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Richard Collins Arku
Finance and Administration Officer
Choisy-Le-Roi,Val-De-Marne
Work Preference
Education
Ph.D. - Finance
The International School of Management
Paris, France 07.2022 - Current
MBA - Finance
Ghana Institute of Management And Public Administration
Accra, Ghana 09.2008 - 09.2010
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of Ghana Business School
Accra, Ghana 05.1998 - 05.2001
Certificate in Computer Forensics - Computer Forensics
Ghana Communication Technology University
Accra, Ghana 01.2006 - 09.2006
Work History
District Chief Executive (DCE)
Government of Ghana
Accra, Ghana
07.2017 - 09.2021
- Assessed knowledge, skills and abilities of staff, coordinated regular skill training and implemented reinforcement techniques to address gaps and opportunities.
- Assessed local markets and competitive positioning within assigned district.
- Coordinated recruitment, interviewing and hiring of district staff.
- Managed performance within assigned district and monitored execution of operations plans.
- 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
Finance and Administration Manager
Cave and Gardens Ghana Limited
Accra, Ghana
07.2009 - 06.2017
- Managed expense tracking and personnel vouchers.
- Analyzed budgets, forecasts and current trends to support overall financial operations.
- Updated daily transaction records to assist with payroll and billing administration.
- Monitored and compiled data and reports to present to leadership.
- 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
Accounts and Admin Officer
Forewin Ghana Limited
Accra, Ghana
12.2001 - 03.2004
- Coordinated operations with other emergency service groups.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- 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.
Finance and Administration Manager
Wise Energy (partners of Stroomwerk , Netherlands)
Accra, Ghana
04.2004 - 06.2009
- Evaluated and negotiated contracts to procure favorable financial terms.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Created financial dashboards to provide insights into key performance indicators.
- Monitored and compiled data and reports to present to leadership.
- 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.
Overview
10
10
years of post-secondary education
20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Accomplishments
- Fiscal Management - Managed all financial activities for program operations.Accountable for all P&L.Reduced department expenditures by 10% over a one-year period.
- Contract Negotiation - Signed and negotiated the contract for two major clients.
- Business Development: - Spearheaded acquisition of two competitor companies.Established and managed partner relationships on a daily basis. Developed new marketing strategy which increased customer base by 23%.
- 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
Native language
French
Beginner
A1
Skills
- Operations management
- Organizational development
- Innovation management
- Human resources management
- Payroll administration and timekeeping
- Strategic partnerships
- Organizational structuring
- Revenue forecasting
- Teamwork
- Supplier monitoring
- Budget development
- Cost analysis and savings
- Business process reengineering
- Team leadership
- Reliability
- Multitasking
- Desktops, laptops, and mobile devices
- Forecasting
- P&L Administration
- Financial oversight
- Financial planning
- Excellent communication
- Conflict resolution
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Management team building
- Staff management
- Business development
- Business management
Summary
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Collaborative leader partners with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. . Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. Innovative technology professional with several years of diverse experience. Skilled in enhancing systems and aligning technical solutions with business objectives. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. . Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Work Availability
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