Aretha Santos Awaiko
Hamilton,ON
Summary
Accomplished finance executive with 13+ years of cross-industry leadership at Cyberspace Limited & Subsidiaries and PwC Nigeria & Angola, driving transformative results in complex, multinational environments. Expert in steering ERP implementations, risk frameworks (ICFR/COSO), and process automation, achieving 20%+ cost savings through lean operations and inventory optimization. Adept at aligning financial strategy with business growth, leveraging advanced financial modeling, treasury management, and compliance rigor to secure profitability. Proven cross-functional leader who empowers teams, fosters stakeholder engagement, and delivers measurable operational efficiencies.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Executive Director-Finance Operations & Risk
Cyberspace Limited
08.2022 - Current
- Drive corporate strategy, overseeing HR, Admin, Procurement, Risk & Quality, and Finance across ICT/ISP, Fintech, and Cloud subsidiaries.
- Lead treasury, trade finance, and investment strategies, optimizing profitability and cash flow.
- Implement process automation, streamline policies, and strengthen controls to enhance efficiency and governance.
- Spearhead cost-saving initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency and inventory management.
- Conduct tax audits, liaise with regulators, and ensure compliance with local and global financial standards.
- Report directly to the board, driving strategy execution and financial performance across the group.
Chief Financial Officer
Cyberspace Limited & Subsidiaries
09.2020 - 07.2022
- Oversee financial strategy, reporting, and compliance across ICT/ISP, Fintech, and Cloud subsidiaries.
- Drive ERP transition, resolving legacy financial issues and ensuring seamless adoption.
- Manage credit control, working capital, and cost optimization, leading to significant savings.
- Ensure financial integrity through accurate reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, including 5-year business modeling.
- Develop risk assessment frameworks and embed a strong risk management culture.
- Lead treasury functions, investment decisions, and financial structuring to enhance group profitability.
- Foster relationships with partners, vendors, and regulators, ensuring adherence to IFRS and tax regulations.
Senior Audit Manager / Audit Manager
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Nigeria
11.2018 - 08.2020
- Developed comprehensive audit plans based on thorough risk assessments and business objectives analysis.
- Led external audits for multinational oil & gas companies, ensuring compliance with IFRS, US GAAP, and SOX reporting requirements.
- Managed audit engagements, risk assessments, and financial reporting reviews.
- Conducted SOX control testing and evaluations, identifying weaknesses and recommending remediation strategies.
- Performed QMS internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
Audit Manager / Senior Associate
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Angola
11.2015 - 10.2018
- Led statutory audits, SOX control testing, and financial statement reviews for international clients.
- Evaluated internal control environments, identifying deficiencies and recommending improvements.
- Ensured adherence to IFRS, USGAAP, SOX, and local regulatory frameworks.
- Managed multi-location audit engagements, coordinating cross-border teams.
- Developed junior staff through coaching and performance reviews.
Senior Associate / Associate
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Nigeria
10.2011 - 10.2015
- Conducted SOX compliance audits, testing internal controls over financial reporting.
- Performed financial audits, control testing, and regulatory compliance assessments.
- Assisted in SOX risk evaluation and fraud detection for multinational clients.
- Provided insights on financial statement preparation and reporting accuracy.
- Supported senior auditors in client management and audit execution.
Education
Master of Science - Professional Accountancy
University of London
London, United Kingdom08-2023
Professional Certification - Accounting
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
London, United Kingdom07-2016
Diploma - Accounting And Business
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
London, United Kingdom06-2015
Professional Certification - Management
Nigerian Institute of Management
Lagos, Nigeria11-2010
Bachelor of Science - Statistics
University of Jos
Jos, Nigeria06-2009
Skills
- Strategic Leadership, Planning & Execution
- Operational excellence
- Data-driven decision making
- Risk Mitigation & Compliance
- Financial Modeling & Treasury Management
- ERP & Process Automation
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement
Accomplishments
- Strategic Leadership: Redesigned risk frameworks, led ICFR implementation via COSO, and aligned corporate strategy across 3 tech subsidiaries (ICT/ISP, Fintech, Cloud Computing).
- Financial Innovation: Spearheaded ERP transitions, automated workflows, and built 5-year financial models to drive corporate group startegy.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Portuguese
Limited Working
Interests
- Dancing
- Swimming
Timeline
Group Executive Director-Finance Operations & Risk
Cyberspace Limited
08.2022 - Current
Chief Financial Officer
Cyberspace Limited & Subsidiaries
09.2020 - 07.2022
Senior Audit Manager / Audit Manager
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Nigeria
11.2018 - 08.2020
Audit Manager / Senior Associate
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Angola
11.2015 - 10.2018
Senior Associate / Associate
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Nigeria
10.2011 - 10.2015
Master of Science - Professional Accountancy
University of London
Professional Certification - Accounting
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Diploma - Accounting And Business
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Professional Certification - Management
Nigerian Institute of Management
Bachelor of Science - Statistics
University of Jos
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