Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Conferences & Workshops
Timeline
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Portia Akoto

Sandy Springs,GA

Summary

Experienced security professional proficient in information systems safeguarding, cybersecurity, risk management, data privacy, and network security. Demonstrated expertise in cyber awareness creation, incident response, and security policy development. Known for critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication to devise and implement robust security strategies.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Officer

Cyber Security Authority
Airport, Ghana
10.2021 - 08.2024
  • Initiated activity and expenditure memos, optimizing budget allocation.
  • Conducted performance reviews with direct reports, providing feedback and guidance to improve efficiency.
  • Managed complex projects with multiple stakeholders, meeting deadlines on time and under budget.
  • Created presentations for Administration Lead, detailing project progress and results.
  • Managed assets and logistics, resulting in a reduction in operational costs.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones, ensuring collaboration and efficiency.
  • Coordinated programs that increase the Authority's engagements and productivity.
  • Provided strategic direction and oversight to staff, ensuring successful completion of assigned tasks.
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures for effective operations.

Governance Risk & Compliance Trainee

CyberSafe Foundation
Lagos, Nigeria
03.2023 - 11.2023
  • Led successful cybersecurity and GRC projects implementing practical knowledge, and organized awareness campaigns.
  • Researched and formulated an effective strategy to mitigate cyber terrorism, bolstering organizational security.
  • Developed knowledge in Enterprise Risk Management and Controls crucial for protecting organizations from cyber risks.
  • Developed proficiency in the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process, demonstrating ability to effectively identify, assess, and respond to risk.
  • Mastered Security Principles, Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR) & Incident Response Concepts.
  • Ensured employee education remained compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Collaborated with fellow trainers in strategy meetings to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Engaged in training programs and group discussions to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and enhance my individual capabilities.

Accounts Payable and Receivable Officer

Dufry & GTDC Ltd
Airport, Ghana
08.2020 - 09.2021
  • Monitored and tracked payments and expenditures, leading to reduced discrepancies.
  • Performed daily financial transactions, maintaining precision and adhering to corporate guidelines.
  • Ensured timely vendor payments and managed outstanding credits, leading to improved vendor relations.
  • Prepared detailed account analyses and monthly financial reports, contributing to strategic decision-making.
  • Oversaw and managed the company's cash safe with a perfect accuracy rate.
  • Supervised and compiled reports to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Evaluated cashier performance, providing feedback that increased productivity.
  • Prepared journal entries, accruals, and other related activities for month-end closing process.
  • Compiled and analyzed financial data from multiple sources.

National Service Personnel

09.2019 - 07.2020
  • Coordinated in the preparation of reports related to cashier and sales operations with the aim of enhancing financial transparency.
  • Ensured accurate financial records by keeping the cash drawers and safe in balance.
  • Achieved accurate recordings of daily sales transactions to aid in financial reconciliation processes.
  • Executed timely and precise daily deposits of cash sales into the organization's account.
  • Implemented creative strategies leading to improved team outcomes.
  • Facilitated close collaboration within the team to successfully achieve project objectives and meet time constraints.

Intern

Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC)
Accra, Ghana
07.2018 - 08.2018
  • Conducted market analysis to enhance understanding of cocoa competitive markets.
  • Provided efficient support to enhance the outreach of promotional campaigns.
  • Accurately maintained and recorded files for administrative purposes.
  • Worked collaboratively with colleagues to develop an effective social media plan.
  • Provided administrative support through document filing and meeting scheduling.

Intern

Ernst & Young Ghana
Airport, Ghana
06.2018 - 07.2018
  • Compiled and analyzed financial transactions to identify discrepancies and ensure compliance.
  • Maintained audit integrity by organizing and filing the audit work papers.
  • Analyzed client financials to ensure compliance with accounting standards and accuracy.
  • Assisted in the preparation of financial statement disclosures.
  • Facilitated office workflow by assisting with administrative tasks and communicating with clients on auditors' behalf.

Education

Master of Science - Computer And Information Sciences, Cybersecurity

Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business
Atlanta, GA
12-2025

BBA - Accounting

Valley View University
10.2019

Skills

  • Governance Risk & Compliance
  • Computer Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Fast Learner
  • Financial Analysis
  • Customer Service
  • Leadership Skills
  • Report Writing
  • Team building
  • Team Collaboration
  • Self Motivation
  • Professionalism
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Relationship Building

Certification

  • Certifications in Cybersecurity - GRC
  • Cisco - Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Infosec - Cyber Threat Management
  • Infosec - Endpoint Security
  • ISACA - Information Technology Infrastructure
  • Infosec - Networking Basics & Network Defense
  • Infosec - Networking Devices and initiation Configuration
  • ISACA - Business Recovery
  • ISACA - GRC Compliance and Risk Management

Conferences & Workshops

  • Cybersecurity Awareness Trainer, 01/24

Africa Safer Internet Day (ASID Awareness Creation for Senior High School Students on Cyber Hygiene

  • Logistics Secretary, 12/23

Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B)

  • Rapporteur, 08/23

Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) - Introductory Course on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence for Judges and Prosecutors in Ghana,

  • Rapporteur, 01/23

African Union (AU)-Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) & Africa Cyber Experts (ACE) Community meeting

  • Rapporteur, 01/23

Tech Against Terrorism Workshop on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Online

    

Timeline

Governance Risk & Compliance Trainee

CyberSafe Foundation
03.2023 - 11.2023

Senior Officer

Cyber Security Authority
10.2021 - 08.2024

Accounts Payable and Receivable Officer

Dufry & GTDC Ltd
08.2020 - 09.2021

National Service Personnel

09.2019 - 07.2020

Intern

Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC)
07.2018 - 08.2018

Intern

Ernst & Young Ghana
06.2018 - 07.2018

Master of Science - Computer And Information Sciences, Cybersecurity

Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business

BBA - Accounting

Valley View University
Portia Akoto