Women at the Frontline of African Finance: How Temitayo Akingbehin is Reframing Risk, Capital, and Control

In the fast-evolving world of African business, few voices speak with the clarity, discipline, and strategic insight that Temitayo Akingbehin brings. A certified chartered accountant with dual experience across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Temitayo has built a career around strengthening financial systems, improving audit readiness, and guiding businesses toward investor trust and long-term resilience.

With professional roots in corporate finance, cost assurance, and financial reporting, she has worked across asset management firms, infrastructure projects, and advisory roles, always bridging compliance with strategy. As African companies face rising investor expectations and financial scrutiny, her voice has become increasingly relevant.

In this conversation, Temitayo shares her journey, views on financial discipline, and why she believes women like herself are leading a new era in African finance.

You’ve worked across both African and UK markets. How has your journey shaped your philosophy around finance and risk?

Working in both Nigeria and the UK has helped me see finance from different lenses. In the UK, the systems are more formalized, and reporting is heavily structured. In Nigeria, there is more agility required, but that often comes with informality. Balancing both taught me that finance is not just about closing the books correctly. It’s a tool for stability, risk management, and informed decision-making. When applied well, finance enables resilience in even the most volatile environments.

You’re a strong advocate of internal control frameworks. Why are they so essential for long-term business stability in Africa?

Internal controls are the unseen structures that keep a business together. In many African businesses, issues like fraud or financial mismanagement don’t arise from malice but from weak systems. When controls are not embedded in daily operations, businesses become vulnerable to inconsistencies and surprises. Strong internal controls help build confidencefor leadership, investors, regulators, and even staff. They protect the company from errors and enable better strategic planning.

You’ve supported audit processes across multiple sectors. Why do profitable businesses sometimes fail audits?

From my experience, the main problem is usually disorganization. Businesses might be profitable, but if their records are incomplete, their accounting practices are inconsistent, or they lack supporting documentation, the audit becomes a challenge. Many wait until the audit is near before trying to organize things, but by then, it’s too late. The key is embedding audit readiness into monthly practices. Regular reconciliations, clear trails, and timely documentation make all the difference.

What role does financial discipline play in business growth, especially for mid-sized African companies?

Financial discipline is one of the most underappreciated drivers of growth. It’s what allows businesses to manage debt, make payroll, fund expansion, and negotiate from a position of strength. In my work with financial reporting and cost control, I’ve seen how companies that track their expenses closely, plan for taxes, and prioritize working capital always perform better in the long run. Discipline allows businesses to survive when the market is tough and scale when opportunity knocks.

What advice would you give to founders or finance leads preparing to raise capital?

First, be clear on your numbers. Investors are not just interested in growth but in how reliable and structured your financials are. Second, align your reporting with international standards, so investors can understand your position easily. Third, build systems that can handle scrutiny. A well-documented audit trail, clear policies, and up-to-date reports all give investors confidence. And finally, don’t underestimate the power of storytelling. Your numbers should explain your journey and vision, not just your balance sheet.

As a woman in a male-dominated field, how have you earned credibility and visibility?

I focus on excellence and consistency. When you show up prepared, deliver results, and communicate clearly, people pay attention. I also believe in continuous learning. I’ve taken professional courses, pursued certifications, and made sure I can bring both technical and strategic value to the table. But more importantly, I’ve tried to humanize finance. I break things down in ways that stakeholders understand. That approach has helped me earn trust, regardless of the room I walk into.

What are you most passionate about going forward in your career?

I am passionate about helping African businesses become investor-ready and future-proof. That means building better systems, training finance teams, and reframing compliance as a competitive advantage. I’m also excited about using technology to improve audit readiness and financial control. And personally, I want to do more mentoring, especially for women in finance. We need more voices shaping policy, guiding strategy, and driving change from within.

Temitayo Akingbehin’s work reflects a growing need in African markets: finance professionals who understand not just the numbers, but the systems, the people, and the future those numbers support. Her leadership, clarity, and perspective continue to make her a force at the intersection of capital, control, and trust.