Driven by Professional Passion and the Joy of Sharing Knowledge

My Life in Treasury: Jessica Oku, Director of Fund Development, Women’s Health Coalition Canada

In the world of corporate treasury, where precision meets complexity, Jessica Oku stands out not only for her expertise but for her vibrant passion – bringing fire, personality, and an abundance of insights. Here she shares her career story, one of growth, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to being generous with her hard-won knowledge, for the good of the community.

Like many others in the treasury profession, Jessica’s career journey has not necessarily been a straight road. In fact, with a background in business management, she landed her first job at Guaranty Trust Bank in Nigeria as a commercial business account officer. In this challenging role, Jessica was responsible for managing and optimising the liquidity and investment portfolios of a diverse range of clients.

“Looking back, my early experience in commercial banking was invaluable for my later treasury career,” she reflects. “I was involved in everything from optimising liquidity positions to structuring complex debt instruments. It was an exciting time, full of challenges and opportunities to learn – which is really what I love to do, and why I find treasury so exciting as a career path.”

This period in the commercial banking world was not just a professional engagement; it was a deeply personal and formative experience for Jessica. She fondly remembers how her mother, a banker herself, influenced her career choice. “Watching my mom navigate her banking career with such grace and  professional tenacity left a lasting impression on me. I adored the aura of professionalism, the corporate dress sense, and the engaging customer interactions. It was something I knew I wanted to be a part of!”

Download our Free Treasury App for mobile and tablet to read articles – no log in required.

Download Version Download Version