Francis Ogunlaja

Background

About Francis Ogunlaja

Francis is a results-oriented financial executive with over 10 years of experience in Finance, specializing in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, compliance, and risk management. He has a strong track record of driving business growth, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance. As a seasoned CFO, Financial Controller, and Finance Manager, Francis excels in developing and implementing financial strategies to maximize profitability and enhance operational efficiency. Francis has extensive experience working in the Finance Department of Airtel Networks Ltd, a multinational telecommunication company, for 6 years. His roles encompassed various departments, including General Ledger & Financial Reporting, Accounts Payable & Receivables, Tax & Fixed Assets. He actively participated in the annual financial planning and budgeting of the company, contributing to cost savings of over $10 Million. His achievements led to his induction as an Airtel Future Young Leader. As the Financial Controller at L5 lab, Francis played a pivotal role in establishing a robust structure in the accounting department through the implementation of policies and processes. He was instrumental in the committee that designed the model and structure for the 22 billion Naira Creative Industry Funds by CBN (CIFI LOANS). Notably, Francis successfully secured the first software engineering student loans in Nigeria through Sterling Bank, resulting in cash revenues of N2.5 billion from student loans through Sterling and Access Bank. Additionally, he played a key role in helping Decagon raise $2.mk in equity investment in 2022. Throughout these endeavors, Francis ensured a monthly reporting system to various subsidiaries' management for accountability and revenue growth enhancement. Francis's areas of expertise include Financial Strategy, Budgeting & Forecasting, Financial Reporting, Risk Management, Team Leadership, Financial Analysis, and Financial Modeling.