Adebola Taiwo

Adebola Taiwo, CPA, is a finance leader and advocate for community empowerment, based in the New York Metro area. With over 15 years of experience across organizations like Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Prudential Financial, Adebola has made a significant impact in corporate finance while championing education and financial literacy.

At Verizon, Adebola served as the Finance Transformation Leader for the Engineering Organization, driving initiatives that resulted in $10 billion in cost savings over four years. Her expertise in Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) and operational excellence played a key role in transforming the company’s financial processes. She also led the development of a 5G business case, benefiting the healthcare and manufacturing industries. Adebola’s career also includes serving as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Project Management Officer at Verizon, ensuring compliance and facilitating successful IT integration efforts.

Her early career saw her excelling in audit and financial reporting at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Prudential Financial, where she developed deep expertise in GAAP, IFRS, and financial analysis. These foundational experiences helped Adebola become a leader in strategic financial planning and transformation.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Adebola is deeply committed to community service and education. Elected to the Bloomfield College Board of Trustees in 2016, she became the Executive Board Chair of the Student Affairs Committee in 2018. In this capacity, she has been a staunch advocate for students, supporting initiatives such as housing and food assistance, and creating the Career Closet to prepare students for formal interviews.

Her philanthropic spirit is most evident in the scholarship fund she established shortly after graduating in 2009. Starting with a $1,000 annual scholarship, Adebola’s fund has grown to over $70,000, providing more than 30 scholarships to students in need. Her personal experience of struggling to pay for college, applying for over 200 scholarships and securing only five, fuels her passion to give back.

Adebola has successfully expanded her scholarship contributions from $1,000 to over $10,000 annually, significantly impacting the lives of countless students.

Adebola’s dedication extends to her role on Montclair State University’s Special Advisory Board, where she continues to influence educational programs and support student success. Verizon has recognized her leadership and advocacy, where she also led diverse recruiting efforts and participated actively in Employee Resource Groups, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment.

In her personal life, Adebola enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures, enriching her global perspective and enhancing her ability to collaborate with international teams. Her journey from overcoming financial hardships to becoming a successful finance leader and philanthropist serves as an inspiration to many.

Adebola Taiwo’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful difference both in the corporate world and in the lives of students. Her multifaceted career and generous spirit underscore her role as a true leader and advocate for financial excellence and community empowerment.