“Expanding in the African remittances market requires understanding the regional regulatory landscape, building trust with local communities, and offering affordable, secure, and convenient payment solutions.”— Omotayo Aghedo, Head of Finance, EazzyTranzact.
A person’s existence is often seen as intricately connected to the complexities of life. Our paths are frequently shaped by early interests, unforeseen challenges, and crucial moments that drive our growth. For some, the spark of inspiration may come from a passion discovered in childhood, while others may find their motivation in the trials that test their resilience. For Omotayo Aghedo, her journey is one of passion and dedication, rooted in her love for numbers, which began in primary school and evolved into a successful career focused on strategic insight and a relentless pursuit of excellence and impact.
Omotayo Aghedo is the Head of Finance at EazzyTranzact Limited, a London-based fintech company that simplifies cross-border remittances from Africa to anywhere in the world. The platform offers a straightforward, hassle-free solution for sending money from Africa to Europe, Asia, and America. Aghedo ensures a smooth flow of its global transactions.
She has navigated shifting industries, financial challenges, and ambitions throughout her career. As a leader, she has gone beyond merely dealing with numbers; her work has impacted the lives of both communities and colleagues. Her story reminds us that true success transcends financial gain—it’s about the legacy we leave behind.
Building from the ground up
Aghedo’s career growth trajectory reflects her unwavering determination, strategic foresight, and deep-rooted love for numbers. As Head of Finance at EazzyTranzact, she brings a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to making finance a force for good, especially in Africa’s dynamic business landscape.
“As Head of Finance at EazzyTranzact, I oversee the company’s financial health by managing budgets, analysing financial data, and ensuring compliance with regulators. I also develop strategies to drive sustainable growth, optimise resource allocation, and support decision-making through financial insights,” Aghedo states.
Her journey, however, is not just about professional success; it is a story of personal growth, resilience, and a quest to leave a lasting impact. After starting as a corporate accountant in an audit firm, she set ambitious goals for herself. Her focus was clear: to either become a partner at a firm or rise to the level of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
This mindset led her to chart her career path carefully, breaking down the skills and milestones she needed to achieve her dreams. She meticulously chose her roles to build the competencies she knew would be essential in her ascent to leadership.
Beyond the comfort zone
When Aghedo joined the EazzyTranzact team, she aimed to be exceptional and indispensable. Thus, she worked across multiple teams- operations, sales, marketing, and customer experience.
“…working in a startup that had its focus on cross-border remittance was the defining moment in my professional journey. I wanted to be super-efficient at managing finances. I learnt to navigate the peculiarities of these teams and their demands. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me develop essential skills like strategic thinking, leadership, and adaptability,” says Aghedo.
As she describes it, that experience was transformative. It exposed her to multiple facets of business operations, where she honed her strategic thinking, leadership, and ability to navigate diverse demands. The period defined her professional outlook and strengthened her commitment to excellence and creating value through finance.
In her current role at Eazzytranzact, Aghedo is a driving force behind financial modernisation and strategic growth. Her expertise in financial modelling led to a 20% increase in forecast accuracy—a critical factor for businesses operating in uncertain markets. By streamlining reporting processes and standardising key performance indicators, she improved efficiency and strengthened the alignment of financial goals with the company’s vision.
Her efforts continued past numbers; she developed a team of accounting professionals and facilitated an environment that encouraged learning, collaboration, and high performance. Her leadership style combines clear direction with trust, helping her team succeed professionally and personally.
“Leading a finance team has taught me the importance of balancing strong guidance with trust in team members’ expertise,” she notes.
Omotayo Aghedo, the problem-solver
Omotayo Aghedo has a knack for identifying hidden financial challenges, a recurring theme in her career. One notable instance involved a project going significantly over budget due to unforeseen costs. Rather than succumb to the pressure, she took decisive action. She took steps to conduct a comprehensive cost analysis, renegotiating contracts, reallocating resources, and tightening budget monitoring to bring the project back on track.
“These measures brought the project back on track and established a framework for improved cost control in future projects,” recounts Aghedo.
That experience showcased her problem-solving skills. Her contributions to risk management at EazzyTranzact have been equally impactful. In a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, the finance leader prioritises proactive measures—regular risk assessments, scenario analysis, and stress testing.
She set up vigorous financial checks and real-time monitoring to protect the company from risks. Her focus on following rules, finding new income sources, and training her team has made the company more financially stable and better able to handle competition.
“We’ve implemented robust internal controls and real-time monitoring systems and ensured compliance with regulatory updates. Diversifying revenue streams, fostering cross-departmental collaboration, and training the team on emerging risks have also strengthened financial controls and enhanced adaptability in a dynamic environment,” Aghedo explains.
Omotayo Aghedo drives pan-African expansion
Her work stretches beyond the walls of EazzyTranzact, with her efforts playing a pivotal role in expanding the company’s footprint in the African remittances market. Omotayo Aghedo understands the complexities of cross-border finance, especially in Africa, and emphasises the importance of building trust with local communities, understanding regulatory landscapes, and leveraging technology for efficient transactions.
Her strategy is rooted in empathy. She balances the technical demands of finance with a genuine commitment to improving the lives of those her work impacts. More so, a crucial part of her philosophy is making powerful human connections. She sees finance as a tool for profitability and creating a positive and enduring impact. Her approach integrates heart and mind, striving to build value beyond financial metrics to uplift communities and contribute to a better future.
“I believe financial decisions should not just be about numbers—they should also consider the lives they touch. I strive to lead with empathy, ensuring that every strategy we implement drives growth and improves the lives of our team, clients, and communities,” Aghedo maintains.
This unique blend of personal passion and professional acumen set her apart. She is not just a numbers person; she is a leader who recognises that true financial success is measured by the lasting positive difference it makes.
Omotayo Aghedo’s journey is far from over. With a clear goal of becoming a CFO and a relentless drive to keep learning, she is well on her way to shaping the future of finance in Africa.
She embodies a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and a heartfelt commitment to using finance as a growth and positive change catalyst. Her story concerns professional milestones and the impact one can make when driven by passion, resilience, and a desire to see others thrive.
