Writing
Stephanie Opaluwah
Senior Finance Manager
Saskatoon,FCT
Summary
Experienced Finance Manager with over nine years of experience in both Private and Government Sector and an excellent reputation for resolving problems and improving customer satisfaction. Dedicated professional with history of meeting company goals, utilizing consistent and organized practices, skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. In addition, an organized and dependable candidate, successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. With a goal to seek and maintain a full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certificates
Work History
Senior Finance Manager
Field Technology Development Partners Ltd
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
03.2022 - Current
- Drove revenue stream development through strategic collaboration and partnerships.
- Supported operations management, sales and marketing efforts to increase revenue and overall financial health.
- Processed invoices and contacted appropriate parties for timely payment receipt.
- Analyzed financial statements against forecasts to prepare high-level variance analysis.
- Drove profit increases through market research and strategic asset management to meet dynamic industry conditions.
- Completed filings and upheld strict compliance with regulatory agencies and supervisors.
- Maintained responsive organization with sustained revenue growth through industry forecast monitoring and deliberate financial planning.
- Executed vendor setup and payment, administration of bank accounts and account reconciliations.
- Created documents to display financial reports and data using [Software].
- Audited and reconciled payroll and distributions for personnel.
- Prepared and managed large capital expenditure budgets to effectively handle infrastructure investment and long-term operations.
- Managed regular finance tracking for numerous branch offices and headquarters expenses.
- Forecasted trends and recommended improvements based on financial risk analyses.
- Managed investments to diversify financial portfolios and grow revenue.
- Spearheaded expansion strategies to increase business market share.
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
- Created organizational structures to improve accounting and finance functions.
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Evaluated project applications and verified with outline specifications to approve, reject and recommend adjustments.
- Supported pension program rollout following targeted analysis and research.
- Partnered with IT and operational leadership to develop financial business plans with detailed benchmarks.
- Developed corporate investment strategies to drive growth and security.
- Identified partnership opportunities and established favorable business connections.
Finance Manager
Celebrations Cards and Gifts Limited
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
08.2020 - Current
- Used Xero Software to prepare monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and take corrective actions on deviations.
- Increased revenue by assisting with operations management, sales and marketing efforts.
- Spearheaded expansion strategies to increase business market share, drive growth and bring in more than 79 new customers in 28 days.
- Developed and administered pension program following analysis and research.
- Prepared capital expenditure budgets worth over $ 4,861,094.20 to effectively manage infrastructure investment and long-term operations.
- Partnered with IT, business development and operations leadership to develop robust financial business plan with detailed benchmarks and action plans.
- Created documents to display financial reports and data using Power BI, Tableau, Xero, Fathom, SAP Software.
- Decreased monthly expenditures by 17% through effectively reviewing documents and identifying problem areas.
- Identified and capitalized on community business opportunities with effective networking.
- Analyzed financial statements against forecasts to prepare high-level variance analysis.
- Audited, balanced and reconciled payroll for more than 55 personnel.
- Monitored budget, revenue and variance trends for $3,888,875.36 company, regularly apprising CEO of company's financial standing.
- Assessed expansion plans and presented costs to forecast trends and recommend changes.
- Created organizational structures to improve accounting and finance functions.
- Drove industry-leading profit increase by transforming production process and aligning sales targets to meet dynamic industry conditions.
- Built and strengthened productive and valuable industry partnerships to drive collaboration, engagement and revenue stream development.
- Evaluated competitor data and statistics to develop business investment strategy and drive growth.
- Collaborated with senior management and performed benefits analysis, corrective action planning and big-picture data capturing.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results
- Monitored company inventory to keep stock levels and databases updated
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
Senior Accounting Manager
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
Abuja, FCT
01.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed banking reconciliations and monthly balance sheet statements.
- Supported change management by understanding and addressing impacts of new accounting policies, financial statement initiatives and non-standard transactions.
- Initiated comprehensive account assessments to check viability, stability and profitability of business operations.
- Applied proper codes to invoices, files and receipts to keep records organized and easily searchable.
- Investigated daily variances and corrected errors to resolve discrepancies.
- Managed journal entries, collection efforts, reconciliations and payroll processing.
- Applied mathematical abilities to calculate and check figures in accounting systems.
- Stayed on top of applicable federal and state requirements to minimize legal and financial risks.
- Organized budget documentation and tracked expenses to maintain tight business controls.
- Reviewed operating budgets periodically to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- Performed month-end account analysis, headcount and salary reports, and related journal entries.
- Analyzed revenues, expenditures and cash management.
- Directed preparation of regular and special budget reports to interpret budget directives and establish policies for execution.
- Designed and implemented effective budgeting policies and procedures.
- Executed financial controls, procedures, systems and forecasting techniques to evaluate budget status.
- Prepared project budgets, forecasting and inventory, and material pricing points.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Established and checked coding procedures, monitored reports and updated internal files.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
- Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
- Performed spending analysis and partnerships to refine policies and develop recommendations for improvement.
- Implemented cost control procedures and cost management processes, saving company $5,762 within 6 months
- Managed banking reconciliations and monthly balance sheet statements
- Supported change management by understanding and addressing impacts of new accounting policies, financial statement initiatives and non-standard transactions
- Proposed and published metrics and KPIs to be incorporated into monthly financials and scorecards
- Bolstered revenues by creating codes for accounting tasks, cost estimation and revenue generation
- Organized budget documentation and tracked expenses to maintain tight business controls
- Applied mathematical abilities to calculate and check figures in accounting systems
- Optimized employee performance, output and morale through development of enticing incentive programs
- Implemented updated production, productivity, quality and customer service standards to improve company financial standing
- Initiated comprehensive account assessments to check viability, stability and profitability of business operations
Senior Accountant
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
Abuja, FCT
05.2014 - 12.2018
- Set up and improved accounting systems and processes to meet business needs and maximize operational success.
- Developed and implemented effective accounting systems.
- Partnered with auditors on annual audits and realized compliance with governmental tax guidelines.
- Wrote footnotes for various filing projects and annual reports.
- Completed year-end closing processes with controllers and external auditors.
- Drafted variance reports, regulatory filings and related schedules.
- Reviewed documents and accounts for discrepancies and resolved variances.
- Analyzed financial audit information and made recommendations to improve efficiencies.
- Prepared accounts for industry audits and supported audit process.
- Updated general ledger with latest entries.
- Reviewed budgets, capital appropriations and operating budgets, and communicated findings to senior management.
- Wrote financial statements and consolidations after reconciling general ledger accounts.
- Decreased invoicing and receivable cycle times by streamlining billing systems.
- Performed advanced reviews of business operational trends and expected obligations to prepare accurate forecasts.
- Evaluated and improved accuracy and completeness of financial records.
- Oversaw team of 6 accounting staff that successfully implemented Quality Management Procedure.
- Maintained full Budget compliance for Government Owned business turning over $2,862,000 in revenue per year
Sales Associate
Clarks
Colchester, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
02.2015 - 09.2015
- Delivered friendly assistance with new hires throughout interviewing and hiring process.
- Filed paperwork, sorted and delivered mail, and maintained office organization.
- Prepared monthly termination lists to be added to permanent records.
- Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers and promote specific merchandise.
- Completed orders and organized product deliveries to meet customer timetables.
- Answered customer questions regarding sizing, accessories and proper care for merchandise.
- Tracked stock using company inventory management software.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new and potential customers.
- Trained and developed new sales team associates in products, selling techniques and company procedures.
- Increased sales by offering advice on purchases and promoting additional products.
- Assisted with on-boarding process of 10 new hires in 3 months
- Answered and directed 7 outbound and inbound queries per day
- Maintained customer satisfaction with quick and professional handling of product returns.
- Developed, marketed and sold full range of products and support services.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Processed product returns and assisted customers with other selections.
Accountant
National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control
Abuja, FCT
03.2012 - 05.2014
- Created budgets and forecasts for management group to meet regular accounting deadlines.
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
- Conducted detailed technical and analytical review of federal/state corporate, partnership and S corporation tax returns, FAS 109 provisions, and quarterly estimates prepared by associates.
- Enhanced budget administration by reviewing reports, leveraging knowledge to strengthen controls and improve transparency.
- Set up and improved accounting systems and processes to meet business needs and maximize operational success.
- Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses and line of credit transactions.
- Evaluated and improved accuracy and completeness of financial records.
- Tracked financial progress by creating quarterly and yearly balance sheets.
- Brought errors to near-zero in reporting, payroll administration and general bookkeeping.
- Gathered data on taxable income, deductibles and allowances for tax preparation.
- Identified and investigated variances to financial plans and forecasts.
- Partnered with auditors on annual audits and realized compliance with governmental tax guidelines.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on permits, certificates and documents mandatory for government departments.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth and assets.
- Prepared documents, reports and presentations for executives and board members using advanced software proficiencies.
- Modified comprehensive financial reporting package to reflect growing organizational complexity.
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books
- Created budgets and forecasts for management group to meet regular accounting deadlines
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth and assets
Accountant and Auditor
Vet World Limited
Abuja, Nigeria
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
- Set up and improved accounting systems and processes to meet business needs and maximize operational success.
- Drove client satisfaction by identifying maximum adjustments, deductions and credits.
- Created budgets and forecasts for management group to meet regular accounting deadlines.
- Proactively researched technical tax issues related to consulting projects.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth and assets.
- Reviewed accounting structures and procedures on regular basis to identify areas in need of improvement.
- Monitored 20-employee team while handling day-to-day accounting processes and financial accuracy.
- Completed daily cash functions like account tracking, payroll and wage allocations, budgeting, donating and cash and banking reconciliations.
- Gathered data on taxable income, deductibles and allowances for tax preparation.
- Supported monthly reporting analysis to achieve validation of internal reports and to reconcile production operations and general ledger.
- Tracked financial progress by creating quarterly and yearly balance sheets.
- Identified and investigated variances to financial plans and forecasts.
- Evaluated and improved accuracy and completeness of financial records.
- Produced and reviewed audit reports for submission to inspector general and advised on audit recommendations and internal controls.
- Coordinated, managed and implemented projects for auditor and examiner evaluations.
- Managed internal controls and assessed risks of technology network by performing information system audits of each division.
- Developed and enforced audit policies and administrative and technical functions.
- Participated in interviews, performed observations and evaluated pertinent information to supplement audit findings.
- Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement.
- Interviewed business owners, explained audit scope and conducted exit interviews of audit findings.
- Complied with established internal procedures by examining reports, processes and documentation.
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
- Suggested key budgetary changes to increase company profits.
- Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
Education
Certification - Information Technology
Digital Bananas Technology
United Kingdom 06.2021 - 12.2021
Master of Science - Accounting And Finance
University of Essex
United Kingdom 10.2014 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Science - Accounting and Finance
Bingham University
Nigeria 05.2005 - 11.2009
Skills
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
KPI management
Written and interpersonal communication
Financial analysis
Business development expertise
Revenue Generation
Cost control and reduction
Budget forecasting
Budgeting and finance specialist
Finance and accounting operations
Business Development
Strategic and financial planning
Affiliations
Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Student Member (ACCA).
Certification
Associate Chartered Accountant (ICAN)
Interests
Reading
Traveling
Exercising
Timeline
Senior Finance Manager
Field Technology Development Partners Ltd
03.2022 - Current
Digital Business Analyst
11-2021
Certification - Information Technology
Digital Bananas Technology
06.2021 - 12.2021
Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (Student Member)
04-2021
Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (Student Member)
01-2021
Finance Manager
Celebrations Cards and Gifts Limited
08.2020 - Current
Senior Accounting Manager
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
01.2019 - 08.2020
Associate Chartered Accountant (ICAN)
11-2017
Sales Associate
Clarks
02.2015 - 09.2015
Master of Science - Accounting And Finance
University of Essex
10.2014 - 09.2015
Senior Accountant
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
05.2014 - 12.2018
Accountant
National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control
03.2012 - 05.2014
Accountant and Auditor
Vet World Limited
01.2010 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Accounting and Finance
Bingham University
05.2005 - 11.2009