In this episode of Sytizens Chronicles, we sit down with Toyyibat Adebiyi, a key member of Sycamore’s Internal Control team. Toyyibat shares insights into her role, career journey, and passion for ensuring Sycamore’s operations run smoothly.
Let’s dive into the world of internal control and learn more about Toyyibat’s experience at Sycamore.
How long have you been working here at Sycamore, and how has your stay been?
I’ve been working here at Sycamore for 6 months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The work environment is very collaborative and supportive.
Not many companies have an Internal Control team. Can you explain what you do to me like I’m 5 years old??
Okay, imagine you’re running a small toy library. To keep things organized and safe, you’d have rules like:
- Toy tracking: Making a list of all the toys and checking them regularly.
- Borrowing rules: Your friends can borrow toys, but only with your permission and for a set time.
- Toy care: You’d always keep the toys in their proper places.
- Toy returns: Checking toys for damage when they’re returned and fixing or replacing them if needed.
These rules are like internal controls. They help your toy library run smoothly and ensure everyone has fun.
That’s a great analogy! Did you study this in school? If not, how did you find yourself on this career path?
No, I majored in Estate Management. But after graduation, I interned at an audit firm, where I learned about controls, auditing, and financial regulations. That sparked my interest, and now I’m pursuing an MBA in Finance & Accounting to deepen my knowledge of Internal Control.
What did you do before joining Sycamore?
Post-NYSC, I interned at an audit firm and then worked as a Facility Manager at a company. My focus on control and process improvement led to a promotion to Internal Control before joining Sycamore.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d choose Singapore. It’s widely known for its thriving finance and trade centres and pro-business environment.
What does a typical day on the Internal Control team at Sycamore look like for you?
A typical day for me involves monitoring transactions, managing compliance requirements (KYC, AML), collaborating with other teams, implementing security enhancements, investigating incidents, and staying updated on regulatory changes.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Sycamore?
My favourite thing about working at Sycamore has to be the collaborative culture, innovative spirit, and opportunities for growth and development.
What do you like to do to relax?
To relax, I enjoy watching movies, playing indoor games, and exploring new places. I’m also always up for trying new dishes and travelling.
Before we wrap up, why do you think building the Sycamore product is important for Nigerians?
I think building the Sycamore product is important for Nigerians because it helps bridge the financial gap between the affluent and the underserved in Nigeria. By connecting investors with opportunities and borrowers with accessible credit, we’re contributing to a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
