Advanced Financial Management, Grants Management & Auditing For Donor Funded Projects Program

INTRODUCTION

Managing donor-funded projects effectively requires a thorough understanding of financial management, grants management, and auditing principles. This comprehensive course is tailored to empower professionals involved in grant management with the essential skills and knowledge to acquire and utilize funds efficiently for development purposes. In today's dynamic funding landscape, organizations must navigate complex donor requirements and regulatory frameworks. This program covers the entire grants management cycle, from proposal development and budgeting to compliance, financial reporting, and project evaluation. Participants will learn to design robust financial systems, implement sound procurement practices, and develop strategies to manage multiple funding sources effectively.

The course emphasizes practical application, equipping participants with tools and techniques to ensure compliance with donor terms and conditions. It highlights the importance of collaboration between finance and program staff to achieve seamless grant management and successful project outcomes. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and group work, participants will gain insights into best practices and common pitfalls in managing donor-funded projects. By addressing critical areas such as cost eligibility, internal controls, risk assessment, and financial performance measurement, this training ensures that participants are well-prepared to meet the challenges of grant management.

The course also delves into the specifics of auditing donor-funded projects, providing a clear understanding of audit requirements, procedures, and compliance standards. Whether you are new to grant management or looking to update your skills, this program offers valuable knowledge and practical expertise to enhance your organization's financial management capabilities. By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently manage donor relationships, prepare accurate financial reports, and implement effective grant management strategies, ensuring the successful execution and sustainability of development projects.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and understand the critical terms and conditions of grant aid for donor-funded projects.
• Ensure compliance with donor terms and conditions.
• Provide supporting documents, ensure correct procurement of goods and services, and meet financial reporting requirements.
• Manage multiple-funded programs efficiently.
• Utilize tools for efficient management of donor-funded projects.
• Design and monitor donor budgets effectively.
• Prepare donor financial reports that align with project narrative reports.
• Describe the phases in the grant management cycle, clarifying key responsibilities and routines needed for successful grant management.
• Identify the requirements for closing off a donor grant.
• Manage relationships with donors, head office, and implementing partners with confidence.
• Appreciate the necessity of close collaboration between finance and program staff for successful grant management.

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for:

• Finance Directors
• Finance Managers
• Procurement Directors and Managers
• Procurement Officers
• Administrators
• Project Officers
• Budget Accountants
• Auditors
• Chief Accountants
• Credit Controllers

Duration

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Overview of Grants Management Cycle

• Developing Proposals
• Budgeting
• Types of Costs
• Grant Award Contracts and Award Review
• Fundraising Tips, Implementation, and Compliance
• Eligible and Ineligible Costs
• Cost Share/Matching Costs
• Procurement Procedures
• Grant Tracking Tools
• Cost Eligibility and Administration
• Program Evaluation
• Grant Reporting
• Financial Documentation and Reporting
• Internal Controls, Auditing, and Narrative Reporting
• Partnerships and Consortia Management
• Donor Compliance
• Personnel and Staff Issues: Contracts, Timesheets, Travel, Per Diem, Assets & Inventory Management
• Co-Financing and Multi-Donor Funding
• Indirect Costs and Contingencies
• Close-Out Procedures and Final Tranche

Module 2: Grant Management Fundamentals

• Basic Concepts in Grant Management
• Key Challenges in Grant Management
• The Grant Management Life Cycle
• Grant Management Plan
• Responsibilities and Routines in Grant Management
• The Flow of Donor Funds
• Assessing Terms and Conditions in Grant Agreements
• Accounting and Procurement Systems
• Complying with Donor Reporting Requirements
• Managing Key Relationships for Successful Grant Management

Module 3: Financial Management for Donor-Funded Projects

• Community Development and Project Funding
• Funding Requirements
• Project Finance
• Capital Budgeting and Investment Appraisal
• Donor Policies and Procedures
• Complying with Donor Procedures
• Disbursement Methods
• Loan Management/Payment
• Expenditure Budgets
• Project Budgeting and Planning
• Project Financial Management
• Financial Risk Analysis Techniques
• Financial Performance Measurement
• Budgeting and Budgetary Control
• Internal Control and Control Mechanisms
• Integrated Accounting and Financial Systems
• Accounting Policies and Systems
• Auditing of Financial Statements
• Management Control Framework
• Auditor's Duties and Responsibilities
• Legal Knowledge in Accounts and Audit
• Risk Assessment
• Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics
• Preparation of Auditing Procedures
• Planning and Publishing the Audit Schedule
• Periodic Reports
• Project Management Reports
• Financial Reporting Requirements
• The Role of Government in Donor-Funded Projects

General Notes

• This course is delivered by seasoned trainers with extensive experience as expert professionals in their respective fields. The training includes practical activities, theoretical instruction, group work, and case studies.
• Participants will receive comprehensive training manuals and additional reference materials.
• Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a certificate.
• We offer tailor-made courses to meet specific organizational needs. For more information, contact us at training@skillsforafrica.org.
• The training will be conducted at the Skills for Africa Training Institute in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The training fee includes tuition, training materials, lunch, and the training venue. Accommodation and airport transfers can be arranged upon request.
• Payment should be made to our bank account before the start of the training. Please send proof of payment to training@skillsforafrica.org.