Finance Leader Omoniyi Onifade Awarded Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria

By Rebecca Ejifoma

Omoniyi Onifade, a highly accomplished finance executive and strategic leader, has been awarded the prestigious title of Fellow by the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, a recognition that marks a significant milestone in his professional career. This Fellowship acknowledges Mr. Onifade’s exceptional contributions to corporate governance, financial management, and administrative innovation, reinforcing his standing as a leader in the financial and nonprofit sectors in the U.S. and globally.

The Fellowship from the Institute, one of the highest honors in corporate administration, is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated outstanding competence in leadership, administrative functions, and organizational management. The official citation states that Mr. Onifade has met the Institute’s stringent criteria and has consistently exhibited excellence in shaping and driving the financial strategies of major organizations. This recognition is particularly significant as it reflects his holistic approach to organizational improvement, marked by a proven ability to increase operational efficiency and financial sustainability.

Mr. Onifade currently serves as Engagement Director at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), a leading U.S.-based professional services firm. In this capacity, he leads the Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) team for nonprofit organizations, assuming roles akin to Controller, Finance Director, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He designs and implements accounting processes, including monthly and year-end financial closes, budget management, financial reporting, and the implementation of financial systems—all in strict adherence to GAAP standards. He also provides crucial support to nonprofit organizations, ensuring their long-term financial viability by leading audits, offering strategic insights, and mentoring a team of finance professionals.

His previous role as Grant and Finance Manager at YMCA of the North further solidified his reputation as a finance and grants management expert. Mr. Onifade managed over $8.5 million in federal, state, and city grants, overseeing budgeting, revenue accruals, invoicing, and reporting. His efforts in streamlining billing processes led to a 25% reduction in operational delays. Additionally, he played a critical role in transitioning salary reporting to a GAAP-compliant accrual basis, improving financial transparency and audit readiness.

Before his tenure at YMCA, Mr. Onifade served as Senior Financial Analyst at Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Dena’ina Wellness Center in Alaska, where he designed the first-ever healthcare revenue cycle dashboard. This innovation allowed the center to enhance decision-making capabilities, particularly in primary care, dental, and behavioral health services. Under his leadership, the center applied for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status, which dramatically increased the center’s Medicare revenue potential by 600%. Mr. Onifade’s work with insurance verification and budgeting systems streamlined operations, reduced errors, and saved time, increasing overall revenue.

Mr. Onifade’s influence reaches beyond financial systems—his leadership extends to training and mentoring the next generation of finance professionals. At both CLA and the YMCA, he has successfully coached teams and led cross-functional collaborations with senior management, providing critical financial guidance and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

In addition to his practical experience, Mr. Onifade holds an MBA in Finance from Hult International Business School in Boston, Massachusetts, where he earned a merit-based scholarship. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, where he consistently earned a spot on the Dean’s List and served as Class Governor. These academic credentials, combined with his extensive experience, give him a unique ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic financial leadership.

Commenting on his Fellowship, Mr. Onifade said, “This recognition is a humbling acknowledgment of my commitment to integrity, excellence, and the pursuit of sustainable financial practices. I remain dedicated to driving positive change and ensuring that financial systems are a catalyst for organizational success.”

The Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria’s Fellowship is widely regarded as a prestigious and valuable mark of excellence in the field of corporate administration. By joining this distinguished group of professionals, Mr. Onifade continues to build on his legacy of promoting transparency, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth across a diverse array of organizations.