Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Journals And Publications
References
Timeline
Generic

OLAWALE AKANBI

Finance & Administration Manager
Maiduguri,BO

Summary

Result-oriented financial management expert with over 10 + years of demonstrated success advancing organizational objectives through all aspects of Finance management, accounting, budgeting, and budget monitoring, expertise that directly results in efficiency improvements and cost savings. An administrator with proven experience leading the daily operation of multi-million-dollar projects. Recognized as a strong coach and trainer with the ability to develop individuals in both direct and indirect reporting relationships. Extensive knowledge of internal control, compliance, procurement, and financial planning. A team player with excellent analytical, organizational, communications, and supervisory skills. Proven record of producing outstanding results in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Proficient in Excel, Homere, OSCAR – JDE, IRIS

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Finance and Administrative Manager 2

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
01.2023 - Current
  • Improved office efficiency by implementing streamlined administrative processes and procedures.
  • Reduced operational costs through effective management of staff schedules, resources, and vendor relationships.
  • Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing professional development opportunities and regular performance feedback.
  • Ensured smooth daily operations with timely completion of all essential administrative tasks and responsibilities.
  • Facilitated successful cross-departmental collaborations, fostering positive working relationships between team members.
  • Developed comprehensive budgets for projects, managing financial resources for optimal results and cost savings.
  • Maintained accurate record-keeping systems to ensure easy access to critical information for decision-making purposes.
  • Oversaw the recruitment process, hiring top talent that contributed significantly to the organization's growth and success.
  • Implemented innovative solutions for common workplace challenges, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Nurtured a positive work environment by addressing employee concerns promptly and fairly, fostering open communication channels between staff members at all levels of the organization.
  • Fostered strong relationships with external vendors/partners in order to negotiate favorable contract terms that benefitted both parties.
  • Reviewed workflow processes regularly using key performance metrics to identify areas of improvement, implementing necessary changes to achieve optimal results.
  • Supervised staff and delegated tasks to maintain positive, productive administrative operations.
  • Analyzed data related to administrative costs and spending trends to prepare budgets for personnel.
  • Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
  • Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits, and recordkeeping.
  • Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.

Finance and Administrative Manager 2

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC, Addis Ababa Delegation)
06.2022 - 12.2022
  • Successfully Coached the Accounting Manager and other finance team members to independently provide budget reports, submit timely reports, and produce all expected reports on time and qualitatively
  • Provided review of the financial status of programs and activities
  • Prepared reports that summarized and forecasted activities and financial position.
  • Ensured smooth daily operations with timely completion of all essential administrative tasks and responsibilities.
  • Developed comprehensive budgets for projects, managing financial resources for optimal results and cost savings.
  • Managed complex calendars, coordinating meetings and appointments to maximize executive availability and effectiveness.
  • Oversaw the recruitment process, hiring top talent that contributed significantly to organization growth and success.
  • Reviewed workflow processes regularly using key performance metrics to identify areas of improvement, implementing necessary changes to achieve optimal results.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging team members to propose innovative solutions for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Provided exceptional administrative support for executive-level staff, ensuring that their needs were met promptly and accurately in order to facilitate smooth daily operations.
  • Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
  • Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity, and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.

Senior Accountant/ Finance Responsible

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
08.2019 - 06.2022
  • Facilitated relevant training and development of capacity building and general improvement to enable effective work delivery
  • Successfully prepare monthly and annual financial reports, including the financial status of subproject account activities
  • Supervised and managed 7 accountants and cashiers, ensuring their effective delivery on all aspects of financing, cash flows, and budgeting.
  • Streamlined the financial reporting process by implementing new accounting software and automating tasks.
  • Reduced errors in financial statements through stringent review procedures and regular reconciliation of accounts.
  • Managed quarterly and annual tax filings for the company, ensuring timely submissions and compliance with regulations.
  • Spearheaded a team of junior accountants, providing mentorship and guidance to improve efficiency and accuracy in their work.
  • Assisted in internal and external audits by preparing necessary documentation and responding to auditor inquiries.
  • Coordinated with various departments to gather financial data, ensuring accurate representation of each business unit''s performance.
  • Improved cash flow management by closely monitoring receivables and implementing stricter credit policies.
  • Analyzed financial statement discrepancies, identifying issues, and recommending corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
  • Developed comprehensive budget plans for each department, collaborating closely with managers to align expenses with strategic goals.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance with GAAP standards by staying current on updates and integrating changes into accounting practices as needed.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing processes, identifying gaps, and proposing improvements to safeguard against fraud or mismanagement of funds.
  • Optimized month-end closing procedures by streamlining workflow processes, reducing time taken from 10 days to 5 days without compromising accuracy or detail level achieved.
  • Contributed significantly towards cost-saving initiatives through meticulous analysis of expenses patterns and identification of areas ripe for optimization.
  • Provided timely and accurate financial reporting to senior management, enabling informed decision-making based on reliable data.
  • Prepared monthly journal entries and reconciliations.
  • Completed year-end closing processes with controllers and external auditors.
  • Reconciled accounts and created documents for monthly closure procedures.
  • Reviewed documents and accounts for discrepancies and resolved variances.
  • Handled month-end and year-end end finances by managing and reporting fixed assets and other data.
  • Reconciled balance sheets and streamlined best practices for balance sheet processes.
  • Reviewed budgets and communicated discrepancies to senior management.
  • Contributed to hiring, training and development of accounting teams.
  • Evaluated and improved financial records to make important business decisions.
  • Assisted team members in transitioning to new system through extensive training and one-on-one support.
  • Directed accounting team in timely reporting of finances for diverse client businesses.
  • Liaised with clients regarding financial plans and objectives.
  • Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
  • Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
  • Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
  • Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.

Finance & Administration Manager 2 – Yola

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
09.2021
  • Successfully updated the organization's financial policies and internal controls to streamline the process and eliminate double entry of expense reporting by program staff and accounting staff
  • 2 weeks F & A Manager's support mission.

Finance & Administration Manager 2

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
06.2020 - 08.2020
  • Collaborated with the senior management team, and ensured strong internal controls and financial management processes are implemented
  • 5 weeks Finance and Administration Manager's support mission.

Accountant-2

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
04.2016 - 07.2019
  • Successfully Monitored periodic expenditures of projects by analyzing financial data and producing periodic and ad hoc reports, preparing fiscal year budgets, and entering them into the ICRC accounting software program
  • Ensured the implementation of an appropriate system of accounting and adequate & effective financial controls that comply with finance management policies & standards and financial regulations.
  • Improved financial reporting accuracy through meticulous data analysis and reconciliation efforts.
  • Assisted in reducing outstanding accounts receivable balances by diligently following up on overdue invoices.
  • Enhanced financial decision-making capabilities by providing timely, accurate information to management through regular performance reports.
  • Streamlined month-end closing processes, resulting in reduced time spent on financial reporting tasks.
  • Conducted thorough internal audits to identify discrepancies, recommend corrective actions, and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.

Finance & Administration Assistant

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
11.2014 - 04.2016
  • Successfully managed and ensured efficient tracking of program activity (HR, Health, Logistics, and ICT) advances and following up on retirement to ensure timely liquidation
  • Manage office activities in the absence of the Head of Office.
  • Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by streamlining data entry processes and implementing automated reconciliation tools.
  • Improved budget management for the company by tracking expenses, monitoring cash flow, and providing accurate forecasts.
  • Supported senior finance staff with timely and accurate preparation of monthly and annual financial statements.
  • Reduced outstanding account receivables through diligent follow-up on overdue invoices and establishing payment plans with clients.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable regulations by maintaining up-to-date knowledge on tax laws and filing requirements, submitting reports accurately and on time.
  • Contributed to cost-saving initiatives by identifying areas of inefficiency within the department and proposing effective solutions.
  • Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to resolve financial issues and provide necessary support during project implementations.
  • Strengthened internal controls by implementing standardized procedures for processing transactions and conducting regular reviews of financial records.
  • Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling bank accounts, reviewing general ledger entries, and correcting discrepancies promptly.
  • Assisted in the development of annual budgets by gathering historical data, analyzing trends, and projecting future expenses, ultimately supporting informed decision-making processes for strategic planning purposes.
  • Supported the successful implementation of new financial policies and procedures by providing training and guidance to department staff, ensuring consistent adherence across the organization.
  • Managed confidential employee payroll information with utmost discretion, ensuring accuracy in calculations, timely disbursement of funds, and compliance with relevant legal requirements.

Project Administrator

MSF-Holland
11.2012 - 08.2014
  • Managed the administrative dept, project cash flows, and cash needs
  • Perform monthly account closing in BooX
  • Supervises domestic staff & drivers
  • Perform payroll, tax, and pension reports for the whole mission
  • Trained all project admins on Homere v3.5.
  • Contributed to the development of proposals by gathering data, creating visuals, and editing content as needed.
  • Established strong relationships with internal departments such as finance and procurement for smooth collaboration in meeting project requirements.
  • Assisted in the preparation of final project reports and presentations through thorough analysis of quantitative data and qualitative feedback.
  • Collaborated with management and fellow supervisors to organize operations and achieve demanding schedule targets.
  • Assisted in recruiting and hiring new staff.

Education

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Business Administration And Management

Brentwood University
USA_Online

MBA - Business Administration

University of Cumbria
UK
10.2020

Associate of Science - Accounting And Finance

Cornell University
New York
10.2017

Master of Science - Business Statistics

Usman Danfodiyo University
Sokoto, Nigeria
04.2015

Bachelor of Science - Statistics

Ahmadu Bello University
Sokoto Nigeria
12.2007

Associate of Science - Statistics

Abdu Gusau Polytechnic
TM, Zamfara
12.2004

Skills

    • Budgeting and finance expertise
    • PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Accounting software
    • Project Financing knowledge
    • Very Broad knowledge of Procurement
      • Teamwork, Quick learning, and Risk-Taking skills
      • Cost Management & QuickBooks
      • Quality Control and Contract Management

Certification

  • Humanitarian Leadership School – Leading Complex Operations & Transformations
  • Humanitarian Leadership School – Leading High Performing Multidisciplinary Teams
  • Humanitarian Leadership School - Leading by Example
  • Leading a Team
  • Personal Efficiency Course
  • Staff Safety and Security in the Field
  • Budgeting and strategic planning
  • Cash Transfer and Planning Module
  • Minimum Security Requirement for Premises (MSR)
  • SITFIN, OASIS and NRT budget analysis
  • Share-point
  • OSCAR – JDE - ERP
  • SUNsystem Finance Software
  • Homere v3.5 HR payroll software
  • Field Management Course

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Intermediate (B1)

Journals And Publications

  • An investigation of the long and short-run relationship among inflation determinants in Nigeria (unpublish)
  • Organizational behavior and strategic management
  • Sustainable Financing in Humanitarian Sector
  • Application of Marketing Concepts: An NGO perspective
  • Evaluation of the relation between Leadership and Performance in the humanitarian sector

References

  • John Balean, Finance & Administration Manager 3, ICRC, +2349062850397, jbalean@icrc.org
  • Abba Bangaje, Procurement Specialist, UNFPA Abuja Nigeria, +2348060482100, abbabengs@gmail.com
  • Caleb Olatundun, RCCG Pastor, Lagos Nigeria, +2348031896407, olacaleb2013@yahoo.com

Timeline

Finance and Administrative Manager 2

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
01.2023 - Current

Finance and Administrative Manager 2

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC, Addis Ababa Delegation)
06.2022 - 12.2022

Finance & Administration Manager 2 – Yola

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
09.2021

Finance & Administration Manager 2

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
06.2020 - 08.2020

Senior Accountant/ Finance Responsible

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
08.2019 - 06.2022

Accountant-2

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
04.2016 - 07.2019

Finance & Administration Assistant

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
11.2014 - 04.2016

Project Administrator

MSF-Holland
11.2012 - 08.2014

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Business Administration And Management

Brentwood University

MBA - Business Administration

University of Cumbria

Associate of Science - Accounting And Finance

Cornell University

Master of Science - Business Statistics

Usman Danfodiyo University

Bachelor of Science - Statistics

Ahmadu Bello University

Associate of Science - Statistics

Abdu Gusau Polytechnic
OLAWALE AKANBIFinance & Administration Manager