Richard Collins Arku
Finance, Accounting and Administration
Choisy-Le-Roi,Val de Marne
Summary
Result-driven finance professional with over 15 years of experience in financial administration, accounting, and management. Proven track record of successfully implementing projects, managing teams, and driving growth across various industries. Skilled in financial analysis, financial reporting compliance, budgeting, and leadership, with a strong ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver high-quality results.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education
Work History
District Chief Executive
Government of Ghana
07.2017 - 09.2021
- Spearheaded government policy implementation and program execution as DCE for North Tongu
District Assembly (NTDA) having been appointed by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His
Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo - Enhanced operational and administrative efficiency through innovative solutions that boosted service
delivery, transparency, accountability and raised Internal Generated Funds (IGF) for more than 500% - Championed development planning, led project implementation, and aligned NTDA initiatives with
national priorities. Examples: planting for foods and jobs, one-district-one factory etc - Maintained law and order through collaborative efforts with security agencies, ensuring a safe and
secure environment in the district - Optimised resource management, budgeting, and financial oversight and ensured prudent use of
public funds - Fostered strong public relations, engaged with local communities and addressed their concerns and
needs eg post-harvest losses, infrastructure development - Presided over NTDA meetings (executive committee, security, entity tender, management etc),
facilitated productive discussions and ensured proactive decision-making. - Supervised NTDA’s officials and departments, ensured effective service delivery and accountability
- Upon assuming the role of DCE, I inherited a district rated “unsatisfactory” at 216th out of 216
Metropolitan, Municipal District Assembly (MMDA) in 2016 District League. Through strategic
leadership and targeted initiatives, I spearheaded a remarkable turnaround, propelled the NTDA to
74th out of 260 MMDAs in 2020 National Ranking of MMDAs - My efforts were recognised by UNICEF, which awarded NTDA as one of the top 10 best-performing
MMDAs nationwide - I successfully lobbied for establishment of an ethanol manufacturing company in the district,
providing a game-changing solution for cassava farmers. By creating a reliable market for their
produce, thus alleviated post-harvest losses and brought economic relief to farmers not only in the
district but also in surrounding districts - Subsequently youths who once flocked to cities in search of scarce job opportunities, returned to
their communities, empowered to engage in lucrative cassava farming initiatives. - Delivered impactful infrastructure projects as District Chief Executive, including: 12 educational
facilities, enhancing learning environments; 6 healthcare facilities, improving access to quality
healthcare; 6 justice and security projects,strengthening community safety; 5 market infrastructures
projects,boosting local economies; 7 solar-powered communication towers, expanding connectivity;
Road infrastructure projects in Battor, Mepe, Aveyime, Adidokpe, Ayiwata); 50 rural electrification
projects,illuminating communities; 17 water and sanitation infrastructure projects, improving public
health; 5 Senior High School improvement projects, enhancing education quality; and 3 Climate
Change Projects, promoting sustainability - Received commendation from Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General OB Akwa, for
dedication to duty, passion for district development, highlighting leadership excellence in the face of
secessionist challenges, and fostering effective collaboration with stakeholders to tackle security
issues and restore peace to the District
Finance and Admin. Manager
Cave and Gardens Ghana Limited
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Spearheaded financial planning and secured funding for new product lines by preparing cash flow
projections and sourcing funds from financial institutions. Ex. spearheaded GHc3million+ factoring/key account invoice discounting with Societe Generale Ghana, unlocking cash flow and driving business growth - Streamlined General Administration, overseeing HR management, office operations, and expatriate work permits for effective business operations and growth staff
- Effectively managed import and re-export operations, ensuring timely remittances to suppliers and
maintaining strong relationships with foreign and local partners. - Conducted thorough account reconciliations and investigations, resolving discrepancies and ensuring
financial accuracy. - Implemented robust internal controls for stock and bonded goods management, documentation, and
expenditure approval processes. - Enforced budget adherence, safeguarding assets, and ensuring compliance with legal, contractual,
and accounting requirements. - Generated insightful financial reports, including expense, income, and open balances, and supported
budgeting and forecasting operations. - Prepared financial statements and activity reports, completing annual audits within expected time
frames. - Successfully managed monthly payroll for employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- Fostered strong relationships with regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with Value Added Taxes,
Pay As You Earn- Employees Income Taxes, Social Security Funds, Corporate Taxes, and other tax
requirements. - Played a key role in hiring decisions, interviewing prospective employees and supporting leadership
in finalizing recruitment. - Performed daily financial duties, including accounting, treasury, accounts payable, accounts payable
while maintaining compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. - Built and maintained strong partnerships with investors and stakeholders, raising capital and driving business growth.
- Coordinated and managed external audits, providing key liaison support and ensuring prompt completion of audited accounts
- Orchestrated the development and rollout of new regional offices in Kumasi and Takoradi, as well as cash-and-carry outlets
- Developed and implemented administrative procedures for improved workflow consistency.
- Streamlined office operations to enhance efficiency and reduce processing time.
- Assisted in the development of strategic plans to achieve company objectives while maintaining a focus on excellent customer service delivery.
Finance and Admin. Manager (later General Manager
Wise Energy Limited, Partners of Stroomwerk-Netherlands
04.2004 - 06.2009
- Spearheaded the implementation and evaluation of the PSOM PV Connection Programme, a rural
solar electrification project in Ghana's Western Region, sponsored by the Dutch Government. - Shared expertise with Nomura Research Institute and Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc. from Japan on
effective implementation of rural solar electrification projects, a Master Plan Study sponsored by
JICA. - Conducted thorough personnel evaluations and assessments for subordinate staff, providing guidance
and supervision to office staff and facilitating productive staff meetings. - Coordinated procurement of solar materials from the Netherlands, Germany and China, ensuring
effective stock management and logistical support. - Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements, working closely with representatives to file
accurate Value Added Taxes, Pay-As-You-Earn (employees Income Tax), Social Security Funds
Contributions, and Corporate Taxes - Fostered strong community relationships, identifying and capitalizing on business opportunities for
rural solar electrification. - Managed daily financial duties, including accounting, treasury, and accounts payable, while
maintaining financial accuracy and compliance. - Analyzed budget plans and current costs, projecting trends and recommending updates to
Stroomwerk in the Netherlands. - Prepared financial statements, activity reports, and completed annual audits within expected
timeframes. - Provided expert advice to solar organizations on budgeting processes, driving revenue growth and
business opportunities. - Generated insightful financial reports, including expense, income, and open balances, and conducted
account reconciliations and investigations. - Successfully managed monthly payroll for employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, introducing regular review sessions that boosted team performance and morale.
- Reduced time to market for new products by optimizing development processes and enhancing cross-functional team collaboration.
Accounts/Administration Officer
Forewin (Ghana) Limited/Lewadis (FZE) Limited
12.2001 - 03.2004
- Seamlessly coordinated financial transactions and operational processes, ensuring zero issues with
petty cash disbursement and reimbursement for the clearing department. - Effectively managed contract administration, maintaining accurate files, validating codes, and monitoring reporting, including tenancy agreements and insurance for vehicles and assets.
- Successfully managed the Import Office branch in Tema, achieving high customer satisfaction rates through excellent service delivery.
- Established and enforced consistent and compliant control policies for accounts tracking, reconciliation, and reporting, ensuring financial accuracy and transparency.
- Investigated and resolved account discrepancies, verifying validity and obtaining necessary information to ensure accurate financial records.
- Maintained precise account books and accounting systems, ensuring accuracy through meticulous
data entry and proofreading. - Verified billing accuracy, following up with shipping companies to reconcile variances and making
claims for demurrage deposits. - Significantly reduced financial discrepancies by accurately recording and tracking clearing expenses and invoices, and organizing bank statements for checking accounts.
- Fostered harmonious management-employee relation, averting industrial strikes and promoting a
productive work environment. - Managed accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure timely financial transactions.
- Coordinated monthly financial reporting to maintain accuracy and compliance with company policies.
- Assisted in the implementation of new accounting software solutions to improve overall department productivity levels while reducing manual tasks prone to errors.
- Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by reconciling discrepancies in accounting records and diligently reviewing financial statements.
Accounts Officer
Ghana Airways Limited
07.2000 - 10.2001
- Maintained a precise and up-to-date general ledger, ensuring all accounting data was accurate and
audit-ready. - Ensured accuracy in account books and accounting systems through meticulous data entry and thorough proofreading.
- Optimized financial operations by streamlining daily bank lodgements, processing bank reconciliations with precision, and delivering timely financial reporting
- Streamlined accounts reconciliation processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing discrepancies.
- Managed financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Accounts Officer
Wahome Steel Company Limited
12.1998 - 02.1999
- Administered overtime pay schedules, ensuring timely compensation for em
Assistant Headmaster
Volo Secondary Commercial Institute
06.1997 - 07.1998
- Effective coordination of teaching activities, overseeing subject masters to ensure excellence in education.
- Ensured strict compliance with operational and budget requirements, maintaining the school's standards.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance their skills, optimizing classroom education and student outcomes.
- Built and managed a high-performing teaching team focused on achieving results and driving students success.
- Successfully recruited and mentored top talent to fill vacancies, strengthening the school's faculty.
- Delivered engaging lessons in Accounting, Core Mathematics, and Economics, empowering students
with essential knowledge and skills - Directed academic programs to enhance student engagement and achievement.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to improve faculty development and curriculum effectiveness.
Education
Ph.D. - Finance
The International School of Management (ISM)
Paris, France 07.2022 - Current
MBA - Finance
Ghana Institute of Mgt And Public Admin-(GIMPA)
Accra, Ghana 09.2008 - 09.2010
Certificate - Computer Forensic
Ghana Telecom University College
Accra, Ghana 01.2006 - 09.2006
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of Ghana Business School
Accra, Ghana 05.1998 - 05.2001
GCE Advanced Level
Labone Secondary School
Accra, Ghana 06.1994 - 06.1996
GCE Ordinary Level -
Ghanata Secondary School
Dodowa, Ghana 06.1989 - 06.1994
Skills
- Account reconciliation
- Financial statement preparation
- Fiscal budgeting knowledge
- Accounting operations management
- Business correspondence
- Proficient in Sun-Systems, QuickBooks, Visual Dolphin&FoxPro, Microsoft Office
- Financial administration
- Client relationship management
Affiliations
- Successfully contested and won primaries elections, representing NPP as Parliamentary Candidate for North Tongu Constituency in the 2016 and 2020 General Elections
- Elected as Council Member of St Dominic Savio Catholic Church, mentoring youth in the various vocations and fostering their growth.
- Effectively represented workers as Vice Chairman of Industrial and Commercial Workers Union of TUC, Local Branch, negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements and liaising with management and employees.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts as Chair of Finance Committee for School of Administration (now University of Ghana Business School) Management Week Celebration
- Chaired Audit Committee of University of Ghana Catholic Student Union (PAX Romana), ensuring financial accountability.
- Demonstrated strong organisational skills as Organizing Secretary of Friends of the Earth (environmental NGO) at University of Ghana.
- Elected as Vice President of National Service Personnel Association (NASPA), Adidome District, providing leadership abs support to members
- Served as President for Volo Student Union for two successive terms, driving student interest and development.
- Volunteered as a Catechist for Volo Roman Catholic Church for 7years, contributing to the spiritual growth of the community.
Accomplishments
- Upon assuming the role of DCE, I inherited a district rated “unsatisfactory” at 216th out of 216 Metropolitan, Municipal District Assembly (MMDA) in 2016 District League. Through strategic leadership and targeted initiatives, I spearheaded a remarkable turnaround, propelled the NTDA to 74th out of 260 MMDAs in 2020 National Ranking of MMDAs
- My efforts were recognised by UNICEF, which awarded NTDA as one of the top 10 best-performing MMDAs nationwide
- I successfully lobbied for establishment of an ethanol manufacturing company in the district, providing a game-changing solution for cassava farmers. By creating a reliable market for their produce, thus alleviated post-harvest losses and brought economic relief to farmers not only in the district but also in surrounding districts
- Subsequently youths who once flocked to cities in search of scarce job opportunities, returned to their communities, empowered to engage in lucrative cassava farming initiatives.
- Delivered impactful infrastructure projects as District Chief Executive, including: 12 educational facilities, enhancing learning environments; 6 healthcare facilities, improving access to quality healthcare; 6 justice and security projects,strengthening community safety; 5 market infrastructures projects,boosting local economies; 7 solar-powered communication towers, expanding connectivity; Road infrastructure projects in Battor, Mepe, Aveyime, Adidokpe, Ayiwata); 50 rural electrification projects,illuminating communities; 17 water and sanitation infrastructure projects, improving public health; 5 Senior High School improvement projects, enhancing education quality; and 3 Climate Change Projects, promoting sustainability
- Received commendation from Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General OB Akwa, for dedication to duty, passion for district development, highlighting leadership excellence in the face of secessionist challenges, and fostering effective collaboration with stakeholders to tackle security issues and restore peace to the District
- Contributed to the Master Plan Study on Rural Electrification Using Renewable Energy in Ghana, conducted by Nomura Research Institute Limited
- Successfully implemented a Rural Solar Electrification Project, funded by the Dutch Government, introducing a payment system through rural banks in the Western Region, enabling beneficiaries to pay for solar installed home systems in installments.
- Earned Employee of the year 2016 honours for outstanding performance and collaborative team spirit in Cave and Gardens
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Ph.D. - Finance
The International School of Management (ISM)
07.2022 - Current
District Chief Executive
Government of Ghana
07.2017 - 09.2021
Finance and Admin. Manager
Cave and Gardens Ghana Limited
01.2009 - 01.2017
MBA - Finance
Ghana Institute of Mgt And Public Admin-(GIMPA)
09.2008 - 09.2010
Certificate - Computer Forensic
Ghana Telecom University College
01.2006 - 09.2006
Finance and Admin. Manager (later General Manager
Wise Energy Limited, Partners of Stroomwerk-Netherlands
04.2004 - 06.2009
Accounts/Administration Officer
Forewin (Ghana) Limited/Lewadis (FZE) Limited
12.2001 - 03.2004
Accounts Officer
Ghana Airways Limited
07.2000 - 10.2001
Accounts Officer
Wahome Steel Company Limited
12.1998 - 02.1999
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of Ghana Business School
05.1998 - 05.2001
Assistant Headmaster
Volo Secondary Commercial Institute
06.1997 - 07.1998
GCE Advanced Level
Labone Secondary School
06.1994 - 06.1996
GCE Ordinary Level -
Ghanata Secondary School
06.1989 - 06.1994