Belaynesh(“Bella”) brings over 25 years of financial expertise in the non-profit sector, including senior leadership roles in international development charities focused on women’s economic empowerment. She specialises in strategic financial management, internal controls, risk management, and board-level financial reporting, aligning finance with impact. As a fractional FD and former Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, she has supported a wide range of small to mid-sized charities to build financial sustainability, improve decision-making by leveraging financial data, and strengthen operational efficiency.

Her professional background enables her to offer strategic insight and financial stewardship at the board level, supporting organisations to align resources with mission and long-term impact. Bella is especially passionate about helping boards navigate complex challenges and embed sound financial practices across their operations.

She is a founder of the Ethiopian Rural Girls Association and an active board member at Livelihoods Solutions International, two organisations dedicated to advancing social and economic justice for underserved communities. She previously served on the board of UK charities, contributing to governance and financial oversight and acting as a sounding board during a period of strategic change and growth.

Alongside her board work and practice, Bella is committed to giving back by offering pro-bono financial services and mentoring to small charities and community initiatives in the UK and Tanzania, particularly those working with women and marginalised groups.

She is a Chartered and Certified Accountant and a fellow of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (MCSI). She holds an MSc in Fiscal Studies from the University of Bath and a BA in Accounting from Addis Ababa University. She strongly believes in the power of giving back to underserved communities to drive positive social change.