UKEHINAKACHI CHUKU
PORT HARCOURT,NIGERIA
Summary
Accomplished finance professional with expertise in financial management, budgeting and forecasting, and financial reporting. Demonstrates strong skills in fixed asset management, stakeholder management, and variance analysis. Proficient in implementing internal controls and adhering to International Financial Reporting Standards. Experienced in leading teams and mentoring staff, with a solid command of ERP systems and Microsoft Office. Committed to driving financial efficiency and accuracy while supporting organisational growth objectives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Deputy Bursar/Head Financial Reporting
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE
10.2023 - 01.2026
- Assisted in preparation of monthly and annual financial statements ensuring compliance with international guidelines and obtaining unqualified reports.
- Supported income reporting for various funding streams and contributed to improvements in budget accuracy for 6 faculties.
- Collaborated with academic leaders on financial reporting and operational efficiency to help reduce departmental overspending.
- Monitored £150m fixed asset management ensuring integrity of reporting processes.
- Facilitated financial training sessions for over 90 staff enhancing institutional financial literacy and accountability.
- Conducted variance analyses to identify discrepancies and support financial strategies.
- Aided in statutory audits by providing detailed technical accounting documentation.
- Worked flexible hours covering nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Chief Accountant/Head Financial Reporting
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE
02.2018 - 10.2023
- Produced daily cash forecasts, monitored university cash position, and reported critical insights to senior management.
- Collaborated in producing monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports, aligning £15M budget with strategic priorities.
- Managed aged debt reporting, proactively supported recovery actions, and collaborated with student fee recovery teams to improve debt collection rates.
- Managed £80M fixed asset register, improving depreciation tracking and reclassification processes; reduced discrepancies by 25%.
- Began process of improving automated reconciliation protocols to reduce manual errors by 60% and expedite month-end close deadline by two days.
- Partnered and maintained strong relationship between Human resources and finance departments to ensure staff benefit administration.
- Managed staff roasters and workloads to ensure adequate coverage and optimal use of resources, while maintaining service continuity and meeting key performance targets.
- Delivered structured training and mentoring for junior staff, supporting their professional growth and encouraging continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Financial accountant
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE
04.2015 - 02.2018
- Supported quarterly and annual financial reports preparation for Council and senior management.
- Carried out monthly reconciliations of over 60 bank accounts and ensured compliance with internal controls and university policies.
- Managed accounts payable/receivable close processes, journal entries, and ERP data integrity of over 200 transactions per week.
- Liaised with auditors during year-end audits, ensuring full compliance with all standards.
- Supervised two junior staff, managing appraisals and performance development.
Audit senior
L. F. Jumbo and Co
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
01.2012 - 04.2015
- Audited over 30 client portfolios (NGOs, SMEs), identifying £3.3M in cost saving opportunities through forensic analysis.
- Developed audit plans compliant with FRC Nigeria and IFRS, reducing client compliance penalties by 30%.
- Helped with audit management by planning audit timelines, team briefings and audit delivery.
- Communicated effectively with stakeholders over delicate matters and contentious issues.
- Trained 12 junior auditors in risk assessment methodologies, improving audit report accuracy by 15%.
- Offered proactive and thorough on-site support for audit clients.
- Developed technical expertise through Continued Professional Development (CPD).
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE 10.2020 - 09.2022
Master of Science - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE 01.2019 - 10.2020
POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE 09.2010 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Science - ACCOUNTING
BOWEN UNIVERSITY
IWO, OSUN STATE 11.2002 - 11.2006
Skills
- Financial Management
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Financial Reporting
- Fixed Asset Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Variance Analysis
- Internal Controls
- Leadership and Mentoring
- International Financial Reporting Standards
- ERP Systems
- Microsoft Office
Certification
- Fellow, Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (2022)
- Associate, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (2017)
Websites
LANGUAGES
English
Native
RIGHT TO WORK
Eligible to work in the UK with visa sponsorship provided by the employer.
REFERENCES
References available upon request.
Timeline
Deputy Bursar/Head Financial Reporting
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
10.2023 - 01.2026
Doctor of Philosophy - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
10.2020 - 09.2022
Master of Science - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
01.2019 - 10.2020
Chief Accountant/Head Financial Reporting
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
02.2018 - 10.2023
Financial accountant
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
04.2015 - 02.2018
Audit senior
L. F. Jumbo and Co
01.2012 - 04.2015
POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
09.2010 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Science - ACCOUNTING
BOWEN UNIVERSITY
11.2002 - 11.2006