For dfcu Bank CFO and executive director Kate Kabaingi Kiiza, success isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about the people. She offers a glimpse into the qualities and experiences that have made her one of the region's celebrated finance leaders.
How did you end up where you are today? Share your career journey up to this point.
My journey as a financial leader began with a deep interest in problem-solving. As a young professional, I took on roles that afforded me exposure to the intricacies of the world of finance and its linkages to business drivers. Over the years, I sought opportunities that challenged me—transitioning from analyst positions to leadership roles where I managed teams and led complex financial projects. This experience allowed me to develop a well-rounded perspective and sharpened my ability to align financial strategies with business objectives. My current position as executive director and chief financial officer at dfcu Bank, is a culmination of years of dedication, learning and unlearning, as well as an unwavering commitment to excellence.
What have been the highs and lows of your career?
The highs of my career include leading successful financial transformations that have positively impacted the organisation's growth and winning the 2024 CFO of the Year Award, which validates my strategic leadership. On the other hand, navigating financial downturns and global economic uncertainties has been challenging. Moments where tough decisions had to be made, affecting people and resources, tested my resilience and courage. However, these lows taught me valuable lessons about adaptability and prioritising sustainable, long-term solutions.
How many people do you manage as CFO, and how would you describe your management style?
I oversee a diverse and talented team of finance professionals at dfcu Bank. My management style is collaborative and empowering; I encourage my team to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work, their rank in the organisation notwithstanding. As a leader, I place great emphasis on mentorship, offering strategic guidance, and ensuring that everyone feels supported and clearly understands their contribution to the organisation’s broader vision.
How do you envision dfcu Bank evolving under your leadership?
I envision dfcu Bank continuing to evolve as a leader in innovative and sustainable financial solutions. I am championing our digital transformation in a bid to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency while strengthening our focus on sustainability. This direction ensures that we not only remain competitive but also contribute positively to the communities we serve.
Which trends do you see shaping the finance industry and the CFO role in the next few years?
The finance industry is on the brink of a digital revolution. Trends such as big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the increasing emphasis on value delivery are shaping the future. CFOs will need to pivot from traditional number-crunching roles to becoming strategic partners who leverage data for informed decision-making and champion results delivery.
Tell me about an event you have experienced that has drastically shifted your perspective on life.
An event that truly shifted my perspective was steering the bank’s response during the Covid-19 pandemic. It required a delicate balance between maintaining financial stability and prioritising the wellbeing of our employees and customers. This experience underscored the importance of leading with empathy and reinforced the fact that successful leadership isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people.
How do you define success in your professional and personal life?
Professionally, success means leading teams that create lasting value, fostering a high-performance culture across the organisation, and leaving a legacy of sound financial practices. Personally, success is achieving a healthy balance between career achievements and personal fulfillment — ensuring I am present for my family and engaged in activities that inspire and energise me.
Share some unique challenges you have faced along your career journey and how you overcame them.
One significant challenge has been breaking through as a female leader in an industry where representation is still evolving. Overcoming biases and proving my capabilities required determination and a strong support system. Additionally, leading during volatile financial periods posed challenges that required quick thinking and strategic adaptability to keep the organisation on track.
Tell me something surprising about you that one would never guess.
I learnt how to swim as an adult and have grown into a competitive master’s swimmer!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love spending time with family, travelling and engaging in various sports.
