My journey to becoming an accountant was largely dictated by my love for numbers when growing up. I was always enthralled with the idea of using numbers to identify and solve problems.
I started my career more than 16 years ago as an accountant with Marine and General Brokers in Ghana’s capital Accra. My next move was to Guaranty Trust Bank, where I rose through the ranks to become head of the finance and strategy unit over a seven-year period. I then joined Access Bank as country CFO for six years.
In 2018, I rejoined Guaranty Trust Bank where I am currently serving as CFO. The decision to rejoin was a huge career risk. I had to meet expectations based on reputation and my previous achievements.
Rejoining the bank was a huge career risk. I had to meet expectations based on reputation and previous achievements
During the height of the pandemic my team had to come up with ingenious ways of working virtually, or with a lean staff, to provide continuity while ensuring the maximum safety of all staff. My role became even more relevant as strategic planning and key financial decisions needed to be taken to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the bank’s financial performance.
I enjoy having the ability to share and impart knowledge to my team while using my expertise to ensure the financial soundness of the institution. I feel the corporate environment offers me the opportunity to apply my knowledge in various aspects of the business – treasury and risk management, strategic management, and tax planning and administration.
I have more than one string to my bow. I am also a lead consultant for Basel regulations, financial reporting frameworks, IFRS and prudential returns for financial institutions at Purple Almond, a private firm approved by the Bank of Ghana to run a directors’ certification programme.
God has been the greatest influence in my life and career. I apply the principles of Christianity in both my personal and professional life.
If I could, I would alter our electoral law. A system where a simple majority allows the winner to control every aspect of the governance process has the tendency to create electoral violence.
My biggest achievement? Leading the initial public offer of Access Bank Ghana, as well as setting up corporate finance and investor relations units for Access Bank Ghana and a project management unit for Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana.
Outside of work I’m an avid football fan. I’m also very interested in evangelism. If I weren’t an accountant, I’d be a full-time minister of the Gospel.
