2024

Hello,

I’m Jerusa Okwemba

Finance Associate

Jerusa Okwemba is a detail-oriented finance and operations professional with extensive experience in financial management, cost accounting, teambuilding, HR and supply chain operations. She holds a Bachelor of Economics & Statistics from the University of Nairobi and a CPA certification. Jerusa has excelled in complex financial tasks and data analysis in roles at Nivishe Foundation, Aga Khan University, Absa Bank ,Royal Prestige Insurance Agency and Pwani Oil Products Ltd. Known for her skills in financial reconciliation, inventory management, Grant budgeting and HR payroll, she is fluent in English and Kiswahili. Jerusa's excellent communication, strong problem-solving abilities, and proactive approach drive organizational success.

Heritage & Roots

Hailing from the Wanyore subgroup of the Luhya tribe in Vihiga County, Kenya, my heritage is deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Western Kenya. Traditional values of respect, hard work, and communal spirit instilled within my Luhya background continue to shape my personal and professional approach to life. The county is rich with high level stones which when on it you can view Mt. Elgon.

Family Stories & Tradition

The family stories and traditions that have shaped my life are deeply rooted in resilience and hard work. A pivotal story is about my grandfather, who escaped death in Iran & Nairobi during the world war 2 by jumping from the eighth floor, only to return home to find his children neglected despite his hard work. This tale of survival and the realization of the importance of self-reliance instilled in me a drive to always work hard for my own success. Growing up, i witnessed many youths in my community dropping out of school to mine gold in Emukhalakhala River or getting married as early as class five due to a lack of guidance and resources. These experiences motivated me to pursue education diligently and create a name for myself and to walk smiling everyday to lighten my day.

Family traditions, such as dancing the isikuti, celebrating ceremonies together, and sharing meals, played a significant role in my upbringing. These gatherings, especially during my siblings' graduations, were sources of motivation and a reminder of the importance of education. My love for cooking, grilling meat, singing, and playing sports was fostered through community competitions, where parents and children would engage in netball, football, kati, and hide-and-seek. These activities not only shaped my talents but also reinforced the value of teamwork and community spirit.

Personal Journey & Milestones

My career path demonstrates a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and operations, with a recent shift towards the non-profit sector. Here's a glimpse into my journey and achievements, including leadership roles and my involvement with people living with disabilities in treasures of life TV Show at Signs TV through Identified solutions Ltd.

Early 2018- 2021

started my career in compliance, gaining experience in regulatory requirements and stakeholder management at Absa Kenya. Later joined the insurance sector where i developed strong client service skills while crafting insurance policies and assessing risks as i also engage in sales and marketing of the motor vehicle insurance policies for different insurance companies including APA, Jubilee, Pionner, Britam, Trident, Sanlam, Kenya Orient.

Shifting Gears (2021-2023)

I took a turn when i joined Aga Khan University and undertook 3 main projects, 1 digitization of HR records and smoothening HR payroll process and creation of QVR templates, Contract extension, conclusion, leave data management, pension templates to measure efficiency.

n finance, I managed patient accounting, daily cash & Mpesa reconciliations, and grant budgets while ensuring adherence to financial regulations. My leadership qualities emerged as I trained new team members on PeopleSoft receiving in supply chain management, processing RTVs, Orders in the system, on essential customer service skills, teamwork, emotional intelligence and conducted research for the CEOon quality health systems and improved service delivery at AKUHN, and assisted in departmental audits(HR).

Recent Endeavors (May 2024-Present)

Currently,as a Finance Associate at Nivishe Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims at creating mental awareness and educating young adolescent girls and teen mothers on importance of sexual reproductive knowldege and health while equiping them with entrepreneurship skills in computing, tailoring, catering services, hair dressing. This role aligns with my desire to contribute to a social cause while utilizing my financial expertise & leadership skills.

Future Aspirations

Be an all round individual who i has a good and unique taste in designs ,great mathematicall measurements who in the next journey of life will be a CEO to drive financial sector to greater heights without corruption and as clean & transparent as the pictures attached. Next is to have a peaceful home and create social impact to the society as well. I want to use the knowledge i have and continue to gain to also train some and empower more girls to be who they want to be irrespective of limited resources they may face...

Thank you

Contact Details

Phone :

+254704418610

Address :

P.O.Box 11190-00100

Email :

matendejerusa@gmail.com