partners.

Earlier in my career as an Accountant, I managed financial accounting and pipeline analysis for an annual portfolio exceeding $200 million. I provided detailed financial reporting on obligations, disbursements, and projections, supporting informed decision-making by leadership. I also ensured accuracy in financial records through reconciliations and supported compliance with established accounting standards and procedures.

As a Voucher Examiner, I developed strong expertise in accounts payable, financial transactions, and compliance processes, reviewing and processing high volumes of payment vouchers and ensuring adherence to internal controls and regulatory requirements. This role laid the foundation for my deep understanding of financial systems and operational processes within donor-funded environments.

Across all roles, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to financial integrity, transparency, and accountability. My experience spans working with government institutions, donor agencies, and implementing partners in diverse and complex environments. I bring a combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and practical experience that enables me to effectively support financial management, grants administration, and fiduciary oversight in international development organizations.

Education:

I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from the United States International University–Africa (USIU), where I developed advanced competencies in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and financial decision-making within complex and resource-constrained environments. A key component of my graduate studies was my thesis on NGO Governance, which examined the effectiveness of governance structures, accountability mechanisms, and oversight systems in non-governmental organizations. This research deepened my understanding of fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and institutional integrity—core principles that directly align with financial management, grants oversight, and compliance roles in international development.

The focus on NGO governance has been particularly valuable in my professional work, where I have supported donor-funded programs and implementing partners in strengthening financial systems, internal controls, and accountability frameworks. It has enabled me to approach financial oversight not only from a technical perspective but also from a governance and risk management lens, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently, ethically, and in alignment with donor expectations and development objectives.

In addition to my MBA, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from USIU–Africa. This program provided a strong foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, auditing, and corporate finance, equipping me with the technical expertise required to manage complex financial portfolios and support evidence-based decision-making. My undergraduate training has been instrumental in enabling me to perform detailed financial analysis, oversee compliance processes, and contribute to the financial sustainability of development programs.

To complement my academic qualifications, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer-Based Information Systems from the University of Sunderland. This program enhanced my ability to leverage information systems in financial management, data analysis, and reporting. It has enabled me to effectively utilize financial systems and tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in financial operations, which is critical in managing large-scale donor-funded programs.

I am also a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a globally recognized professional qualification that signifies expertise in accounting, auditing, financial management, and ethics. The ACCA program has strengthened my competencies in financial reporting, governance, risk management, and compliance with international standards. It has also reinforced my commitment to professional integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of financial management.

In addition, I have engaged in continuous professional development through USAID training programs, including supervisory leadership, financial analysis, and internal controls and fraud awareness. These trainings have enhanced my practical understanding of donor regulations, audit processes, and financial oversight mechanisms within international development environments.

Overall, my educational background integrates strategic management, financial expertise, and governance principles, positioning me to effectively support financial management, grants administration, and fiduciary oversight in global development institutions. It provides a strong foundation for promoting accountability, strengthening systems, and contributing to sustainable and impactful development outcomes across diverse international contexts.

Available for:

  • Job opportunities

Years of Experience:

More than 20 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, SWAHILI

Nationality:

Kenya

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