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Rufael Tadesse Berhanu (He/Him)

Finance Manager

Chicago, IL

Rufael Berhanu serves as ReFED’s Finance Manager, overseeing day-to-day accounting and financial processes for the organization and its fiscally sponsored Zero Waste Food Coalition. He maintains accurate data in NetSuite, manages accounts payable/receivable/payroll, supports budgeting and rolling forecasts, handles vendor contracts with an equity focus, produces grant and donor financial reports (including for the ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund), prepares monthly/annual statements and management dashboards, and assists with audit preparation and internal controls.

Rufael brings extensive experience managing large-scale budgets and grants in mission-driven settings. He began his career at Deloitte, conducting audits and implementing controls that reduced errors across engagements for almost four years. He also has over eight years of experience in grant accounting, financial management, and auditing, primarily in USAID and UN supporting mission-driven initiatives in human services and community empowerment.

Rufael holds a degree in accounting and graduate degrees in Project Management and Business Leadership.