Accomplished finance professional with over a decade of expertise in Financial Accountability and Risk Management and Corporate Governance. Experienced across diverse sectors including not-for-profit, construction, real estate, banking, and public governance. Proven track record in reorganizing and optimizing financial operations for enhanced efficiency and profitability. Exceptional communicator skilled in building strong relationships and connecting with diverse stakeholders. Committed to lifelong learning and armed with advanced analytical skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Internship Contact Coordinator & Chair of the LinkedIn Committee
York University
04.2023 - 05.2024
Initiated and led the inclusion of financial statements in the MIAB Annual Report
Initiate contact with prospective employers for current or future internship opportunities
Assist students in locating and applying for internship opportunities based on their interests.
Act as the primary point of contact between the organization, interns, and external partners, ensuring clear and effective communication. Developed and maintained strong relationships with 10+ partner organizations, leading to a 25% increase in internship opportunities and collaborative projects.
Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
Managed budgets skillfully by tracking expenses diligently and allocating resources appropriately based on priority needs.
Assisted in recruitment efforts by coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires.
Spearheaded volunteer programs that positively impacted local communities while showcasing the company's commitment to social responsibility.
Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits, and recordkeeping.
Treasurer
Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce (Cancham)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Orchestrated and managed high-profile events, resulting in an 85% increase in revenue.
Oversaw the successful completion of external audits without any major findings or issues raised by auditors.
Reconciled monthly statements, invoices and expense accounts, keeping records accurate, and current.
Enhanced financial reporting processes, providing stakeholders with accurate and timely information for decision-making purposes.
Implemented strategies to improve organizational financial performance.
Implemented best practices in treasury operations, increasing departmental effectiveness and productivity.
Worked closely with auditors to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
Liaised with financial institutions to secure project funding and optimize financial resources.
Provided financial analysis support for key strategic projects, enabling informed decision-making by senior executives.
Planned and managed $1,000,000.00 annual budgets, tracking expenses, and investigating discrepancies to maintain optimal controls.
Prepared corporate fiscal and business plans to help strategically direct business operations and strengthen controls.
Worked with 8 executives to create annual budget and track actual expenses against projected expenses.
Risk and Compliance (Banking Supervision)
Yilo Star Microfinance Limited
08.2019 - 12.2021
Provided comprehensive support, ensuring adherence to Bank of Ghana regulations
Developed a Risk-Based Supervision Manual, significantly contributing to organizational growth
Led initiatives to enhance client experience and manage risks effectively.
Spearheaded internal audits, ensuring timely identification and resolution of non-compliance issues or gaps in processes.
Facilitated change management initiatives, leading efforts to drive sustainable improvements across the organization.
.Maintained up-to-date knowledge on changing regulations affecting business operations, proactively adjusting compliance strategies as needed.
Streamlined process workflows for improved efficiency and reduced errors in operations.
.Identified opportunities for automation within existing processes, increasing productivity while reducing manual labor costs.
Implemented effective compliance policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
Performed regular compliance reviews and audits, identifying non-compliance issues.
Backed data security and information privacy efforts.
Collaborated with HR and IT to develop and implement code of business and ethics and anti-harassment policies and related personnel training.
Maintained effective working relationships with regulatory authorities, suppliers and customers.
Managed full life cycle of assigned audits in alignment with departmental procedures, delivering progress as well as closing reports to senior management and directors.
Finance Director
Greenline Development Limited
06.2016 - 07.2019
Negotiated and manged a $25 Million sale to Grit Real Estates Income Group
Facilitated process improvements by automating manual tasks, increasing efficiency within the finance function.
Ensured robust financial systems and represented the company in negotiations.
Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new department employees.
Supported operations management, sales, and marketing efforts to increase revenue and overall financial health.
Streamlined financial processes by implementing efficient budgeting and forecasting systems.
Mentored junior finance team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the department.
Successfully managed multiple audits, ensuring accurate financial information was presented to external parties without discrepancies or delays.
Managed company cash flow by monitoring daily transactions and optimizing working capital.
Established strong relationships with banking partners to facilitate access to essential funding channels.
Improved financial performance through thorough analysis of company expenditures and revenues.
Verified compliance of financial policies and accounting procedures against federal regulations.
Reduced financial risk with comprehensive credit management strategies, strengthening the company''s financial position.
Forecasted trends and recommended improvements based on financial risk analyses.
Led successful negotiations on financing terms, resulting in lower interest rates and improved cash flow for the organization.
Implemented internal controls for enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements and reduced errors in reporting.
Enhanced stakeholder communication by producing clear, concise, and timely financial reports that supported informed decision making.
Improved resource utilization with data management systems, reducing costs through strategic coordination and contract analysis.
Oversaw the successful integration of acquired businesses, ensuring seamless financial consolidation and alignment with overall corporate strategy.
Country Director
Nextregra LDA. Group
03.2013 - 06.2016
Promoted from Finance Director to Country Director, leading the SAP implementation in Ghana and Portugal
Managed in excess of +$50 Million portfolio of 10 construction projects in Ghana.
Secured +$6 Million of project funding for the 5Th Avenue Corporate Office Complex
Led and executed commercial and industrial construction projects from start to finish.
Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Facilitated training and monitored internal controls for accounts payable
Identified weaknesses and controlled deficiencies, contributing to sound financial control.
Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
Increased overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
Oversaw complex negotiations with suppliers/vendors for favorable contract terms that led to cost savings.
Enhanced workplace safety protocols proactively addressing potential hazards before they became critical incidents.
Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
Managed risk effectively by instituting comprehensive mitigation strategies across the organization''s operations.
Education
Master of Arts - Financial Accountability
York University
Toronto, ON
06.2024
Certificate in Technology Entrepreneurship - Technology Entrepreneurship
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
09.2012
MBA - Finance
University of Ghana Business School
Ghana
06.2012
Bachelor of Science - Banking And Finance
University of Ghana Business School
Ghana
05.2007
Skills
Customer Service, Data Entry, Work Planning and Prioritization, Relationship Building, Project Management, MS Office, Strategic Planning, Verbal and written communication, People Management, Operations Management, Team Collaboration, Staff Management, Quality Assurance, Client Relationships, Account Management, Budget Development, Business Development, Financial reporting and analysis, KPI Tracking, Audit Coordination, Technology-savvy, Operational risk management, Enterprise risk management, Health and Safety Management, Compliance Monitoring, Problem-solving abilities, Critical Thinking, Budgeting expertise, Account Reconciliation, Cash Management, Bookkeeping
Proficiency
Excel, SAP B1, IFRS and IPPF, ERP, E-Commerce, QuickBooks, MS Office, Power BI, SAS, SOX Compliance
Professionalmembershipscertifications
Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA), Student Member, 08/01/23
The Institute of Internal Auditors Incorporated (IIA), Associate Member, 06/01/23
PMO Global Institute Incorporated, Membership Certificate, 06/01/23, 11/01/25
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), Associate Member, 03/01/23, 03/01/24
Project Management Institute, Global Member, 10/01/19
Project Management Institute, Toronto and Ghana Chapter Member
Voluntaryexperiences
Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada (PDAC) - PDAC 2024
York University, Departmental Internship Advisory Board (Employer Contact Coordinator)
Ghana Canada Association Of Ontario (Men's Wing Executive)
Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce (International Trade Missions Coordinator and Travel Desk Advisor)
Sickle Life Ghana (Head Business and Finance Unit)
Redco Community Youth Association (Counselor)
Ghana Baptist Convention (Royal Ambassador and Vice President for the Men's Ministry)
Corecompetenceskills
Quantitative and Analytical Aptitude
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Financial Analysis and Reporting
Relationship Building and Team Collaboration
Project Planning and Organizational Management
Timeline
Internship Contact Coordinator & Chair of the LinkedIn Committee
York University
04.2023 - 05.2024
Treasurer
Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce (Cancham)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Risk and Compliance (Banking Supervision)
Yilo Star Microfinance Limited
08.2019 - 12.2021
Finance Director
Greenline Development Limited
06.2016 - 07.2019
Country Director
Nextregra LDA. Group
03.2013 - 06.2016
Master of Arts - Financial Accountability
York University
Certificate in Technology Entrepreneurship - Technology Entrepreneurship
Manager Training and Standards and Interim Manager Emergency Preparedness at York UniversityManager Training and Standards and Interim Manager Emergency Preparedness at York University