Reine Eyidi Williams
*** ****** ***., ****, *********, MD 21401 +1-202-***-****
********************@*****.*** LinkedIn Profile
Professional Summary
Experienced Senior Inspector of Public Finances, Customs Officer, and Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 16 years of expertise in customs operations, trade compliance, public finance, and contracting and procurement management. Proven track record of enforcing anti-smuggling laws, leading investigations into customs fraud, conducting in-depth audits, and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations. Highly skilled in anti- dumping and countervailing duty investigations, risk assessment, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Extensive experience in managing complex procurement processes for communications, publications, events, and vendor engagements. Currently serving as Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors for COOPCA INVEST Credit Union, leading a community- based financial institution's strategic direction and operations. Bilingual in English and French with a strong educational background in Business Administration, Law, Public Finance, and International Trade.
Current Role
• Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors, COOPCA INVEST Credit Union March 2021 – Present
o Spearheaded the establishment of COOPCA INVEST Credit Union, a community- based financial institution aimed at supporting local economic development through accessible financial services.
o Oversaw the strategic planning and execution of the credit union's creation, including regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and financial structuring.
o Led a diverse board of directors, fostering a collaborative environment to develop policies, strategic goals, and operational guidelines that align with the credit union's mission and objectives.
o Directed the development and implementation of innovative financial products and services tailored to the needs of over 2,000 members, focusing on financial inclusion and community empowerment.
o Ensured effective risk management, governance, and financial oversight by conducting regular audits, reviewing financial statements, and managing compliance with local and international financial regulations. Project Manager for the Creation of COOPCA INVEST Credit Union
• Managed the end-to-end project lifecycle for the establishment of COOPCA INVEST Credit Union, from initial concept to full operational launch.
• Conducted market research and feasibility studies to identify target communities and assess financial needs, leading to the design of member-centric financial solutions.
• Coordinated with legal, financial, and regulatory experts to secure necessary approvals, develop compliance frameworks, and establish robust financial protocols. 2
• Led the recruitment, training, and development of a team of financial professionals, ensuring alignment with the credit union's values and customer service standards.
• Developed and executed marketing and community outreach strategies to build brand awareness and drive membership growth, achieving over 2,000 members within the first year of operation.
Contracting and Procurement Experience
• Director of Information and Communication, MINFI DGD Cameroon February 2010 – June 2014
o Managed the entire procurement lifecycle for producing external communications materials, including magazines, annual reports, and books related to organizational activities.
o Led contracting processes for engaging external consultants and vendors, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and achieving cost-effective outcomes.
o Developed and negotiated contract terms and pricing for various promotional items and advertisement gadgets, focusing on quality and budget constraints. o Oversaw procurement and contract management for large-scale events, such as the Stakeholders' Night Gala, including vendor selection, contract award, and post-award performance evaluation.
o Ensured all procurement activities adhered to legal and regulatory requirements, reducing potential risks and optimizing resource allocation. Professional Experience
• Chief of Service Export Manifest; Taskforce Chief of Operation for Increasing Budget Resources; Chief of Mission for Combatting False Transit Operations, Department of Finance (MINFI) Directorate General of Customs (DGD) Cameroon April 2020 – March 2021
o Directed a 30-member team, improving operational efficiency by 95% over three years through strategic process optimization and adherence to customs legislation.
o Led taskforce operations focused on increasing budget resources, significantly enhancing financial control and resource allocation for customs operations. o Headed initiatives to combat false transit operations, implementing new policies and controls to mitigate risks and prevent revenue loss. o Spearheaded anti-smuggling operations, successfully seizing 19 stolen luxury vehicles with penalties worth over $700,000 from North America, significantly enhancing port security and competitiveness.
o Conducted trade data analysis to identify potential duty evasion cases and supported the development of corrective measures to ensure compliance with anti-dumping and countervailing duty regulations.
• Senior Inspector and Auditor Public Finance, MINFI DGD Cameroon June 2014 – April 2020
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o Conducted comprehensive audits and inspections across customs offices, reducing fraudulent activities and recovering over $600,000 annually by enhancing scrutiny and compliance measures.
o Spearheaded the integration of digital tools for auditing and compliance, improving accuracy and transparency in customs operations. o Collaborated with legal and IT divisions to ensure adherence to fiscal policies and supported the implementation of technology-driven legal operations to enhance accountability and performance.
o Provided strategic guidance on trade enforcement policies and regulations, contributing to the development and enforcement of anti-dumping and countervailing duty policies.
• Customs Officer, MINFI DGD Cameroon
February 2009 – January 2010
o Conducted customs inspections and enforcement operations, ensuring compliance with national and international trade regulations. o Managed risk assessments for incoming and outgoing goods to prevent illegal trade practices, including smuggling and tax evasion. o Coordinated with international agencies and stakeholders to enhance border security and streamline customs procedures.
• Research Officer, Studies Division, MINFI DGD Cameroon February 2009 – January 2010
o Conducted comprehensive research on customs reform feasibility and impact, providing evidence-based recommendations that informed national policy decisions and strategic planning.
o Prepared detailed reports and presentations for the Directorate General, supporting policy development and implementation related to trade enforcement.
• General Manager, Queen SARL
September 2001 – February 2006
o Managed operations, strategic planning, and business development initiatives, achieving a 15% revenue increase within the first quarter through effective management and marketing strategies.
Core Competencies
• Contract Negotiation and Management
• Trade Law Enforcement & Compliance
• Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duty Investigations
• Vendor and Stakeholder Relations
• Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership
• Customs Operations & Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Assessment & Data Analysis
• Research & Evidence-Based Policy Development
• Digital Transformation & IT Integration
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
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Education
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), University of Maryland Global Campus, Expected April 2026
• Ph.D. in Business Law, University of Douala Cameroon, Expected December 2024
• Master of Public Finance: Audit & Control, University of Yaoundé II Cameroon, 2018- 2021
• Master in International Transportation and Logistics, University of Yaoundé II Cameroon
• Senior Inspector of Public Finances, National School of Administration and Magistracy
(ENAM) Cameroon, 2006-2008
• Master of Business Law, University of Douala Cameroon, 2004-2006
• Bachelor of Law, University of Douala Cameroon, 2001-2004 Certifications & Training
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute (PMI), July 2024
• Certificate in Financing Programming and Policies Part I: Analysis of Macroeconomic Accounts, International Monetary Fund (IMF), May – November 2019
• Certificate in Debt Sustainability and Management of Low-Income Countries, International Monetary Fund (IMF), March – September 2018
• Participation in the Evaluation of Exchange Needs at the National Level, World Trade Organization, Cameroon, April 2015
• World Customs Organization Sessions Participant, Brussels, Belgium, March 2011 o Participation in the 191st and 192nd Sessions of the Standing Technical Committee, including the Anti-Fraud Committee
o Participation in the 42nd Session of the Harmonized System (HS) Revision Sub- Committee, Brussels, Belgium, March 2010
• Certificate of Leadership and Management Development, Yaoundé, Cameroon, May 2010
• Certificate of Training in Customs Risk Management, Cameroon, January 2010
• Military Training, Cameroon Armed Forces, February-May 2006 Awards & Recognitions
• Honor of Merit, World Customs Organization, 2011
• Excellence Communicator Manager Award, Club of Journalists Cameroon, 2015 Leadership & Community Involvement
• Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors, COOP-CA INVEST Credit Union (Leading more than 2,000 people and supporting local economic development through community-based financial services)
• Founder and President, Alumni ENAM 2006-2008 (354 members)
• Founder, Camer. Business Market (Platform for supporting 290 young entrepreneurs)
• Founder, Guardian Angels Association (Promotes ethical citizenship, supports people with special needs, and encourages entrepreneurship)