ERNEST K. KABERA
Birmingham
Summary
Financial strategist with proven expertise in global financial strategy, grant management, and budgeting. Proficient in forecasting, reporting, and ensuring donor compliance, alongside strong skills in risk management and internal controls. Experienced in leading teams and driving digital transformation initiatives, including SAP software implementation. Background in foreign exchange trading focused on enhancing financial performance and strategic planning.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Finance Director / Global Finance Lead
Girl Effect
01.2024 - 09.2025
- Lead global finance strategy, governance, and operations across HQ and multiple country offices, managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio and reporting to the Chief Business Officer.
- Oversee the global grants portfolio (USAID, GAVI, FCDO, Nike Foundation), ensuring donor compliance, risk management, contract adherence, and successful audits.
- Manage and develop a global finance team (in-country finance managers, Global Grants Manager, consultants) while driving financial systems transformation.
Finance Business Partner
Girl Effect Global
09.2017 - 12.2023
- Provided strategic financial insight to senior leaders for multiple global portfolios, improving forecasting accuracy and financial decision-making.
- Managed a dispersed finance team (Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia) and led budgeting, forecasting, and donor reporting (FCDO, USAID, Nike Foundation).
- Introduced automated reporting and strengthened cost recovery frameworks, enhancing efficiency and compliance.
Finance Manager
Girl Effect Rwanda
10.2012 - 09.2017
- Directed the full finance function for the Rwanda office, overseeing accounting, payroll, budgeting, audits, and donor reporting.
- Implemented strong internal controls, financial systems, and risk checks to enhance compliance and efficiency.
- Supported programme teams with budget planning, cross-border reporting, and donor compliance requirements.
Senior Accountant
SPIU, Ministry of Trade & Industry
10.2011 - 10.2012
- Produced IAS-compliant reports and supervised audits for World Bank, EU, AfDB, and IFAD-funded projects.
- Ensured donor compliance and timely disbursements while managing accounting staff.
- Developed cost-sharing systems and participated in new funding negotiations.
Finance Manager
Enhanced Integrated Framework Secretariat, MINICOM
10.2009 - 08.2011
- Managed multi-donor funds (UNOPS, UNDP, WTO, World Bank) ensuring budget adherence and timely reporting.
- Coordinated audits, donor budgets, and contract reviews for high-value projects.
- Provided financial policy guidance and risk oversight to senior management.
Senior Auditor
Banque de Kigali
01.2008 - 10.2009
- Planned and led internal audits for Rwanda’s largest commercial bank.
- Strengthened internal controls and presented findings to executive management.
- Led audit missions and delivered risk mitigation recommendations.
Internal Auditor
Banque Populaire du Rwanda SA
12.2006 - 01.2008
- Conducted operational and financial audits across multiple branches.
- Evaluated internal controls and ensured regulatory compliance.
- Prepared audit reports and provided recommendations to senior management.
Education
BAS Degree - Accounting Sciences
National University of Rwanda
01.2002 - 01.2006
Secondary Professional Certificate - Accounting
Rwanda Exam Board
01.1995 - 01.2001
Skills
- Global Financial Strategy & Leadership
- Grant & Donor Portfolio Management
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Reporting
- Donor Compliance & Contract Management
- Internal Controls & Risk Management
- Audit & Assurance
- Strategic & Operational Planning
- Team Leadership & Capacity Building
- Financial Systems & Digital Transformation
- Foreign Exchange Trading
- SAP software utilisation
Accomplishments
- Produced financial reports that secured continued donor funding (UNOPS/EIF)
- Headed the team that created Audit Manual Procedures at Banque de Kigali
- Led over 36 successful audit missions across multiple banks
- Achieved clean audit opinions on submitted financial reports
- Successfully registered and operationalised the Gasarenda Savings & Credit Cooperative
Custom
- Foundation Governor, Birmingham Catholic Diocese – St Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, 2022–Present, Provide strategic oversight on school finance and resources, ensuring compliance and value for money.
- Independent Examiner / Auditor, St Paul Church of England – Beckenham, London, 2021–Present, Carry out independent examination of the church’s financial statements in line with Charity Commission guidance.
Timeline
Finance Director / Global Finance Lead
Girl Effect
01.2024 - 09.2025
Finance Business Partner
Girl Effect Global
09.2017 - 12.2023
Finance Manager
Girl Effect Rwanda
10.2012 - 09.2017
Senior Accountant
SPIU, Ministry of Trade & Industry
10.2011 - 10.2012
Finance Manager
Enhanced Integrated Framework Secretariat, MINICOM
10.2009 - 08.2011
Senior Auditor
Banque de Kigali
01.2008 - 10.2009
Internal Auditor
Banque Populaire du Rwanda SA
12.2006 - 01.2008
BAS Degree - Accounting Sciences
National University of Rwanda
01.2002 - 01.2006
Secondary Professional Certificate - Accounting
Rwanda Exam Board
01.1995 - 01.2001
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