FINCA Uganda CFO Robinah Siima won the Young CFO Award at the 9th edition of the Chief Financial Officer Awards 2025– an initiative of ACCA Uganda and Deloitte Uganda.
Siima carries the kind of presence that makes you lean in. As a CFO, she brings a descriptive blend of discipline and modern financial thinking.
In this wide-ranging conversation with Paul Murungi, Siima reflects on what it takes to achieve remarkable success early in a career.
She shares the personal philosophy of consistency that shaped her into a strategic leader and explains why empathy and clarity are now non-negotiable qualities for anyone navigating the financial sector.
Robinah, congratulations. To be recognised so early in your career is remarkable. What does this moment mean to you — and to the young women who look up to you?
Thank you. This recognition is very meaningful to me. It serves as a reminder that progress is often the result of consistency, quiet discipline, and the courage to keep showing up — even on difficult days. I am grateful for the people, mentors, and environments that have shaped me.
To the young women who see themselves in my journey, I hope this moment encourages them to trust their own pace. You don’t need to raise your voice to be heard — let your work speak. Focus, stay teachable, remain grounded in your values, and allow time to work for you. Every step counts.
What first drew you to the world of finance — and how has your understanding of its purpose evolved?
My interest in finance began at home. I supported my father in his business, helping with margins, pricing, and projections. I didn’t know then that those moments were shaping the foundation for my career.
Over time, I have come to view finance not just as technical work, but as stewardship — protecting value, informing decisions, and supporting livelihoods. Finance is a strategic function with a deeply human impact.
As one of the youngest CFOs in the country, how do you lead teams that may include more experienced colleagues?
I lead with respect, clarity, and preparation. Experience is something I value, and I learn from it.
At the same time, leadership is about providing direction and enabling others to do their best work. When intentions are clear and decisions are thoughtful, trust is built regardless of age.
Who or what has shaped your leadership philosophy most?
My leadership is shaped by two main influences:
• Audit — which taught discipline, accuracy, and calm under pressure
• Motherhood — which taught empathy, presence, and the balance of firmness with care.
These two experiences ground my leadership in structure, compassion, and steadiness.
What does legacy mean to you at this stage of your career — and how are you building it?
Legacy begins with how you treat people and the systems you strengthen along the way.
I am intentional about mentoring young professionals — especially women in finance — and building capable, confident teams. Legacy is built daily, in small, consistent actions.
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Motherhood and community have taught me perspective. I have learned to be present, to listen, and to understand before responding. Those lessons help me lead with empathy while maintaining clarity and accountability.
Which achievements are you most proud of, and what do they reveal about your approach to finance?
I am proud of guiding the transformation of FINCA’s finance function into a strategic partner in decision-making — strengthening controls, improving transparency, and supporting revenue growth and digital transition.
This reflects my belief that finance should not only measure performance — it should enable it.
When challenges arise, what anchors you?
I lean on faith for grounding, discipline for resilience, and mentorship for perspective.
Challenges are part of leadership — what matters is how we respond. I have learned to pause, think, and respond with clarity rather than urgency.
What message would you offer young professionals who want to use finance as a platform for impact?
Start where you are. Seek practical exposure early. Be patient with your growth. Hold your values close.
Your reputation is built long before a title arrives. Let excellence and integrity speak for you.
What qualities will define the next generation of exceptional CFOs — and how are you nurturing them in yourself?
The next generation of CFOs will need to be:
• Strategic — not just technical
• Digitally fluent — especially in data and AI
• Empathetic — able to lead people, not just processes
• Purpose-driven — balancing performance with sustainability.
I nurture these through continuous learning, reflection, and surrounding myself with those who stretch my thinking.
Looking ahead 10–20 years, what impact do you hope your career will have made?
I hope to have strengthened institutions, developed capable leaders, and created pathways for more women to rise with confidence.
I hope to be remembered for leading with excellence, humility, and humanity — and for opening doors for others to walk through.
