I chose accounting because I wanted financial success – Coronation Registrars Limited CEO, Owoturo

Oluseyi Owoturo, the Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Registrars Limited, discusses his journey into the capital market and the principles that shaped his career. Growing up, Owoturo was enamored with technology, particularly electronics, and this fascination led him to study accounting as a viable alternative to more expensive options like medicine or electronics abroad.

He entered the financial services industry through venture capital, stockbroking, and eventually the registrar business. Owoturo credits his early interest in electronics for helping him understand the intersection of technology and the capital market.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Owoturo attributes his strong sense of right and wrong to his father, a principled civil servant. This upbringing instilled in him values such as responsibility, accountability, and the importance of delivering on commitments, even when no one is watching. These values remain central to his approach to work.

He believes that in the corporate world, one should handle responsibilities as if his livelihood depends on it, maintaining a determined and focused mindset without succumbing to aggression.

Owoturo's education in accounting has been instrumental in shaping his business approach. It taught him to pay close attention to financial details, understand accountability, and recognize the consequences of financial decisions. The capital market's foundation on trust means that institutions managing investors' interests must demonstrate accountability and responsibility. This training has prepared him to oversee businesses that maintain strong financial health and operate ethically.

A significant mistake in the business world, according to Owoturo, is the confusion between cash flow and profitability. Just because money is flowing into a business, it does not guarantee that the business is actually profitable. Profit takes into account all the costs associated with running the business, and maintaining sufficient profits is crucial for continued operation and growth. Young entrepreneurs, particularly, must grasp the nuances of business financing to ensure their financial health.

For Owoturo, success in his career meant building a sustainable business, fulfilling promises to customers, and developing future leaders within the organization. He values the trust earned through keeping promises to customers, which fosters loyalty and repeat business. While his earlier career focused on sustainability and personal development, he now also appreciates the importance of financial security.

For him, success includes having financial comfort as a testament to years of hard work, allowing him to look back on his journey with a sense of accomplishment and security.