Janet Okojie

An Expert finance professional and team lead, overseeing the smooth running of accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), month-end close, compliance, reporting, and processes documentation, within charitable and commercial contexts. Combines creativity and critical thinking to enhance organisational efficiency and effectiveness by strengthening controls and streamlining systems, together with applying detailed practical understanding of VAT, financial governance and donor compliance requirements. Exemplary interpersonal skills with the ability to build mutually positive and productive relationships with colleagues and communicate technically complex messages in ways that are meaningful to non-specialist audiences.

Leads and optimises the performance of teams with an inclusive management style, characterised by coaching, collaborative work and continuous improvement. Places values, integrity, innovation and impact at the heart of all activities.

Finance Officer (AP & AR) at St Giles Trust (2022-01 – 2026-03)

• Processed accounts payable and accounts receivable and corporate credit card transactions, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Maintained accurate financial records through timely data entry and effective use of accounting systems.
• Supported month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliation, journal postings, accruals, prepayments, and preparation of financial records
• Ensured compliance with charity policies, donor requirements, VAT regulations, and relevant financial procedures
• Assisted with month-end and year-end financial processes, including reconciliations, journal postings, accruals, prepayments, and ensuring accurate financial records.
• Improved operational efficiency by reviewing and enhancing AP/AR systems, controls, and financial processes.
• Compiled reports for leadership colleagues on areas such as aged debtors/creditors, expense analysis, and cash flow impact
• Categorised and allocated income by working with colleagues in other teams, such as HR, IT, fundraising and others
• Optimised team performance by providing coaching, mentoring and professional development support, as well as role clarity and workload balance
• Skilled at managing stakeholder expectations and aligning business objectives across departments

Assistant Accountant at Options Consultancy (2020-01 – 2021-12)

• Processed supplier invoices in accordance with contractual obligations and company policies
• Ensured the accurate and prompt settlement of staff expenses and foreign office cash advances, including liaising with national and international consultants and organisations to resolve payment queries
• Reconciled bank accounts, petty cash, voucher accounts, and UK credit card transactions on a monthly basis, as well as preparing pre-payment journals, and reconciling general ledger accounts at month-end
• Resolved outstanding balances by reviewing and actioning aged creditors reports
• Supported processes to prepare for annual company audits

Purchase Ledger Assistant at Hills Prospect (2018-01 – 2020-12)

Supported the smooth running of all aspects of purchase ledger, banking and finance, including

• processing and reconciling purchase orders against supplier invoices
• identifying and investigating discrepancies or pricing or delivery issues
• actioning purchase invoices and non-trade invoices
• reconciling supplier accounts, bank statements, and credit card transactions
• preparing and assessing cash flow statements
• Coordinated with internal and external stakeholders to drive operational improvements

Practice Accountant at Krypton Consulting (2017-01 – 2017-12)

• Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements in the management of all aspects of a client portfolio, including building long-term relationships to fulfil client accounting needs
• Ensured information input into sales, purchase and general account ledgers for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, was accurate and up to date, and posted month-end journals
• Prepared and submitted corporation and personal tax returns
• Compiled quarterly VAT returns, and advised on HMRC regulations
• Worked closely with other departments such as Payroll, providing support and advising on accounting issues

Finance Assistant | Purchase Ledger at Family Mosaic Housing Association (2015-01 – 2017-12)

• Undertook various accounting duties to support maintenance of ledgers, including using SUN Systems to prepare financial statements, monthly and annual accounts
• Reconciled cashbook entries, supplier statements and general ledger accounts
• Managed the smooth running of processes to allocate payments, receipts and control accounts
• Prepared and posted expense journals and schedules of direct debits, together with managing petty cash and compiling monthly accruals and prepayments
• Generated reports for managers and users, assisted with annual audits, and prepared statutory accounts
• Coded and used Swordfish to allocate supplier invoices to users for approval
• Liaised with users and suppliers to manage outstanding invoices and accounts

Accountant Junior at Macturner Accounting Centre (2013-01 – 2014-12)

Account Assistant at Believers Love World International (2006-01 – 2012-12)

BA (Hons) in French – University of Benin