Bernard Tesha has been appointed CFO of Absa Bank Tanzania. The appointment comes on the back of various personnel shifts that have occurred over the past 18 months.
Bernard Tesha has been appointed CFO of Absa Bank Tanzania. The appointment comes on the back of various personnel shifts that have occurred over the past 18 months.
In November 2022, Jeremy Awori left his post as managing director of Absa Bank Kenya to join Togolese lender Ecobank as CEO. Jeremy was replaced by Abdi Mohamed in April 2023. Abdi left his position as MD of Absa Bank Tanzania to take up the role and was replaced by Obedi Laiser, who had been CFO of the bank for over seven years.
Bernard took over as CFO in an acting capacity and the company announced, on 15 March 2024, that he had been confirmed to take over the position on a permanent basis.
Prior to taking up the role of CFO, Bernard held the position of financial controller for over a decade. In this position, he was a pivotal figure in financial management, overseeing various tasks including the daily and monthly preparation of bank financial reports, approval of SAP journals and management of the general ledger reconciliation process. Additionally, he played a significant role in audits, budgeting processes, and new product development initiatives.
In his role as CFO, he will be reporting to the CEO of the bank and the CFO of the East African region. His responsibilities will encompass the full financial spectrum including reporting the bank’s financial position and performance, as well as accurately projecting performance and financial requirements. As a senior member of the management team, Bernard will support and advise the CEO, management and the board on risk management as well as financial and strategic matters.
Bernard is a graduate of Mzumbe University where he obtained a Bachelor’s in accounting and finance in 2010. He is also a certified public accountant registered with the National Board of Accountants and Auditors of Tanzania. Prior to joining Absa, he was an auditor at Ernst & Young Tanzania for a five-year period.
