Zakayo Odwori
Summary
Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and accomplished audit & finance professional with over five years of experience delivering high-stakes external audits, transfer pricing advisory and financial reporting for global financial services institutions. A proven expert in IFRS, UK GAAP, and US GAAP with a strong record in process automation, data analytics, and complex financial instruments valuation. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-border teams, engage with senior regulators, and drive compliance within dynamic, fast-paced environments. Currently enhancing strategic leadership capabilities through an MBA in Finance.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Manager – Audit
Ernst & Young LLP (UK)
02.2023 - Current
- Lead audit and advisory engagements for financial services clients (asset managers and investment firms) ensuring 100% deadline compliance with IFRS/UK GAAP/US GAAP and profitability.
- Evaluate internal controls, financial risk and governance structures present findings and remediation to senior stakeholders.
- Presented high-level findings and strategic risk mitigation
measures to senior management and board audit committees - Supervised audit teams of up to 10 staff, delivering coaching,
performance reviews and career mentorship - Assess regulatory reporting frameworks, including COREP, CASS, JFSC and GFSC compliance requirements and communicate findings to stakeholders.
- Strengthened client relationships by acting as a trusted advisor on regulatory issues and process improvements.
Senior Associate – Transfer Pricing
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Kenya)
04.2022 - 02.2023
- Led end-to-end transfer pricing engagements for multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the financial services and banking sector, from risk assessment and planning to final report delivery.
- Developed detailed functional analyses to characterize entities and determine the appropriate transfer pricing methods for transactions including loans, guarantees, and management services.
- Performed comparability analyses and benchmarking studies using Orbis and Refinitiv databases to set arm's length prices and support client policies.
- Designed, implemented, and documented global transfer pricing policies for clients, ensuring alignment with OECD guidelines and local tax regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Supported business development with proposal drafting and economic analyses contributing to a 50% win rate.
- Oversaw planning, budgeting, and timely delivery of TP
deliverables under tight timelines.
Senior Associate – Audit
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Kenya)
11.2019 - 04.2022
- Led external audits across financial services, manufacturing and investment sectors; ensured regulatory and financial compliance.
- Executed risk-based audits; analyzed processes and control frameworks and recommended improvements.
- Reviewed IFRS-compliant financial statements, including revenue recognition and tax reporting considerations.
- Collaborated with managers and partners on risk-based audit
planning and execution strategies - Regularly interacted with client teams to resolve discrepancies and ensure clarity in financial disclosures
- Coached associates hence improving documentation standards and audit file quality.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance
University of East London
10.2025
Certificate - Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
Harvard Business School Online
12.2019
BSc. - Economics & Finance
Kenyatta University
12.2018
Skills
- Analytics: Excel (advanced), Power BI, Tableau, SQL
- Reporting Standards: IFRS, UK GAAP, US GAAP
- Controls & Reporting
- Other: Financial Modeling, Presentation Design,
Report Writing
Accomplishments
- Winner of EY Exceptional Client Service Award (2024) for leading a complex year-end audit engagement that exceeded client expectations.
- Successfully led audit and advisory engagements for major financial services clients, ensuring adherence to IFRS, UK GAAP, and US GAAP.
- Played a key role in business development at PwC, achieving a 50% win rate for transfer pricing proposals.
- PwC Para Award Nomination for values-driven leadership, teamwork and consistent client impact.
- Leveraged data analytics tools (Power BI, SQL) to automate reporting and identify risk factors, enhancing audit quality and efficiency
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Audit & Assurance: External audits, risk-based planning, internal controls, governance, IFRS/UK GAAP/US GAAP and regulatory reporting (COREP, CASS).
- Transfer Pricing: OECD Guidelines, Functional Analysis, Benchmarking (Orbis, Refinitiv), Policy Design & Implementation, Master File/Local File Documentation, Tax Authority Defense
- Data & Analytics: Advanced Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SQL; trend analysis, anomaly detection and automation of audit procedures.
- Leadership & Stakeholders: Leading and coaching teams, cross-functional collaboration, clear reporting to senior stakeholders and audit committees.
Certification
- Professional memberships: Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya ( ICPAK)
References
Available upon request
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Native or Bilingual
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
SECTORS & REPRESENTATIVE WORK
- Banking & Financial Services: Banks, Asset managers and investment firms – audits, Investments valuations (Level 2/3), regulatory reviews and transfer pricing advisory.
- Manufacturing & Industrials: External audits, process improvements and transfer pricing policy implementation.
- Telecommunications: External audit engagements and compliance reviews.
Timeline
Assistant Manager – Audit
Ernst & Young LLP (UK)
02.2023 - Current
Senior Associate – Transfer Pricing
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Kenya)
04.2022 - 02.2023
Senior Associate – Audit
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Kenya)
11.2019 - 04.2022
Master of Business Administration - Finance
University of East London
Certificate - Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
Harvard Business School Online
BSc. - Economics & Finance
Kenyatta University