Meet Michael Gefu, The Human of Stratcomm Africa Driving Financial Excellence

Welcome to another edition of “Humans of Stratcomm Africa,” where we speak to the remarkable individuals who shape our organization, each contributing in unique ways to our success.  

Through these stories, we showcase how various individuals of Stratcomm Africa come together to form one body built to lead, innovate and bring positive impact.  Scroll down to learn how to thrive in a high performing  organization from the through the lens of numbers, formulas, spreadsheets and everyone’s favorite topic– money. 

Through these stories, we explore their roles, innovations, and the impact they make, along with valuable tips on how to thrive in their respective fields. 

In this episode, we spotlight Michael Yao Gefu, our Head of Finance, who brings over 15 years of financial expertise to the table. For the past eight years, Michael has been a cornerstone of Stratcomm Africa, driving financial excellence through prudent management and strategic investment.  

His impressive credentials include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. He is also a member in good standing with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, and the Institute of Commercial Management, UK, and holds a postgraduate degree in Computerized Accounting from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. 

Can you tell us about your experience as the Finance Manager at Stratcomm Africa? What are your key responsibilities in this role? 

I’d say my responsibilities include financial management, preparation of financial statements, budgeting, making investment decisions, profitability analysis, and other various types of analyses. Ensuring prudent financial management is crucial, as well as procurement. We ensure that there is value for money (for our clients and ourselves)  and that we get the best out of every purchase. 

Can you describe your typical day at Stratcomm Africa in three emojis? 

😅🤔📈 

How has your background in financial accounting and management prepared you for your current position? 

I attended business school and studied business in secondary school. Then, I pursued business administration, majoring in banking and finance. Later, I completed my master’s in business administration with a major in accounting and finance. I also became a chartered accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, as well as the Institute of Taxation Ghana, gaining a background in taxation. 

Linking that to my role at Stratcomm Africa, I would say that having worked for over 10 to 15 years as a finance professional, the experiences I’ve gathered over the years have been instrumental in managing the finances of Stratcomm Africa. These contributions have supported our 30th-anniversary celebration and our growth. 

What’s the most interesting or challenging financial situation you’ve encountered at Stratcomm Africa, and how did you tackle it? 

One significant challenge is running projects where the costs exceed the revenue. The difficulty lies in how to break even or make a small profit while ensuring client satisfaction. This often means going beyond the approved budget to meet client expectations. The main challenge has been avoiding budget overruns while keeping clients delighted. 

What’s the most unusual financial request you’ve ever had to approve as a Finance Manager. 

In my experience, unusual requests often come without proper approval and with pressure. When a request comes without authorization and with urgency, it signals potential issues. I ask questions to confirm if it has been approved and if the client has given the go-ahead. 

How do you see the role of finance evolving in the future, especially in the context of the communications sector? 

The role of finance in communication involves demonstrating the importance of communication to other entities and the need to incorporate it into their operations. Finance must show potential clients that investing in communication is crucial. Without this investment, companies may spend more during crises than they would have if they had invested earlier. In the future, I see more companies engaging in communication needs and gaining financial education regarding communication services. 

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Finance Manager in the communications industry? 

My first piece of advice is to be very analytical, agile, honest, and prudent. The role requires strong analytical skills, as everything needs to be analyzed. Working with a CEO who has over 40 years of professional experience means you must deliver top-notch financial analysis. Be proactive, continuously learn, and be technologically inclined, as finance evolves with time. 

Share a quirky or memorable moment from your time as Finance Manager at Stratcomm Africa. 

A memorable moment was when we were making a loss and had to take critical decisions to turn things around and become profitable. This involved introducing efficient procurement practices, which led to significant savings for the organization. This achievement has been very satisfying for me as a finance professional.  

How do you keep the team motivated when dealing with financial challenges at Stratcomm Africa? 

I keep the team motivated by maintaining high spirits, encouraging them, and celebrating our achievements together. We also have meals together and allow room for them to operate and learn. Empowering my team makes the work easier, as they take responsibility for their decisions. I correct them when needed and ensure they do the task until it is done well. 

If you could give one financial tip to your younger self starting in this field, what would it be? 

I would say, combine technology with finance. AI is becoming increasingly important, and there is a lot that can be done with financial analysis using technology.