Aicha Yousif
Hamilton,Canada
Summary
Accomplished operations and audit professional with over 10 years of progressive experience in financial services, specializing in commercial banking, leasing operations, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to lead teams, manage risk, streamline complex processes, and deliver tangible efficiency gains. Currently pursuing a Certificate in Business Administration to further enhance strategic thinking, financial analysis, and marketing acumen.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Manager - Scotia Leasing Operations & Audit
Scotiabank
Toronto, Canada
11.2020 - 10.2024
- Oversaw end-to-end transaction approval for leasing operations, ensuring full compliance with Scotiabank's credit and risk policies across diverse industries and sectors.
- Reviewed and validated complex lease structures and third-party assignments, maintaining strict controls to protect institutional risk.
- Conducted internal audits and process reviews, delivering reports that improved visibility into operational gaps and compliance risks.
- Played a key role in updating policy documentation and implementing control measures that improved audit-readiness and fraud prevention.
Assistant Manager - Processing, Payouts, Business Service Centre
Scotiabank
Mississauga, Canada
08.2019 - 11.2020
- Led a high-performing team responsible for processing commercial payouts and managing complex financial transactions with full regulatory compliance.
- Spearheaded cross-functional initiatives with governance and compliance units to create standardized SOPs and training materials, resulting in more consistent onboarding and performance.
- Championed operational efficiency by identifying bottlenecks and introducing process enhancements, significantly reducing turnaround times.
- Regularly presented project outcomes and operational metrics to senior leadership, fostering data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
Assistant Manager - Processing, Commercial Transaction Support, Business Service Centre
Scotiabank
Mississauga, Canada
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Designed and implemented an automation project that reduced manual processing errors by 30%, streamlining workflows and improving data accuracy across the team.
- Spearheaded cross-functional initiatives with governance and compliance units to create standardized SOPs and training materials, resulting in more consistent onboarding and performance.
- Managed daily operations of multiple service functions, including Processing, Overdraft Management, and Delinquencies for mid-market commercial clients.
- Served as the escalation point for complex credit and transaction issues, liaising with Relationship Managers and Risk teams to resolve client concerns swiftly.
- Led the development and implementation of revised workflows and job aids, increasing team efficiency
and ensuring alignment with internal controls. - Mentored junior staff, fostering technical growth and preparing successors for leadership roles.
Commercial Lending Services Officer, Business Service Centre
Scotiabank
Mississauga, Canada
01.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed the preparation and execution of commercial lending documentation, including security agreements, loan structures, and credit authorizations.
- Proactively identified documentation defects and mitigated risk by coordinating timely corrections with internal and external legal partners.
- Supported Relationship Managers and Credit Officers to ensure funding timelines were met and client expectations were exceeded.
- Gained a deep understanding of credit policy, lending structures, and risk controls in commercial banking environments.
Senior Customer Service/ Back Office Support Representative
CIBC
Toronto, Canada
05.2012 - 01.2017
- Supervised front-line staff and back-office operations; ensured compliance with bank policies.
- Designed training plans for new hires and led initiatives to enhance client satisfaction.
- Oversaw branch-level administrative functions and cash operations.
Education
Certificate - Business Administration
York University
true11-2025
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology
Hamilton, ONSkills
- Internal Audits & Risk Assessment
- Regulatory Compliance (KYC, AML)
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Project Management & SOP Development
- Commercial Lending & Credit Review
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Process Improvement & Automation
- Bilingual Transaction Approval EN/FR
- Fraud Prevention & Controls
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Strategic Business Planning
- Marketing Strategy & Execution
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Manager - Scotia Leasing Operations & Audit
Scotiabank
11.2020 - 10.2024
Assistant Manager - Processing, Payouts, Business Service Centre
Scotiabank
08.2019 - 11.2020
Assistant Manager - Processing, Commercial Transaction Support, Business Service Centre
Scotiabank
09.2018 - 08.2019
Commercial Lending Services Officer, Business Service Centre
Scotiabank
01.2017 - 09.2018
Senior Customer Service/ Back Office Support Representative
CIBC
05.2012 - 01.2017
Certificate - Business Administration
York University
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology