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Funto Agbeniga is an accomplished finance and change leader with over 13 years of experience spanning Big 4 and industry roles. Her career has taken her across multiple sectors, including telecoms, technology, consumer goods, transportation, infrastructure, and private equity, where she has consistently driven transformation in finance systems and processes across Europe, Asia, and the US. With her expertise at the intersection of finance transformation, leadership, and social impact, Funto brings a unique perspective on the evolving role of finance leaders to Finance Forum.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in finance?
A: I’ve worked in finance for 15 plus years now. It’s been a while! As an individual, I've always been fascinated with numbers for as far back as I can remember. I've always loved to play with numbers, and I've always been curious about finances. I know that finance enables organisations, tells a story and helps to shape the future. I’ve always been curious about that side of business, and that curiosity has shaped my career journey.
Q: Your session at Finance Forum focuses on transformation. What does “transforming finance” mean to you in today’s business landscape?
A: Finance now plays a critical role as both a driver and enabler of strategic decisions. Traditionally seen as a back-office function, finance is now evolving into a strategic partner that works closely with the business to deliver insights, connect data points, and guide stakeholders in making informed choices.
Technology is central to this transformation. Finance must embrace it not only to improve efficiency but also to foster resilience - the capacity to bounce back, rethink, and propose creative solutions as new challenges emerge.
Transformation is no longer a one-time initiative but an ongoing journey. For me, the transformation of finance is about creating lasting value by embedding flexibility, insight, and strategic alignment at the heart of the business.
Q: What’s next for finance leaders in your view - what skills or mindsets will people need to start learning now to have the biggest impact in the next 12-18 months?
A: Finance leaders today are navigating both exciting and challenging times, with a growing opportunity to shape business strategy and future-proof organisations. To do that, a few skills are essential:
- Digital fluency - embracing technology and turning data into clear, strategic insights.
- Stakeholder management - knowing what matters most to different audiences and tailoring messages accordingly.
- Collaboration - breaking down silos and co-creating solutions with cross-functional teams.
- Ethical awareness - navigating governance, regulation, and ESG expectations with integrity.
Ultimately, curiosity and adaptability will be key. Those who step beyond the day-to-day, engage with wider trends, and build strong relationships will have the biggest impact.
Q: You serve as a mentor and have also been Treasurer at Citizens Advice Bedfordshire. Why is community service and mentoring important to you? What are some of the tools you use in the sector that cross over into your finance role?
A: For me, life is about more than financial gain - it’s about impact, balance, and leading from within. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who challenged and encouraged me, helping me see strengths I didn’t recognise in myself, and I try to pay that forward by developing others.
My role with Citizens Advice, particularly during COVID-19, reinforced my gratitude and deepened my stakeholder management skills. Mentoring teenagers, for example, required humility and empathy to understand different backgrounds and perspectives - lessons that translate directly into building stronger workplace relationships.
Ultimately, both mentoring and community involvement strengthen core leadership skills - relationship-building, trust, and integrity. These are just as vital in finance as in life. Giving back has not only helped others but also made me a better leader and finance professional.
Q: Do you have any advice for anyone who is looking to emulate the career path you have taken? Is there anything you may have done differently?
A: A few principles have guided my journey:
- Be curious - ask questions, go beyond your role, and take time to understand both culture and stakeholders.
- Be courageous - finance adds value when it speaks up. Don’t hold back on ideas or shy away from challenging processes respectfully.
- Be technical - invest in your expertise and remain relevant as the landscape evolves.
- Strive for excellence - collaborate, keep learning, and pursue opportunities aligned with your goals.
If I were to do anything differently, it would be to embrace courage earlier in my career. The sooner you contribute ideas and respectfully challenge the status quo, the sooner you start shaping meaningful change.
Above all, keep learning, collaborate, and pursue opportunities that align with your goals.