Highlights:I have been involved in Strategy, Financial Planning/Management, Budgeting and Internal Control/Compliance/Audit. I also will be willing to take on new roles and responsibilities, even if it requires retraining and retooling.

Skills:Financial Modelling, Accounting, Audit

Membership:Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria

Honor:I have received awards for volunteering.

Chief Finance Officer 03/2015 - current
Backbone Connectivity Network Nig Ltd, Abuja, FCT Nigeria
Industry: Telecommunications
My role includes providing strategic leadership for the department, management of the books of accounts, treasury management, tax management and training/ supervision of personnel.
? Achievement include: o Significantly reduced the Company’s financial loss by enhancing the administrative and processing functions; achieved with the introduction of unified policy statements and deployment of an Enterprise Resource Planning Software. o Introduction of Monthly Business Review and presentation of monthly Management Accounts and presentation of same to the Executive Committee (EXCO) and the Board for effective monitoring and control. o By acting as the first line of contact, provided excellent service delivery to clients, related companies and external parties including the regulatory /supervisory bodies, tax authorities, auditors etc.--
Chief Compliance Officer 07/2013 - 03/2015
AIICO Pension Managers Limited, Lagos, Lagos Nigeria
Industry: Pension Fund Management
? As the Chief Compliance Officer, I had the responsibility of ensuring that the system runs effectively and efficiently through adherence to rules and regulations as stipulated in the Pension Reform Act (PRA), 2004 (as amended in 2014), circulars /guidelines issued by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and other laws of the land including the company’s policies. The Compliance Department functions more as the monitoring eye of the Regulatory Authority.
? Achievements; while acting as the Chief Compliance Officer, I was able to: o Set up the department from the scratch, initiate and complete manuals of operations for the department and initiated the review/update of the policies and manuals of other departments; o Conduct regular compliance awareness and trainings to sensitize management and staff on adherence to policies, guidelines, circulars etc. with a view to creating a positive compliance attitude and culture in the organization; o Build strategic relationship with the regulators (PENCOM); o Improve on the process enhancement through review of documentation, processes and relationship with the regulators; o Ensure that the corporate governance structure is adhered to through attendance of all Board Committee meetings, conducting internal Board assessment as an input to the Corporate Governance Report by the external consultants; o Assist all the departments and units in carrying out their duties in line with the regulations.--
Chief Finance Officer 03/2012 - 03/2013
Laplace Technologies Limited, Lagos, Lagos Nigeria
Industry: Telecommunications
? As Chief Finance Officer/ General Manager in charge of Finance and Administration, I took full responsibilities for all Business Support functions from Human Resources (HR), Admin/Logistics, Information Technology (IT) & Finance.
? While at Laplace, I was able to set up a proper finance team, effectively restructure the HR & Admin functions and initiated the process of setting up an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System for the organisation (SAP). ? I also initiated and completed organizational manuals covering finance & admin, HR, IT and business operations. The improvement in business operations and introduction of business manuals effectively improved the organisation’s top and bottom lines.--
Chief Finance Officer/ Chief Operating Officer 07/2008 - 03/2012
Diamond Bank Group, Lagos, Lagos Nigeria
Industry: Bank/Financial Servises
? Joined Diamond Capital & Financial Markets in July 2008 As Senior Associate (Senior Manager) in the Corporate Finance & Advisory Unit and later redeployed as Chief Finance Officer/Chief Operating Officer. In September 2011, Diamond Capital was absorbed into the Bank and I was made Head of the Advisory unit within the Investment Banking Group. Left in March 2012.
While in Diamond Bank, I managed all the Banks investments for optimum performance and was involved in: a) Ensuring that proper and adequate measures and controls are put in place to protect the assets and business of the Bank. b) Negotiations concerning the bank’s exit/divestment from some of the investee companies c) Representing the Bank at the Board meetings of the investee companies. I was also involved in sourcing of mandates from Corporations and assisting clients who are: a) Considering growth through Mergers and Acquisitions b) Seeking funding or valuation advice c) Looking at restructuring opportunities While in Diamond Capital as COO, I had the direct responsibility for the establishment and strengthening of the Strategy, Financial Control, Operations and Risk Management functions of the firm for which I was able to: a) Create an effective operations department; b) Successfully implement a new accounting software for the firm; c) Implement effective operational procedure. My responsibilities included: a) Developing policies and advising Management on quality service delivery; b) Providing quality leadership in the day-to-day implementation of the company policies, objectives and budget; c) Developing and implementing systems, processes and controls that will ensure full integration of the IT facilities and operations; d) Providing first line contact and excellent service delivery to clients, related companies and external parties including the regulatory /supervisory bodies, tax authorities, auditors etc.; e) Managing the accounting/finance of the Company including treasury functions’ assessment of operating performance etc.; f) Preparation of monthly Management Accounts and presentation of same to the Executive Committee (EXCO) and the Board; g) Preparation of regular reports as and when due h) Ensuring high value, cutting-edge solution to all back office operational issues. While in Diamond Capital as Head of Corporate Finance & Advisory Unit, I assisted in sourcing of mandates from Corporations and assisting clients who are considering growth through Mergers and Acquisitions; seeking funding or valuation advice; looking at restructuring opportunities; considering Private Equity Deals or even a public listing. I was involved in the following Capital Restructuring, Raising of Equity and Debt (Convertible Debenture), Raising of Equity in a Public Offer, Private Placements, Debt Financing, Advisory Services etc.--
Financial Advisory 10/2006 - 07/2008
KPMG, Lagos, Lagos Nigeria
Industry: Financial Services
? While in the Financial Advisory Services unit, I was involved in developing business plans and financial models, conducting due diligence (from pre to post deal support), equity valuation and teaching /supervision of subordinates etc
? While in the Financial Advisory Services unit, I was involved in developing business plans and financial models, conducting due diligence (from pre to post deal support), equity valuation and teaching /supervision of subordinates etc. and was team lead for some engagements some of which include: o Carve-out and subsequent disposal of a manufacturing company; o Disposal of an engineering and electrical servicing company; o Acquisition of a mechanical engineering and servicing firm; o Vendor due diligence of a private telecommunications company; o Buy-side due diligence for the acquisition of a telecommunications company; o Business plan and financial model for the development of 4-star hotel; o Business plan and financial model for the development of a budget hotel; o Business valuation of a telecommunications company; o Business combination for the merger of 5 business entities; o Reporting Accounting in a manufacturing firm;--
Associate 01/2006 - 10/2006
Rural Payment Agency, Exeter, Devon United Kingdom
Industry: Public Sector
? Joined January 2006 on a part time basis (as a student), converted to full time staff effective June 2006, left October 2006 as an Associate. (I was seconded from ADECCO (UK) Limited, Elm House, 54 Mary Arches Street, Exeter EX4 3BA UK)
? While at RPA, I was part of the team processing agricultural claims for subsidy by farmers and handling of disputed claims and other customer service functions.--
Deputy Manager Financial Control 09/2000 - 11/2006
Zenith Bank Plc, Lagos, Lagos Nigeria
Industry: Bank/Financial Servises
? Joined in September 2000 as Assistant Banking Officer, Left in November 2006 as Deputy Manager (I was on study leave between September 2005 and September 2006) ? While in Zenith Bank, I had the opportunity of working in various departments such as Financial Control/Strategic Planning, Operations, Internal Control & Audit.
? While in Zenith Bank, I had the opportunity of working in various departments such as: o Financial Control & Strategic Planning (as Head of Strategic Planning); and was involved in Strategic business review and assessment of operating performance of the bank, Providing both financial and non-financial information for executive management’s decision, including budget preparation, Liaising with various rating agencies and the regulatory authorities and providing data including benchmarks, cost drivers and efficiency improvement opportunities. o Operations (as Branch Head of Operations) where I supervised and coordinated the Branch Operations ranging from Cash/Treasury management, Cheque processing & clearing, Liaison with head office, Customer service, Rendition of returns, Tax Administration & Management, Staff training and Relationship management. o Internal Control & Audit; I was involved in Credit/Loan reviews for early detection of potentially problematic loans, Investigations, General fraud detection and prevention, Daily review of transactions, Periodic inspection to branches and Preliminary review of credit request for Global Credit Committee’s approval.--
Audit Senior 12/1995 - 08/2000
Howarth Dafinone & Co, Lagos, Lagos Nigeria
Industry: Financial Services - Audit/Tax
? I was a Team leader on various engagements ranging from Audit (Both Statutory and Value for Money Audit), Investigations, Tax management, Accounting and Consulting engagements across various sectors of the economy.
? I was a Team leader on various engagements ranging from Audit (Both Statutory and Value for Money Audit), Investigations, Tax management, Accounting and Consulting engagements across various sectors of the economy.--

University of Nigeria 10/1988 - 02/1994
Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Major:Animal Science
A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture with specialisation in Animal Science

CV Ambrose Okolo Finance Accounting Financial Modeling Administrator
Login to view resume: AmbyOkolo CV Houston - Finance Accounting Financial Modeling Administrator