Lorna Mareri

Experience

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  Pacis Insurance Company Ltd

  Mar 2009 - Jun 2009

  Assistant Accountant

  I oversaw the payment of claims and commissions, as well as handled premium refunds within the insurance framework. Additionally, I was responsible for the preparation and submission of monthly returns to the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).

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  World Relief

  Jul 2009 - Feb 2011

  Accountant

  I managed grants and donor funds, monitored budgets, and oversaw the expense system while preparing audit schedules and reconciliations and reviewing audit reports. Additionally, I handled monthly and quarterly budget preparations along with budget variance reports, built project partner capacity in finance and administration best practices, and ensured treasury management and regular financial reporting in line with organizational and donor guidelines. I established and maintained effective finance, grant, and administration systems, maintained project documentation filing systems, and ensured the filing of grantee reports and proposals. Moreover, I provided logistical support for events and travel, coordinated program procurement, ensured compliance with policies, facilitated timely disbursements to partners, managed program expenses liquidation, addressed grant-related queries, prepared consultant contracts, and maintained a register of project assets per organizational guidelines. Show less

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  Aga Khan Foundation USA

  Mar 2011 - Sept 2012

  Accountant-Partnerships

  In Aga Khan Foundation, I ensured the implementation of AKF donor financial policies aligned with USAID guidelines, collaborating with the Head Office for monthly report submissions and conducting audits while authorizing payments. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in budget preparation for partner organizations, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and tax regulations. In managing Partners' Finances, I oversaw timely fund requests and financial reporting submissions from partners, conducted reviews of their financial systems, and performed variance analysis on payment vouchers and cashbooks. In Procurement, I implemented a competitive bidding process and facilitated VAT exemption requests from the Kenya Revenue Authority for cost-effectiveness. Show less

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  Wilken Group of Companies

  Oct 2012 - Sept 2015

  Chief Finance Officer (CFO)

  As the CFO at Wilken Group Ltd, I coordinated and managed staff and resources within the finance department, ensuring tax compliance, updating annual returns, and developing accounting policies and templates. I reviewed monthly management accounts for accuracy before circulation to the board, facilitated the appointment of new auditors, and oversaw audit updates. I restructured finance facilities with banks, aligning them with cash flow projections and income to expenses to enhance liquidity. Moreover, I conducted performance analysis for all four companies within the group, making recommendations for future activities to improve performance, and restructured the finance department to enhance overall efficiency. Show less

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  Quest Holdings Ltd.

  Oct 2015 - Feb 2019

  Group Chief Finance Officer

  As the CFO of Quest Holdings Limited, I ensured accurate and timely financial reports aligned with accounting standards, while ensuring Strategic Financial Management which involved providing decision-making insights at all levels. My effective team management was demonstrated through the implementation of process changes and motivating the team to achieve objectives. I ensured regulatory compliance and budget management. The Internal Control and Corporate Governance involved designing and documenting controls to safeguard resources. Lastly, I developed Financial Policies and Procedures to maintain organizational integrity and compliance Show less

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  Symbion Consulting Group

  Mar 2019 - now

  As the Chief Operations Officer, I have led initiatives to develop and execute operational goals and KPIs, collaborating closely with the executive team to achieve a 20% increase in overall operational efficiency. Spearheading process optimization efforts resulted in a notable 15% productivity boost and significant cost reductions. Through strategic resource management, optimal staffing and project resourcing we have consistently surpassed objectives. I have meticulously managed projects and ensured timely, budget-friendly, and high-quality project deliveries. I have prioritized talent development fostering a skilled and motivated workforce, while enhancing seamless collaboration with client-facing teams. My proactive risk management and compliance efforts have ensured adherence to industry standards. I have also managed external relationships effectively, optimized terms and promoted collaboration with vendors, contractors, and partners. Lastly, driving a culture of innovation and continuous improvement I have inspired cross-functional teams to explore and implement novel ideas and solutions Show less As the Group Finance Director, I implemented a proactive financial monitoring system that significantly enhanced budget adherence. In managing the Accounts Department, I initiated process overhauls leading to accurate accounts and a 25% reduction in errors. Spearheading Audit Coordination, efficient communication with auditors resulted in a 30% decrease in query response time. I devised and executed a tax strategy, reducing the tax burden by 15% through strategic exemptions and reliefs. Additionally, in handling Company Secretarial Matters, I ensured streamlined board and shareholder meetings by proficiently preparing board papers, meeting notices, and circulated minutes. Show less

  • Group Chief Operations Officer

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Group Finance Director

    Mar 2019 - Dec 2022