Open to opportunities

Akinwale Ruth Idowu

@akinwaleruthidowu

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Strategic finance leader driving profitability, controls, and growth across multi‑national operations.

Nigeria

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What I'm looking for

I seek a senior finance role where I can lead FP&A, strengthen controls, drive fundraising and growth, and mentor teams in a collaborative, impact‑focused culture.

I am a finance leader with over ten years' experience in financial operations, planning, risk management, and compliance across multi‑national organizations. I specialize in budgeting, financial modeling, and implementing internal controls that improve efficiency and reduce risk.

At MDAAS Global I led finance across 16 branches, developed annual budgets and five‑year projections, and played a key role in fundraising that supported significant expansion and investor raises. I managed multi‑jurisdictional reporting and tax compliance for US, Nigeria, and Cameroon operations.

Previously I built internal control frameworks, led strategic planning and new business development, and uncovered and remediated misappropriations while reducing costs and inventory waste. I have implemented automation (Xero) and processes that shortened reporting lead times and strengthened governance.

I hold a B.Sc. in Accounting and professional memberships in AATWA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and I bring a pragmatic, results‑oriented approach to finance leadership that supports sustainable growth and stakeholder confidence.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Head of Finance

Current

MDAAS Global

Feb 2022 - Present (3 years 7 months)

Led finance across 16 international branches, developed annual budgets and 5-year projections that supported $2.3M seed funding and guided $1.6M in annual revenue; managed FX hedging up to $300,000 to reduce currency volatility by 50%.

Financial Planning Budgeting Financial Modeling Fundraising Multi Jurisdictional Compliance IFRS Xero Team Leadership

Financial Controller

MDAAS Global

Oct 2020 - Jan 2022 (1 year 3 months)

Oversaw finance operations and internal controls for 16 branches, automated financial statements with Xero to cut monthly lead time by 5 days, and implemented inventory models that reduced costs by 10%.

Internal Controls Financial Reporting Xero IFRS Compliance Tax Compliance Inventory Management Team Supervision Process Automation

Head Strategy & Internal Control

Audeo Advisory

Jan 2017 - Sep 2020 (3 years 8 months)

Led strategy and internal control functions, established policies that reduced fraud/shortages by 20%, launched three new business lines, and drove initiatives that grew yearly revenue by 50%.

Strategic Planning Internal Controls Policy Development Fraud Prevention Performance Improvement

Senior Consultant

Audeo Advisory

Sep 2017 - Jan 2019 (1 year 4 months)

Provided financial and operational reporting insights that reduced costs by 20% and supported audits and reporting used to raise $1M in investment in 2019.

Financial Analysis Management Reporting Audit Support Financial Statements Due Diligence

Senior Associate

AAE Professional Services

Nov 2014 - Dec 2016 (2 years 1 month)

Conducted financial statement reviews and due diligence for clients including financial institutions, reducing liabilities by 10% and supporting valuations for companies with net worth over $10M.

Financial Reviews Due Diligence Valuation Audit IFRS ISAs & Compliance

Audit Associate

AAE Professional Services

Feb 2014 - Nov 2015 (1 year 9 months)

Coordinated audit teams and process owners to identify operational deficiencies, implementing process improvements that increased efficiency by 80% and shortened completion time by two weeks for large oil & gas clients.

Audit Process Improvement Documentation Oil & Gas Audit Experience Time Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Ekiti State University

Bachelor of Science, Accounting

Activities and societies: Member, Association of Accounting Technicians West Africa (AATWA); Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ACA)

Completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with membership in regional and national accounting bodies.