Lisa Varsani (qualified ACMA) is a past AfID volunteer. She is currently working as a Management Accountant / Finance Business Partner for a well-known fine arts company. She spent two weeks this year as a pro bono accounting volunteer with Strey Khmer in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Strey Khmer is a women’s empowerment organisation with innovative programmes aimed at educating Cambodian women about their rights, including land, domestic and sexual rights; supporting victims of violence; and providing business skills training.

Lisa’s role was to assist the local accountant and director in preparing the year-end accounts and finalising the budget for 2014. Her support came at a crucial time for the organisation: they were still in the process of securing funding for the year, and really appreciated Lisa’s help in understanding basic accounting principles, accurate record keeping, preparing financial statements and doing budget vs. actual comparisons.  

Lisa’s Testimonial

My placement with Afid was a great achievement for me. To be able to volunteer accounting skills was not something I had ever thought of until I came across Afid. Having done my placement in Cambodia it was a real eye opener to see how the partner companies work in developing countries. To be able to apply and share my skills, knowledge and experience to help the partner company was rewarding. They were very appreciative, friendly and great to work with. Afid made it easy, finding the right role to fit my skills and expertise, and plenty of pre-travel help and advice. 

Strey Khmer, Cambodia (Partner)

We would like to convey our sincere appreciation to AfiD for sending the very kind and experienced volunteers to help Strey Khmer in regards to the capacity building on Finance and organizational budget.

A CIMA article.