Lara Yotamu
Enfield,Middlesex
Summary
Experienced financial professional with a strong background in donor cycle fund management, including budget preparation, forecasting, disbursement, and project closure. Expertise in donor fund compliance for major institutions such as the EU, FCDO, UN, and SOAS University of London. Proven ability to manage complex multi-donor budgets globally while ensuring alignment with internal controls and external funding requirements. Skilled in financial reporting, variance analysis, and donor liaison. Advanced proficiency in Excel functions such as VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, Pivot tables, and SUMIF. Adept at audit preparation and risk mitigation through cross-functional collaboration with programme, fundraising, and humanitarian teams.
Driven professional with keen aptitude for leadership and problem-solving. Demonstrates strong communication and analytical skills, combined with proactive approach to project management. Committed to driving organisational success through strategic initiatives and collaborative teamwork.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
4051
4051
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Restricted Funds Officer – Global & Christian Aid Ireland
Christian Aid
London
11.2023 - 02.2026
- Oversaw performance of donor-funded global projects with portfolio of approximately GBP £12 million.
- Prepared Key Performance Indicators, risk reports, and fund analyses to monitor project success.
- Led month-end income recognition and intercompany reconciliations for precise financial reporting.
- Supported budgeting processes for multi-country projects, ensuring adherence to donor requirements.
- Facilitated financial training for staff and partners in preparation for donor audits.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure transparency in financial transactions.
- Managed complex financial portfolios, optimising risk management strategies.
Restricted Funds Officer – East Africa
Christian Aid
London
09.2018 - 10.2023
- Acted as finance business partner for East Africa country teams, with portfolio of approx. GBP £20 million.
- Managed donor fund compliance and financial reporting.
- Led month-end deferred/accrued income processes and fund code closures.
- Supported audits for FCDO, EU, USAID, and others, including financial documentation review and partner balance confirmation.
- Delivered policy training and technical advice to country offices.
- Worked diligently under pressure whilst preserving high-quality output.
- Executed assigned duties responsibly thus meeting departmental expectations consistently.
- Collaborated with colleagues for effective teamwork.
- Organised financial reporting to ensure transparency in operations.
Finance Officer – Grants
Christian Aid
London
08.2011 - 03.2018
- Managed daily financial operations ensuring accurate financial stewardship.
- Processed £2M+ in overseas grant payments; verified partner bank details and handled treasury tasks.
- Reviewed monthly financial returns and reconciliations (bank, cash and liabilities) for multiple international country offices.
- Provided financial induction and training for new staff; assisted with year-end audits and policy procedure updates.
Education
Level 7 CIMA Accounting/Taxation Professional Apprenticeship Programme - Accountancy and Finance
BPP
London 12.2025 - 09.2028
AAT Level 3 Diploma - Accounting & Finance
Association of Accounting Technicians
LondonAATQB - Accountancy and Finance
Association of Accounting Technicians
LondonSkills
- Donor cycle fund management: assisting with budget preparation, providing information for forecasting, disbursement, and project closure
- Donor fund compliance (EU, FCDO, UN, SOAS University of London research grant involving VAT, and other institutional donors)
- Managing complex, multi-donor budgets globally, ensuring alignment with both internal controls and external funding requirements
- Financial reporting, variance analysis, and donor liaison
- Advanced Excel skills – VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, Pivot tables, SUMIF
- Audit preparation and risk mitigation
- Cross-functional collaboration with programme, fundraising, and humanitarian teams
FIELD ASSIGNMENTS & TRAINING SUPPORT
Malawi (2018): Trained 10 staff on finance systems (PROMISE) and on financial procedures and policies; supported with the EU audit preparation., Sierra Leone (2017): Delivered training to interim finance team; supported with the EU audit preparation., South Sudan (2013): Trained new finance staff with hands-on accounting and reconciliation guidance. Also provided training on financial procedures and policies.
Timeline
Level 7 CIMA Accounting/Taxation Professional Apprenticeship Programme - Accountancy and Finance
BPP
12.2025 - 09.2028
Senior Restricted Funds Officer – Global & Christian Aid Ireland
Christian Aid
11.2023 - 02.2026
Restricted Funds Officer – East Africa
Christian Aid
09.2018 - 10.2023
Finance Officer – Grants
Christian Aid
08.2011 - 03.2018
AAT Level 3 Diploma - Accounting & Finance
Association of Accounting Technicians
AATQB - Accountancy and Finance
Association of Accounting Technicians