Gift Ayoade – Senior Finance Officer

Can you tell us about yourself and your role at BOG?
My name is Gift Ayoade, and I currently serve as a Senior Finance Officer at Bell Oil & Gas Ltd. I have extensive experience in Finance, with a solid background in audit coordination and execution, accounts receivable and payable reporting, financial reporting, inventory and fixed asset reporting, SAP ERP system expertise, and tax compliance. I manage banking and treasury operations, maintain relationships with financial institutions, and supervise, guide, and support the daily activities of junior finance staff. My role involves overseeing finance activities across our Lagos and Port Harcourt offices, ensuring reporting accuracy, and driving continuous process improvement.
What has been your most memorable project or achievement here?
One of my most memorable achievements was resolving a 10-year backlog of tax audits for our Port Harcourt office in just two months. This milestone demonstrated not only technical expertise but also teamwork, grit, and strong collaboration with tax authorities. I also take pride in leading in-house SAP ERP training that reduced our training costs by 80% and empowered my colleagues. When I joined the Lagos office in 2023, there were two years’ worth of outstanding SAP postings and audit backlogs. Through my leadership and commitment, we successfully cleared these—an achievement that required significant personal sacrifice, including working through weekends with very little personal time.
What’s your strategy for staying motivated during challenging times?
During challenging times, I remind myself of the impact my work has on the organization’s goals. I stay focused by setting small, achievable targets, staying disciplined, and drawing strength from my faith, and positive self-talk to stay energized and resilient.
If you could switch roles with someone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?
If I could switch roles with someone in the company for a day, it would be the Chief Financial Officer. Her ability to detect issues in reports almost instantly—sometimes without a detailed review—is remarkable. She’s highly organized, deeply strategic, and her multitasking skills are unmatched. Spending a day in her role would give me a broader understanding of executive decision-making and how financial leadership shapes the overall business direction.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I’m a jovial person. I enjoy making people feel comfortable and lightening the mood, but sometimes it can put me in situations where people may not take me as seriously as I’d like. It’s a balance I’m always mindful of.
What do you love most about working at BOG?
BOG is more than just a workplace—it’s a family. I appreciate the culture of excellence, opportunities for growth, and the supportive environment where everyone’s contribution is valued. I especially love working closely with the CFO, whose leadership inspires me daily, and I find the one-on-one sessions with the MD incredibly motivating and insightful.
What is one thing about your job that you wish more people understood?
Finance is not just about processing and paying bills – it’s more about strategy, accountability, and smart decision-making guided by IFRS standards. Every figure tells a story and drives business direction. I wish more people understood how critical finance is to growth and risk management.
What advice would you give to someone new starting at BOG?
Be open to learning, stay humble, and take initiative. Ask questions, be consistent with your performance, and always align with the company’s values of integrity and excellence.
What qualities do you value most in a team member?
I value a ‘we can do it’ attitude, attention to detail, and a positive mindset. I appreciate team members who are proactive, respectful, and committed to the success of the team.
What do you love most about working at BOG?
BOG is more than just a workplace—it’s a family. I appreciate the culture of excellence, opportunities for growth, and the supportive environment where everyone’s contribution is valued. I especially love working closely with the CFO, whose leadership inspires me daily, and I find the one-on-one sessions with the MD incredibly motivating and insightful.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know I’m quite the DIY tech fixer—I once solved a major SAP ERP System frontend issue by teaching myself how to troubleshoot it. I also love music and enjoy quietly singing when no one is watching.
What are you most excited about in the future of your career?
I’m excited about growing into more strategic finance leadership roles, getting my certification, and driving digital transformation through tools like SAP ERP System and Power BI. I also look forward to mentoring upcoming professionals and shaping finance policy at a higher level.