Nigerian breweries' finance leader champions process automation to eliminate banking errors

Banking operations have long been burdened by inefficiencies rooted in manual processes, fragmented systems, and the inherent risks of human error.

As the financial services industry accelerates its digital transformation, Olaolu Samuel Adesanya, then a Senior Associate at PwC and future secondee finance professional at Nigerian Breweries Plc, has been a consistent advocate for intelligent process automation as the key to reducing errors and enhancing operational efficiency in banking.

In his research on intelligent process automation, Olaolu presents a perspective that extends beyond the technical capabilities of robotic process automation and artificial intelligence.

He argues that the true value of IPA lies in its ability to transform banking from a reactive, error-prone industry into a proactive, resilient ecosystem capable of delivering consistent, transparent, and reliable services.

His view emphasizes that automation is not about replacing human judgment but about freeing employees from repetitive tasks so they can focus on strategic, value-added activities that drive innovation and customer trust.

This perspective is deeply informed by Olaolu's work at PwC, where he consistently demonstrated the impact of process optimization and data-driven decision-making.

As an Experienced Associate, he developed a financial model using Power BI that automated monthly and annual payroll processes for clients across financial, consumer goods, and energy sectors.

By incorporating tax deduction algorithms, his model reduced payroll error rates by 95%, enhancing financial accuracy and saving clients significant time and resources. This achievement exemplifies the core argument of his research: that automation, when implemented thoughtfully, eliminates the variability introduced by manual processes and creates standardized, reliable workflows.

Olaolu also managed a team of three associates to develop a financial analysis model that tracked related party transactions and prepared year-end transfer pricing returns for over ten clients in one month.

The adopted model reduced statutory reporting lag time by 90 days, demonstrating how automation can accelerate compliance processes while maintaining accuracy. His work supervising cross-functional teams to deliver audit support for a global oil drilling company operating in Nigeria saved the client $20 million in regulatory fines and penalties. This underscores the critical role of error reduction in protecting institutional reputation and financial stability.

In his research, Olaolu emphasizes that intelligent process automation must be accompanied by robust data governance, workforce reskilling, and cultural change. He recognizes that resistance to automation often stems from fear of job displacement, and he advocates for transparent communication and training programs that reposition automation as a tool that augments human capabilities rather than replaces them.

His experience collaborating with international teams on over 70 transfer pricing compliance and consulting projects for global clients has given him firsthand insight into the organizational challenges of implementing automation at scale.

Olaolu's perspective also addresses the strategic implications of IPA for competitiveness and regulatory compliance. He argues that banks adopting intelligent automation can process transactions faster, reduce operational costs, and deliver real-time insights that enhance decision-making.

At the same time, automation strengthens compliance by ensuring consistent monitoring, standardized reporting, and timely detection of anomalies. His research highlights case studies where banks have reduced error rates, accelerated processing cycles, and improved efficiency metrics following IPA adoption, validating the tangible benefits of these technologies.

As Olaolu transitioned from PwC to roles at Nigerian Breweries Plc, his advocacy for intelligent process automation has remained a consistent theme in his professional journey. His research reflects a commitment to leveraging technology to build banking systems that are not only efficient but also trustworthy, transparent, and capable of serving diverse populations.

For an industry striving to balance innovation with accountability, Olaolu's perspective on intelligent process automation offers a compelling vision for the future of banking operations, one where errors are minimized, efficiency is maximized, and customer trust is strengthened through the thoughtful integration of advanced technologies.