Frank Agyare

• In this role I hold the highest level of decision-making authority for OIC International in Ghana and the African Region responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring project quality, efficient operational procedures and systems, and responsibility for OIC International's Africa Regional programs.
• Optimized the use of program resources by conducting regular audits and identifying opportunities for cost-saving measures.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors and service providers to secure cost-effective solutions that contributed towards overall organizational efficiency.
• Identified potential risks associated with program implementation proactively; devised mitigation strategies accordingly.
• Promoted a positive working environment by fostering open communication, teamwork, and professional development opportunities among staff members.
• Managed budgetary resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for program activities and objectives.
• Coordinated closely with headquarters staff to provide timely updates on project progress, challenges, and successes.
• Efficiently managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality standards set forth by the organization.
• Recruited trained and supervised a team of dedicated volunteers to participate in community outreach initiatives and expand service provision.
• Leveraged partnerships with governmental agencies for greater policy influence on issues relevant to the organization's mission.
• Secured additional funding sources by submitting compelling grant proposals showcasing the organization's impactful work in-country.
• Conducted regular field visits to monitor project implementation firsthand, providing valuable insights for future improvements.
• Ensured compliance with local laws and regulations pertaining to non-profit operations within the country context.
• Adapted global initiatives to local contexts, ensuring cultural sensitivity and relevance in all programming efforts.
• Facilitated capacity-building workshops for partners and beneficiaries, enhancing their skills and knowledge to effectively implement programs.
• Developed strategic plans outlining country-specific goals, objectives, and action steps aligned with the organization's mission and vision.
• Implemented comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems to measure program impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Enhanced partnership collaborations by establishing strong relationships with local stakeholders and organizations.
• Led a diverse team of professionals in executing projects aimed at addressing key community needs and priorities.
• Increased program visibility through effective marketing strategies, community outreach, and media engagement.
• Elevated brand awareness via impactful public speaking engagements at conferences and other events related to the organization's area of focus.
• Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
• Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
• Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
• Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
• Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
• Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
• Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
• Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
• Monitored project progress, identified risks, and took corrective action as needed.
• Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
• Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
• Developed and executed successful business plans, resulting in increased market share and profitability.
• Increased regional sales by implementing targeted marketing strategies and fostering strong relationships with key clients.
• Motivated employees through effective communication, recognition programs, and tailored incentive structures that aligned with corporate objectives.
• Championed organizational culture change initiatives that fostered collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
• Under the Sponsorship of Global Fund through The Ghana Aids Commission, I led, both in my capacity as Finance Manager and Country Representative, the implementation of various HIV/AIDS program activities in the Ashanti Region, Brong Ahafo Region, Western Region, Central Region, and Greater Accra Region. I have successfully managed combined donor and private contract funds of up to Twenty million United States Dollars ($20,000,000.00) in my capacity both as Head of Finance and as Country Representative.
• I successfully secured, in a competitive bidding process in 2015, contracts with Tullow Ghana Ltd, a subsidiary of Tullow Plc in the UK, and its partners namely Kosomos Energy, Anadarko, GNPC, and PetroSA of up to a Million US dollars spent for various CSR activities over 4 year period. The Oil field run by the consortium, led by Tullow is called Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme Field, also known as the TEN Filed, hence, the TEN Project. I developed, with my team, a proposal and won the bid which led to the launching of the TEN Community-Led Environmental & Beach Improvement and School Sanitation (CLEBISS) and integrated water, Sanitation and Hygiene (TEN Wash in Schools Project) initiative for 31 Schools Project in all the Six Costal Districts in Western Region
• In partnership with and under the sponsorship of Newmont Gold Ghana Ltd, Ahafo, I led, since 2014, the implementation of the Agricultural Improvement and Land Access Program (AILAP) and Skills Development and Income Improvement Program targeted at the Mine-Operations Project Affected Persons (PAP) and Project Affected Communities (PAC) which aims at providing alternative livelihoods for the beneficiaries,

I efficiently managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality standards set forth by the organization.

I was responsible for managing the entire operations from Business Development, compliance, contracts & Procurement and Sub-contracts management, contract pricing & Financing, and contract negotiation to Human Resource management. I was responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with key partners, donors, contractors, and the government, and for new program development and resource mobilization in the country. In this role, I provided overall leadership and direction to the senior country team and promoted the vision and mission of OIC International in Ghana, assisted in the design and implementation of new programs, and prepared community development plans, monitoring and Evaluation, financial management, and Human Resource management.
As the head of OIC International Ghana, on a daily basis, I deal with external parties including the Government and its departments and Agencies, International Donors and funding Organizations like the USAID, Tullow Ghana Plc, Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd, the UNDP, and host of others like the embassies of our various funding countries. I have performed this task professionally and effectively over the years with a full understanding of the effects of the relationships that exist between OIC International and these and other external stakeholders.
In this role, I carried out, periodically, strategic business analysis and decisions with the view to improving our business and program delivery in Ghana in a way that facilitates the achievement of our business strategic goals.

In this role, As Acting Country Representative, I held the highest level of decision-making authority for OIC International in Ghana and was responsible for the entire Ghana Operations of OIC International and represented the Company both at the National and International level meetings and programs.

• Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules, and conflicts.
• Increased program visibility through effective marketing strategies, community outreach, and media engagement.
• Secured additional funding sources by submitting compelling grant proposals showcasing the organization's impactful work in-country.

I led the Financial strategy of the OIC International Ghana program Office, and I was part of the International Finance team led by the Vice President of Finance and Administration, based in Washington DC, in the implementation of the Financial strategy of OIC International including Resource Mobilization strategy, funding position of the organization new Business development strategies, identifying future funding requirements, cost of operations, financial risks, operational risks, cost of capital and internal controls and corporate governance and ethical issues. I have the skill set to prepare and evaluate the analyses of Financial strategies and the effects on external environmental factors that influence the formulation of such strategies.
I ensured that financial systems were robust and compliant, designed financial management systems, and supported administrative Functions, Human Resources, procurement and logistics, contracts & Procurement and Sub-contracts management, contract pricing & Financing, contract negotiation, and grant management. I oversaw general accounting, and financial management, annual budgeting, internal audit, and compliance functions for USAID, Global Fund, projects, Tullow Ghana Plc, Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd, and other corporate organizations.
I had significant experience in the preparation of Financial Statements for governments with consideration to International Financial Reporting Standard(s) (IFRS) or International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) /GAAP compliance, ensuring all assets, liabilities, and equity balances have been recorded at their proper valuations and they're accurate and complete. I prepare the financial statement being conscious that statement of financial statements presents fairly, in all material respects, the organization's financial position, and results of operations, and that cash flows are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
I oversaw financial management for USAID Positive Change/USAID Strengthening HIV/AIDS Response Partnership with Evidenced-Based Results (SHARPER) /Global Fund Projects. Provided a full range of accounting, budgeting, financial management, and grant management for two USAID-funded and a Global Fund project with a cumulative annual budget size of $15m.
In this role, I had experience in SAP Public Sector Management in Funds Management and Grants Management. I have used and continue to use Enterprise Resource Planners (ERPs) to support the analysis of real-time data, making budgeting and budgetary controls, accounting, decision-making, and reporting processes efficient. I have used ERPs in the past to allow easy access to important information; allowing organizations to make key decisions efficiently and reduce errors. Some of the reports include Variance analysis, monthly dashboards, specialized donor and other management reports. I have used ERPs to customize workflow and improvements to business processes, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. I have experience in the use of ERP to perform finance, budget management, and reporting including grant disbursement and liquidation.
I led OIC International's contract evaluation and negotiations and also approved contracts with other sub-grantees in a consortium. Part of my role was to establish OIC International's tax liabilities and other withholding tax deductions and payments to the Ghana Revenue authorities. I was also involved in tax planning for the organization.
I provided strategic leadership for the internal audit and financial management of OICI international projects in the Ghana Office. I developed risk identification processes and mitigation plans which to manage risk leading to the improvement of internal controls in managing complex projects USAID, USDA, UNICEF, the UNWFP, and the Global Fund funded projects. I provided technical support to our Africa-country finance managers in Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry, and 8 finance officers directly. I served as one of the lead persons, working with external auditors, during project external audits in Ghana including and leading internal control improvement according to external auditors' recommendations.

• Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
• Implemented innovative solutions to overcome challenges, leading to enhanced productivity levels.
• Managed budgets effectively, achieving financial objectives while maintaining strict control over expenditures.
• Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in navigating complex situations or rapidly changing environments with ease.
• Reduced costs, optimized resource allocation, and improved efficiency in managing projects.
• Evaluated vendor offerings critically to select the most appropriate partners for delivering desired results at optimal costs.
• Mentored junior staff members for skill development and career progression within the organization.
• Promoted a culture of continuous learning through regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions for staff.
• Spearheaded change management efforts for seamless adoption of new systems or processes among employees.
• Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Identified cost improvement changes and cost savings plan to increase company savings.
• Examined quarterly financials to determine business operating capacity.
• Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
• Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.

In this role, I was in charge of grants management, financial accounting, and reporting/ auditing/compliance, and for OICI International programs in the Ghana Country office, I was also tasked to prepare supporting information for the annual audit document and maintain complete and accurate supporting information for all financial transactions and liaised with external Auditors. As the Senior Finance Officer I reviewed sub-grantee work plans, performance frameworks, budgets, and developed tools to track sub-grantee/subcontractor expenditures against budgets and deliverables against agreements/contracts. I also performed quarterly data verification activities and maintained sub-grantee records files, and accounting records and monitored, I was also tasked to handle grants management for OIC International's 3 USAID and global fund projects in the Country office. Additionally, I ensured account receivables and payables activities were performed accurately and timely, and financial transactions were properly updated and recorded. I was tasked to ensure data integrity in all financial data entries in the system and also I identified and resolved invoicing issues, accounting discrepancies, and other financial-related issues. I reviewed financial paperwork and procedures and made appropriate changes and the necessary Journal entries.

I have experience with budgetary policies and practices, financial regulations and rules. I developed strong Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies for results-based budgeting processes. I have also developed and implemented budgetary policies and practices, financial regulations, and rules for multi-donor and partner-funded projects including the UNDP, UNWFP, the Global Fund, and USAID.

• Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining accounting processes and implementing robust internal controls.
• Mentored junior finance staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the department.
• Managed budget preparation process for multiple departments, ensuring timely submission and alignment with corporate goals.
• Prepared detailed financial statements in accordance with GAAP guidelines, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

I performed various finance roles within the period. I Prepared on a monthly basis Bank Reconciliation Statements and reports on several USAID, UNICEFF, WFP, Global Fund projects for management. I made Journal Entries with approval by my superiors and financial data entry and analysis. I was a member of OIC International's Procurement committee which oversaw all its procurements.

I prepared regular management reports on various projects in accordance with donor-specific financial management reporting formats, especially, USAID financial management regulations. In this role I also prepared reports on capital expenditure and budget and expenditure reviews for various donor-funded projects. I conducted revenue and expenditure analysis, budget an actual expenditure variance analysis and interpretation of the variance.

I was involved in preparation and presentation of regular management account reporting and other reports including Key Performance Indicators, I prepared regulatory reports and filed them in accordance with law. For instance I prepared and filed on a monthly basis, Withholding taxes including VAT returns with the Ghana Revenue Authority and social security fund contributions of staff with The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

I was assigned to manage account Receivables and Account Payables in respect of different projects with different donor reporting requirements.

I developed skills in the use of Accounting software which helped improved the efficiency of the work assigned to me in this role.

I assisted in preparation of payroll and postings into the accounting software and payments to banks of staff salaries. I updating the organisation's ledgers. I also prepared trial balance and conducted reconciliations of our debtors accounts in conjunction with our marketing team. I was responsible for monthly Bank reconciliation and I prepared monthly reports on our Bank balances. I was also involved in the computation of depreciation, and monthly postings of accruals and prepayments. I was involved in the implementation of a new accounting software and review of existing systems. We needed to have integration of our sales and warehouse operations to make financial reporting both accurate and easy and in compliance with IFRS requirements.

I submitted regular management reports on inventory, capital expenditure and debtors and creditors analysis for review by my boss. I conducted revenue and expenditure analysis, budget an actual expenditure variance analysis and interpretation of the variance to inform management decision. Every year before the ensuing year's budget is prepared I made sure the review and budget and expenditure report for the previous year was in place to inform the next budget. I was involved in preparation and presentation of regular management account reporting and other reports including Key Performance Indicators, though not directly responsible, I participated in all these activities.

I prepared regulatory reports and filed them in accordance with law. For instance I prepared and filed on a monthly basis, Withholding taxes including VAT returns with the Ghana Revenue Authority and social security fund contributions of staff with The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

• Cultivated a positive work environment within the firm by promoting collaboration among colleagues.
• Presented compelling arguments in court, resulting in favorable verdicts for clients across multiple cases.
• Fostered an atmosphere of continuous learning by leading seminars or workshops on relevant topics.
• Negotiated settlements, achieving mutually satisfactory resolutions for clients involved in disputes.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and legislative changes impacting clients'' businesses or industries.
• Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
• Advised clients on regulatory compliance matters to mitigate risks associated with potential violations or penalties.
• Engaged in thorough legal research to inform well-rounded strategies for client representation.
• Managed high-stakes litigation matters from inception through trial preparation and resolution.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams to provide comprehensive legal advice tailored to individual client situations.
• Mentored junior associates, providing guidance on case strategy and professional development opportunities.