Taiwo Marquez

I am a highly qualified chartered accountant with ACCA certification. I hold a Masters degree in International Economics and Finance, as well as a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Over the course of my 10-year career, I have managed finance and accounting portfolios for both non-profit and for-profit organizations in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Currently, I serve as the Finance Director for an energy company that provides affordable and reliable electricity to low-income earners, where I offer expert finance and commercial advice to top management. In the past year, I have successfully led strategic financial plans, designed financial models, implemented budgetary control measures, and published financial manuals and policies.

I am proficient in the use of five different accounting software programs, including SAGE, Quickbooks, and Xero, and I am currently studying French. 

Finance Director                                                                                                 July 2019 - Present

PAS Solar Limited Abuja-Nigeria, London- United Kingdom

• Directed and oversaw all finance functions and decisions with full authority over the treasury, tax, statutory and management accounting, financial control, internal and external reporting
• Ensured continuous compliance with the standard accounting policies and procedures, as well as all statutory, legal and internal policies
• Controlled and evaluated the organisation’s fundraising plans and capital structure
• Managed relationships with investors, banks, external auditors, and other relevant stakeholders
• Oversaw the preparation and delivery of reliable, accurate and timely financial reports, forecasts, and budgets
• Worked with KPMG to produce over 5 years audited financial statement
• Developed cash flow projections and implemented hedging tools and policies to mitigate financial risks and exposure

Finance Consultant                                                                                             2017 - June 2019

 PAS Solar Limited (June 2019), Instant Energy (March 2019 – June 2019), ERCAS Solutions        Technology Company, Abuja, Nigeria (July 2018 – Date), Premium Times, Abuja, Nigeria (May 2018 – July 2018), Chaul Dog Food- Start-up Abuja, Nigeria (December 2017 – May 2018)

• Developed financial projections, and facilitated the process of obtaining Payment System Provider (PSSP) license with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
• Developed fundraising plans, advised on capital structures, and built finance models
• Researched financial landscape of industries, analyzed financial reports using industry average to benchmark, and produced detailed financial and data analysis
• Designed and implemented finance manuals, policies and procedures
• Handled management reporting of company performance, variance analysis, and variable contribution
• Administered cost-benefits analysis for new and existing businesses
• Improved budget and profit systems by recommending processes to increase efficiency
• Built clientele systems and improve customer care services

Chief Finance Officer                                                                                             2011 – 2017                                                                                                             

Hillsong Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Not-for-Profit Organisation in over 25 locations and 30,000 subscribers worldwide

Achievements

• Established an investment portfolio of £100k within 10 months by modelling and implementing a realistic savings plan that reduced expenditure by setting aside 10% of weekly income. 
• Successfully handled finance restructuring in 2 months from a 2-year backlog
• Designed a swift payment tool that captured orders by location and reduced response time by 20%
• Reduced operational cost by 50% through research and selection of a more cost-beneficial credit card merchant, implementing expense monitoring and bulk purchases
• Enhanced cross-departmental finance system through implementing requisition processes which adhered to the annual budget. Facilitated a smooth and successful merger 

Responsibilities

• Managed the organisation’s budget and financial systems 
• Presented monthly and quarterly financial reports to management and board of trustees 
• The prepared annual budget, supervise cash flow and prepare monthly departmental variance analysis
• Maintain financial records, and handle vendor payment reconciliation, cash, and payroll
• Developed key performance indicators and other evaluation criteria on financial projects 

Created tracking reports and develop procedures for resolving disbursement errors in employee benefits, third party reporting, and wage attachments Staff training within finance databases and software such as SAGE and Merchant Services 

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)                                                  January 2017

Chartered Certified Accountant                                                             

International Economics and Finance (MSc)                                                                           July 2011

Newcastle University, UK 

Thesis: The dynamic link between foreign direct investment and economic growth (Merit)

Business Administration (BSc)                                                                                December 2007                                                                         

Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria (CGPA 4.48/5.00)