Lawrence Essell, Acca Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Canada

● Designed and delivered 10+ advanced financial dashboards daily using Microsoft Power BI and Excel, streamlining executive-level reporting and decision-making under tight deadlines.● Automated ETL processes using SQL, transforming raw financial data into actionable insights, resulting in a 25% improvement in data processing efficiency.● Implemented a robust database consistency framework, ensuring data integrity and reducing reporting discrepancies by 30%.● Provided variance analysis and P&L commentary on revenue trends, driving precise strategic planning and forecasting.

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Conduct financial analyses and forecasting to inform strategic decisions and business planning. Evaluate real estate investment opportunities by scrutinizing financial statements, market trends, and economic indicators. Analyze KPIs and operational metrics to gauge financial health and performance of real estate projects and divisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance financial reporting accuracy and efficiency. Advise on cost reduction strategies and revenue enhancement opportunities.• Improved forecasting accuracy by implementing advanced analytical tools and methodologies.• Enhanced financial reporting processes, resulting in 15% reduction in time-to-report.• Identified key areas for cost savings, contributing to 10% reduction in overhead costs for targeted real estate projects.• Spearheaded comprehensive review of business unit performance, leading to strategic realignment and 5% increase in ROI.• Facilitated successful financial planning sessions that aligned with corporate growth objectives and market opportunities.

Nigeria

Provided key financial insights and commercial reporting to support the growth and profitability of the Packed Products division. With a focus on managing customer rebates, driving month-end financial reporting, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, I leveraged on my analytical expertise to influence strategic decisions and improve financial performance. By delivering accurate forecasts and actionable analysis.• Provided comprehensive financial analysis and reporting on key business metrics including volumes, revenue, and pricing for the Packed Products division. Deliver actionable insights to drive profitability and inform strategic decisions.• Lead the end-to-end management of customer rebates, including system setup, accounting, reporting, payment, and coordination with key account managers to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial processes.• Support the preparation of the month-end reporting pack, delivering detailed commentary and analysis on commercial performance to senior stakeholders. Lead the month-end close process, including managing accruals, pricing checks, and balance sheet reconciliations related to customer rebates.• Work closely with the Finance Manager, Commercial, Sales, and Operational Planning teams to support commercial forecasting and drive financial growth. Build strong relationships with Senior Commercial Managers and Key Account Managers, providing ad-hoc financial analysis and support as needed.

Nigeria

Collaborated with a team of 15 to provide data-driven insights and support strategic initiatives within the retail banking sector. Leveraged market analysis, customer data, and performance metrics to optimize product offerings, enhance customer experience, and drive business growth. Played a key role in translating data into actionable strategies that contributed to significant portfolio expansion and operational efficiency improvements over two years.• Achieved 150% growth in the retail loan portfolio by conducting comprehensive market and customer segmentation analysis, enabling targeted product offerings and personalized services.• Increased customer acquisition by 45% through data-driven marketing strategies, including the optimization of digital and in-branch campaigns tailored to customer behaviour and preferences.• Boosted overall customer retention by 35% by analysing feedback data and working with cross-functional teams to implement new service features and loyalty programs.• Contributed to a 200% increase in digital banking adoption by leading the analysis of user data to refine the online banking experience and streamline customer onboarding processes.• Improved operational efficiency by 25% by identifying bottlenecks and proposing process automation solutions, resulting in reduced turnaround times for retail banking services.• Enhanced product profitability by 40% through detailed analysis of customer lifetime value, pricing strategies, and cross-sell opportunities, optimizing the product mix and driving higher revenues.

Nigeria

Implemented rigorous reconciliation processes to align internal financial records with external sources, ensuring balance sheet management compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Automated Nostro and Western Union account reconciliations using advanced software with built-in algorithms, enhancing matching accuracy and efficiency. Developed and integrated advanced financial and management reporting systems, reducing manual effort and errors while facilitating in-depth analysis. Conducted periodic reviews and audits to identify and address gaps in internal controls, implementing measures to mitigate risks and enhance compliance. Directed interbank trades, payments, investments, and money market instruments, optimizing bank's financial portfolio and improving profitability.• Enhanced financial analysis capabilities by implementing budgeting and forecasting modules on new banking software.• Achieved higher returns and managed liquidity for bank's portfolio through strategic management of interbank trades and investments.• Improved operational performance and risk management by leading bank-wide treasury operations training, addressing knowledge gaps.• Standardized processes and boosted productivity by introducing process automation solutions in line with industry best practices.• Collaborated with stakeholders to tailor and conduct training programs, significantly improving staff competency across the organization.

Master'S Degree, Information Systems & Business Analysis

Bachelor'S Degree, Biochemistry, Second Class Upper

Activities and Societies: Football ,Reading,Swimming and traveling. National Association of Biochemistry Student.