In this insightful interview, Kehinde Stephen Fasusi an Associate Investment Accountant at BlackRock, shares his journey and passion for finance. With a strong background in Economics, Financial Technology and tax consulting, Kehinde excels in enhancing client investment reporting and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. His path from tax consultancy to BlackRock is marked by resilience, strategic thinking and the invaluable support of the BPU community. Discover how Kehinde’s dedication and insights are shaping his career and inspiring others in the financial industry
BPU: Tell us about yourself. Can you briefly introduce yourself including your background, education and what you do at BlackRock?
Kehinde Stephen Fasusi: My name is Kehinde Stephen Fasusi. I spent about four years as a tax consultant guiding businesses—from startups to financial giants—through the complexities of tax regulations. I have a first degree in Economics, a second degree in Financial Technology and I’m also a chartered accountant. At BlackRock, I work as an Associate Investment Accountant focusing on enhancing client investment reporting. My role involves preparing and reviewing accounting reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks like NAIC US Statutory, Solvency II, IFRS and GAAP and completing quarterly and annual reconciliations. I also deliver accurate data for clients’ portfolios and analyze accounting results to provide insightful commentary.
BPU: What drew you to the financial industry and specifically to your role at BlackRock? What inspired you to pursue a career in finance and what excites you about your current position?
Kehinde: My passion for finance stems from its role as the backbone of every economy. Studying Economics deepened my interest by revealing the intricate connections within the financial world. My experience as a tax consultant in the financial sector further solidified my commitment to a finance career, rekindling my enthusiasm for the field. The pivotal moment came when I attended a recruitment program organized by BPU in collaboration with BlackRock. I met members of the Investment Accounting team whose enthusiasm and insights into the team’s dynamic nature were truly inspiring. They shared how the ever-changing landscape of finance makes each day unique and from that moment on I knew I wanted to be a part of this team.
BPU: What were some of the major setbacks or challenges you faced on your journey to BlackRock?
Kehinde: One significant obstacle I faced was working as a tax consultant in Nigeria. While it was a valuable experience it wasn’t aligned with the career path I was truly passionate about. The disconnect between my work and my aspirations made it challenging to stay motivated and focused on my long-term goals. This period highlighted the gap between where I was and where I wanted to be leading to moments of doubt about my career direction.
BPU: How did you overcome these setbacks? Were there any key turning points?
Kehinde: I overcame this setback by focusing on the soft skills and transferable skills I had developed as a tax consultant. I recognized that skills like analytical thinking, attention to detail and client management were valuable in any field including the one I aspired to enter. This mindset shift helped me view my experience as a unique asset rather than a barrier. I also actively sought opportunities to expand my knowledge in my desired field including networking with industry professionals and staying updated on industry trends. By leveraging my existing skills, continuously learning and seeking support from others I was able to steer my career in the direction I wanted.
BPU: How did BPU support you in your journey?
Kehinde: BPU played a crucial role in shaping my career journey. The recruitment programs I attended were eye-opening helping me recognize the need to revamp my CV to better highlight my transferable skills. The interview preparation sessions significantly boosted my confidence, enabling me to respond to questions with clarity and assurance. Beyond practical support, the consistent follow-ups and words of encouragement from the BPU team were invaluable. Their guidance kept me motivated and focused and I am incredibly grateful for that.
BPU: What was the most valuable piece of advice or insight you gained from your involvement with BPU?
Kehinde: One piece of advice that has stayed with me came from Enoch during the Hymans Robertson recruitment fair. He told me that as long as I was consistently securing interviews it was only a matter of time before I landed the right opportunity. This advice helped me stay patient and persistent during the job search process and ultimately his words proved true.
BPU: How did networking within BPU influence your career path?
Kehinde: My journey to BlackRock would be incomplete without mentioning Simone Morris, a Talent Acquisition Partner at the firm whom I met through one of BPU’s events. The connections I made through BPU particularly with Simone played a pivotal role in my career path. Simone was incredibly responsive and supportive each time I found a role on BlackRock’s website that I felt was a great fit. Her willingness to guide me gave me the confidence and motivation to thoroughly research and prepare for the opportunities I pursued.
BPU: What would you say to other professionals facing setbacks in their careers?
Kehinde: As someone who has faced his fair share of rejections, I’d say: Keep your focus on the end goal no matter how many setbacks you encounter. Perseverance is key—if you stay committed to your vision you’ll eventually reach it. But remember, it’s not just about staying focused; it’s about being willing to put in the work and adapt your strategies along the way. Learn from each experience and keep pushing forward.
BPU: How do you stay motivated and focused on your career goals?
Kehinde: I stay motivated by maintaining a positive mindset and distancing myself from negativity. I avoid environments or influences that could dampen my drive. I also set clear, actionable milestones and regularly review my progress to stay aligned with my long-term vision. Additionally, I draw inspiration from successful individuals who have overcome similar challenges, using their stories as a reminder that persistence and resilience pay off.
BPU: What are your goals for the future, both within BlackRock and beyond?
Kehinde: In the near future, I aim to deepen my expertise and contribute meaningfully to my team at BlackRock. I’m committed to continuously learning and excelling in my role with the goal of earning increased responsibilities over time. Beyond my current role, I aspire to establish myself as a recognized authority in investment accounting by staying updated on industry developments, pursuing advanced certifications and engaging in key projects.
BPU: What does being a part of BPU mean to you?
Kehinde: Being a part of BPU has been transformative for me both personally and professionally. The power of networking and the support from the BPU community have been invaluable in my journey. BPU offers a platform for growth, learning and support that helps professionals navigate and excel in their careers. I encourage other Black professionals to engage with the BPU community to leverage the benefits and opportunities it provides.
BPU: Any final thoughts or words of encouragement for the BPU community?
Kehinde: As we reflect on our journey together remember that we’ve already made significant strides and overcome many challenges. Stay focused on your goals, leverage your strengths and support one another. The road may get tough but with perseverance we can continue to achieve great things together.
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