Rita Asekun
Head Of Operations Service Manager
Ibeju Lekki,Lagos
Summary
Experienced banking professional with a focus on operations management and fund transfer efficiency. Currently serving as Head of Operations at The Alternative Bank, facilitating smooth execution of transactions. Strong background in delivering exceptional customer service in the financial sector.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Head Of Operations (Operations Service Outlet 1)
The Alternative Bank
2023.01 - Current
- Monitoring cash flow, ensuring vault/cash limits are observed, and providing support for liquidity management at branch and head office levels.
- Implementing effective controls to mitigate fraud, operational lapses, and financial risks while ensuring regulatory audit readiness.
- Proficiency in NIBSS platforms (NIP, NEFT, ACH, Instant Payments), RTGS, SWIFT operations and ensuring timely interbank and intrabank transfers.
- Strong knowledge of CBN regulations, NDIC guidelines, KYC/AML/CFT standards, and compliance with Bank Verification Number (BVN) policies.
- Carefully monitor transactions to ensure all datas are compliant and void of sanctionable errors
- Identify, mitigate, and monitor operational risks across all banking activities and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Supervise the fund transfer team and ensure activities are duly carried and transactions not tampered with
- Assist with internal, external, and regulatory audits and examinations, and ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulatory bodies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
- Design and monitor SLAs and turnaround times (TATs) to ensure timely processing of accounts, loans, and other transactions.
- Ensure all financial transactions, investments, and operations strictly adhere to Islamic Shariah principles and regulations.
- Manage all aspects of central operations, including commercial payments, Sukuk and facility administration
- Lead and manage operations teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment.
- Ensure high level of customer satisfaction
- South Banking Region, Lagos
Operations Service Manager
Sterling Bank
2020.01 - 2022.01
- Serve as alternate signatory/authorizer for substantial transactions, fund transfers, and clearing operations per delegated authority.
- Manage daily operations to recognize exceptions, enforce internal standards, and diminish fraud or operational lapses.
- Managing vault and branch cash levels, sanctioning bulk cash disbursements, and upholding CBN cash management policy.
- Addressed escalated service concerns, transaction conflicts, and complaints that demanded operational action.
- Assisting team members in operations units, training junior staff, and maintaining conformity with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Coordinating daily and weekly operational reports, reconciliations, and reporting of irregularities to management.
- Perform backup for system-related operations (core banking applications, NIBSS platforms, and payment systems) to decrease downtime.
- Coordinate with Compliance, Audit, IT, and Treasury to enhance interdepartmental workflow processes.
- Fulfills role of substantive Head of Operations, safeguarding business continuity
- Manages complete branch operations integrating account services, clearing, funds transfer, and cash management.
- Manages consistent daily start-of-day (SOD) and end-of-day (EOD) workflows on bank’s core banking application.
- Directs NIBSS Instant Payments (NIP), NEFT, RTGS, ACH, and SWIFT transactions to maintain accuracy and timely execution.
- Examines and authorizes bulk transfers, salary processing, and inter-branch settlements.
- Addresses escalations stemming from delayed or failed transfers, partnering with NIBSS, CBN, and IT support teams.
- Lagos South Banking Sector
Teller (Cash Officer)
Sterling Bank (Workforce Outsourcing Company)
2015.01 - 2020.01
- Receive and pay out cash to customers in line with CBN cash policy
- Verify signatures, account details, and ensure KYC compliance before processing transactions.
- Process deposits, withdrawals, loan repayments, utility payments, and cheque transactions.
- Balance daily cash transactions and reconcile with system reports (End-of-Day balancing).
- Detect counterfeit notes and report suspicious cash activities.
- Adhere to vault/cash holding limits and escalate shortages/excesses immediately.
- Promote cross-selling of basic bank products and services.
- Provide first-level customer service at the counter.
- Fund Transfer Officer
- Process interbank and intrabank transfers via NIBSS platforms (NIP, NEFT, ACH), RTGS, and SWIFT.
- Authorize and monitor high-value transactions within approved limits.
- Handle bulk payments (e.g., salaries, vendor payments) and ensure timely settlement.
- Reconcile transfer accounts daily and escalate exceptions.
- Resolve failed, reversed, or delayed transactions in collaboration with NIBSS/Head Office.
- Ensure compliance with CBN circulars, AML/CFT policies, and KYC requirements for fund transfers.
- Generate reports for inward/outward remittances, clearing, and settlement.
- Provide support for e-channels transactions (internet banking, USSD, POS).
- CEMP (Customer Experience Management Personnel)
- Serve as the first point of contact for customer complaints and service escalations.Track and resolve service issues (e.g., failed transfers, card disputes, BVN updates).
- Educate customers on products, digital channels (USSD, mobile app, internet banking), and bank policies.
- Monitor service turnaround times (TATs) to ensure SLA compliance.
- Escalate unresolved complaints to Head Office Customer Experience team.
- Conduct service feedback surveys and ensure complaints are logged in the CEMS/CRM system.
Education
Masters - Business Administration
Miva Opened University
Bsc. - Business Administration
Ambrose Alli University
Ekpoma, Edo01.2014
Senior Secondary School Certificate - undefined
Ireti Senior Grammar School
Lagos State01.2007
First School Leaving Certificate - undefined
St. Georges Primary School
Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos01.2001
Skills
Operational management
Process optimization
Attention to detail Emotional intelligence
Effective communication skills
Fund transfer proficiency
Technology proficiency Problem solving
References
Available on Request
Interests
Reading, Acting and dancing, Monitoring and Coaching, Travelling
Timeline
Head Of Operations (Operations Service Outlet 1)
The Alternative Bank
2023.01 - Current
Operations Service Manager
Sterling Bank
2020.01 - 2022.01
Teller (Cash Officer)
Sterling Bank (Workforce Outsourcing Company)
2015.01 - 2020.01
Masters - Business Administration
Miva Opened University
Bsc. - Business Administration
Ambrose Alli University
Senior Secondary School Certificate - undefined
Ireti Senior Grammar School
First School Leaving Certificate - undefined
St. Georges Primary School