Samuel Awotwe is the Chief Finance Officer of Vanguard Assurance, responsible for strategic planning, operational oversight, and team development. He is known for using computerized systems to harmonize and optimize finance, accounting, and operations. Samuel leads with a transformative vision for financial leadership by leveraging data analytics to drive strategic decision-making and enhance operational efficiency.
His innovative approach and empowerment initiatives have led to the growth and development of his team members. They have also had a positive impact on organizational performance and created a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Samuel hopes to leave behind a legacy of innovation, empowerment, and excellence. His wish is to be remembered as a leader who leveraged data analytics and business intelligence to drive strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. In addition to that, he wants to empower teams so that they can achieve their full potential.
Before he joined Vanguard Assurance in 2020, Samuel served at Unique Insurance Ghana Company Limited as the General Manager. He is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA). He also holds an MSc in Accounting with Finance degree from the London South Bank University, UK, and is a Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate. In addition, he is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG).
Professional Journey: Marked by Unique Perspective and Defining Moment
In a career spanning about 20 years, Samuel has worked across multiple organizations. All thanks to his diverse experience across various organizations, he has gained a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the finance and insurance sectors. “It has equipped me with the skills to implement scalable financial systems, foster cross-functional collaboration, and maintain regulatory compliance through data-driven processes,” Samuel says.
Samuel considers the successful transformation of two insurance companies as the most defining moment of his career. This experience taught him the importance of leveraging data analytics and business intelligence tools to drive strategic decision-making and enhance operational efficiency. “It also reinforced my belief in the power of empowering teams through training and development, enabling them to utilize data for actionable insights,” Samuel says.
Empowering Business Pioneer
Samuel is often called the “Empowering Business Pioneer.” It is primarily because he leads by example and creates an environment where others can thrive. As an Empowering Business Pioneer, he is always ready to share knowledge, provide mentorship, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
“I see my role in shaping the next generation of African finance professionals by leveraging my expertise in data analytics and financial management to train and develop teams,” Samuel says. He enables them to make data-driven decisions and drive organizational success.
About Vanguard Assurance
Vanguard Assurance, a subsidiary of the Vanguard Group, underwrites only non-life insurance in Ghana. As a pacesetter, it has played a leading role in establishing several successful companies. Its mission is to “offer financial security through innovative insurance solutions that delight our customers.”
Vanguard Assurance’s vision is to be “the preferred Insurer fulfilling our customer needs and aspirations.”
Samuel points out that the African insurance and financial services landscape presents unique challenges such as regulatory complexities, market volatility, and limited access to technology. Along with that, it offers opportunities for growth and innovation. In such a challenging yet opportunity-filled environment, Vanguard Assurance is being positioned as a pioneer. Samuel says that to achieve that, they are “investing in artificial intelligence, data analytics and business intelligence tools, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and leveraging their expertise to navigate regulatory challenges and drive operational efficiency.”
A CFO’s Responsibilities and Work-Life Balance
Every day, as CFO, Samuel reviews financial reports, monitors cash flow, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. And, each week, he is involved in strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting. He also conducts training sessions and workshops for his team. He says that these activities directly contribute to empowering the organization’s financial performance by ensuring data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. “They also enhance team capabilities by providing ongoing training and development opportunities,” Samuel adds.
According to him, he typically starts his day by reviewing financial reports and dashboards, which enable him to monitor the company’s performance. He then participates in meetings with the senior leadership team to discuss strategic initiatives and provide guidance on financial matters. “Throughout the day, I work closely with my finance team, providing mentorship and support to ensure they have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed,” he says.
He also points out that balancing his responsibilities requires effective time management. He empowers his team to take ownership of their work as well. Samuel has a demanding work schedule, so how does he maintain a balance between his professional and personal life? “Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for long-term success and well-being,” he says.
Samuel believes in prioritizing his time. He sets clear boundaries between work and personal life. According to him, this ensures that he has time for family, hobbies, and self-care. He also practices mindfulness and stress management techniques, such as meditation and regular exercise.
“By taking care of my personal well-being,” Samuel says, “I am better equipped to drive professional excellence and lead my team effectively.”
Training and Empowerment Methodologies
For his team, Samuel conducts hands-on training sessions and workshops on data analytics tools like Power BI. At the company, he has also created a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where team members are empowered to experiment with new techniques and share their insights.
According to him, the most successful empowerment methodologies he has used are those that involve practical, real-world applications of data analytics. This allows teams to see the direct impact of their work on organizational success.
Balancing Global Best Practices with African Market Realities
Samuel is a Fellow of ACCA with international education and local expertise. He strives to balance global best practices with African market realities by adapting international standards to local contexts. According to him, his international education and local expertise enable him to implement best practices in financial management, in addition to considering the unique challenges and opportunities in the African market. “This approach allows me to create empowering solutions that are both globally informed and locally relevant, ensuring the success of our stakeholders,” Samuel says.
Role of African Financial Leaders
Samuel expects African financial leaders to play a crucial role in driving economic empowerment and inclusion on the continent. He wants them to focus on leveraging data analytics and innovative technologies to create financial solutions that are accessible and inclusive.
“By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and empowering their teams, financial leaders can drive economic growth and create opportunities for all stakeholders,” Samuel says.
Impact of Emerging Technologies
Samuel notes that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain have the potential to revolutionize the financial services sector. At Vanguard Assurance, in order to prepare for this future, they are investing in data analytics and business intelligence tools like Power BI. Samuel points out that they are also focused on training their teams to effectively use these technologies to drive strategic decision-making and improve operational efficiency.
The Future a Decade from Now
Over the next decade, Samuel envisions implementing transformational changes, such as adopting advanced data analytics and business intelligence tools. He also intends to invest in emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. And he will continue to focus on establishing a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
“These changes will empower Vanguard Assurance by driving strategic decision-making, improving operational efficiency, and positioning us as a leader in the industry,” he explains. Additionally, he believes they will have a broader impact by setting new standards for excellence and innovation in the financial services sector.
Key Principles for Young African Professionals
Young African professionals need mentors who can guide them and equip them with the knowledge required to thrive in the professional world. With his expertise and experience, Samuel is well-suited for that role. According to him, if he were to mentor young African professionals, he would share three key principles.
The first principle he highlights is embracing continuous learning and improvement. He encourages young Africans to stay curious and open to new ideas, and to always seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.
“Leverage data and technology to drive decision-making” is his second principle. Samuel stresses the importance of developing expertise in data analytics and business intelligence tools. He tells young professionals to use these skills to make informed, strategic decisions.
Samuel’s third principle is to empower others and lead by example. He encourages sharing knowledge, providing mentorship, and creating an environment where others can thrive. “By empowering your team, you will drive organizational success and create a positive impact,” Samuel says.
