George Azih: Revolutionizing Financial Reporting With Visionary Software
Table of Contents
- The Journey of George Azih: A Biographical Sketch
- Personal Data & Key Milestones
- From Accountant to Innovator: Identifying a Critical Need
- The Genesis of LeaseQuery: A Solution for Complex Compliance
- Leadership Philosophy: Low Stress, High Impact
- FinQuery: Evolving the Vision Beyond Lease Accounting
- A Financial Authority and Leading Expert
- Impact on the Industry and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
- The Atlanta Connection: Building an Enterprise SaaS Legend
- The Human Behind the Vision: George Azih's Personal Touch
The Journey of George Azih: A Biographical Sketch
Born in Nigeria in October 1979, George Azih's path to becoming a leading figure in financial technology is rooted in a deep understanding of accounting principles and a keen eye for operational inefficiencies. His early career laid the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial success. George worked in a public accounting firm, gaining valuable experience across various industries. This foundational knowledge was further solidified during his tenure in financial reporting at a Fortune 500 company, where he specialized in technical accounting. It was in this role that he found himself directly in charge of technical accounting, a position that would profoundly shape his professional trajectory and spark his entrepreneurial ambition. His background as an auditor for banks, insurance companies, and brokerage firms further honed his expertise, making him a financial authority specializing in technical accounting and accounting research. This hands-on experience, coupled with his innate problem-solving drive, set the stage for the creation of LeaseQuery, a company born out of necessity and a desire to simplify the complex world of financial reporting for accountants everywhere.Personal Data & Key Milestones
| Full Name | George Azih |
| Date of Birth | October 1979 (Born on 10/24/1979, currently 45 years old) |
| Place of Birth | Nigeria |
| Current City | Atlanta, GA (Previously Norcross, GA and Marietta, GA) |
| Key Companies Founded | LeaseQuery (now FinQuery) |
| Key Roles | Founder & CEO of LeaseQuery/FinQuery, GAAP & IFRS Leasing Standards Leader |
| Specialization | Technical Accounting, Accounting Research, Lease Accounting |
From Accountant to Innovator: Identifying a Critical Need
The transition from a seasoned accountant to a groundbreaking entrepreneur often stems from a direct encounter with a significant industry challenge. For George Azih, this challenge manifested in the convoluted and labor-intensive processes associated with lease accounting. As an accountant in charge of technical accounting and accounting research for a Fortune 500 company, he was acutely aware of the complexities involved in managing a company's leasing financial information. The regulatory landscape, particularly with the advent of new standards like ASC 842, IFRS 16, GASB 87, and SFFAS 54, was becoming increasingly demanding. These reforms, some of the most comprehensive in 40 years, mandated that companies bring operating leases onto their balance sheets, requiring meticulous data collection, calculation, and reporting. Manual methods were prone to errors, incredibly time-consuming, and a constant source of stress for accounting departments. George Azih recognized this widespread pain point. He understood that accountants were spending countless hours on spreadsheets, trying to comply with intricate rules, often leading to frustration and potential non-compliance risks. His determination to find a scalable, accurate, and user-friendly solution to this pervasive problem sparked the creation of LeaseQuery and set Azih on his entrepreneurial journey. He envisioned a product that could help accountants manage their company’s leasing financial information easily, thereby making their lives significantly simpler.The Genesis of LeaseQuery: A Solution for Complex Compliance
The birth of LeaseQuery was a direct response to the glaring need for a specialized tool to navigate the complexities of lease accounting. George Azih, armed with his deep expertise in technical accounting and a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by his peers, envisioned a software solution that would not just automate but truly revolutionize how companies managed their lease portfolios. His goal was clear: to create a platform that would facilitate compliance with the new, stringent accounting standards like ASC 842, IFRS 16, GASB 87, and SFFAS 54, which demanded a level of detail and accuracy previously unattainable through traditional methods. LeaseQuery emerged as a pioneering lease accounting software solution, specifically designed to address these comprehensive regulatory reforms. It provided a centralized, automated system that could handle the intricate calculations, reporting requirements, and ongoing management of leases, transforming what was once a manual, error-prone burden into an efficient, streamlined process. In a captivating conversation with ValiantCEO Magazine, Azih detailed how LeaseQuery had indeed revolutionized lease accounting, offering a lifeline to thousands of companies grappling with the new mandates. The software's ability to simplify compliance, reduce audit risk, and free up valuable time for accounting professionals quickly established it as an indispensable tool in the financial reporting ecosystem. George Azih’s passion for making accountants’ lives easier using software was the driving force behind this innovative leap.Leadership Philosophy: Low Stress, High Impact
Beyond the technical brilliance of his software, George Azih is also known for his distinctive leadership style. He famously adheres to a "simple rule for low stress leadership," a philosophy that has undoubtedly contributed to the consistent growth and success of his company. It is a rare founding CEO who can develop a software company that serves thousands, grows consistently quarter after quarter, and achieves millions in monthly revenue, all while fostering an environment of low stress. Azih's approach emphasizes empowering his teams, building robust processes, and maintaining a clear focus on the customer, rather than succumbing to the pressures often associated with rapid business expansion. As LeaseQuery’s CEO and GAAP & IFRS leasing standards leader, George Azih is responsible for leading the development of LeaseQuery’s accounting team and giving clients the tools and support they need. This indicates a leadership style that is both hands-on in terms of technical oversight and deeply committed to client success. His ability to scale an enterprise SaaS legend in Atlanta, Georgia, while maintaining a culture that values efficiency and minimizes unnecessary pressure, speaks volumes about his effectiveness as a leader. This focus on a healthy, productive work environment, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence in product development, has been a cornerstone of his company’s remarkable trajectory.FinQuery: Evolving the Vision Beyond Lease Accounting
The evolution from LeaseQuery to FinQuery marks a significant strategic pivot for George Azih's enterprise, signaling a broader vision for financial information management. While LeaseQuery firmly established itself as the leading solution for lease accounting compliance, the rebranding to FinQuery reflects an expansion of the company's offerings and its commitment to addressing a wider array of financial data challenges. As George Azih, CEO of FinQuery, stated, "Our new branding is a key element in our growth strategy to better communicate the value our offering provides." This move positions the company to serve as a comprehensive financial data authority, moving beyond just leases to encompass other complex financial reporting areas. The transition to FinQuery demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, recognizing the evolving needs of modern finance departments. This strategic growth has also attracted significant investor confidence. George Azih expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to have Periphas Capital and Lavelle Capital join FinQuery as investors. Their enthusiasm for our mission is evident.” This investment underscores the market's belief in FinQuery's expanded mission and its potential to continue revolutionizing financial reporting. With George Azih at the helm as Founder & CEO of @FinQuerySoftware, the company is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation, providing solutions that streamline financial operations and ensure compliance across various complex accounting standards.A Financial Authority and Leading Expert
George Azih's journey is not just about building successful software companies; it's about establishing himself as an undisputed authority in the realm of financial accounting. He is widely recognized as a financial authority and leading expert on lease accounting, specializing in technical accounting and accounting research. His extensive background includes serving as an auditor for banks, insurance companies, and brokerage firms, which provided him with a comprehensive understanding of diverse financial structures and regulatory requirements. Prior to founding FinQuery (formerly LeaseQuery), George performed accounting research for a Fortune 500 company, further cementing his expertise in the intricate details of financial standards. This deep domain knowledge is critical to the success and trustworthiness of his products. As the GAAP & IFRS leasing standards leader, he ensures that LeaseQuery and now FinQuery, are always at the forefront of regulatory changes, providing clients with solutions that are not only compliant but also anticipatory of future requirements. His insights are highly sought after, making him a trusted voice in the industry. This level of expertise, combined with his entrepreneurial drive, exemplifies the E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles that underpin valuable financial information, particularly for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics where accurate and reliable data is paramount.Impact on the Industry and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The impact of George Azih extends far beyond the confines of his own companies. LeaseQuery, under his leadership, has grown consistently quarter after quarter, achieving millions and millions in monthly revenue. This growth is a testament to the undeniable value the software provides, trusted by more than 7,800 companies. This widespread adoption signifies a profound shift in how businesses approach lease accounting, directly attributable to Azih's vision. His entrepreneurial journey has also been recognized by prestigious organizations. Prestigious recognition celebrates the unstoppable and innovative entrepreneurs whose ambitions transform the world, and George Azih certainly fits this description. He has openly reflected on how Endeavor, a global community for high-impact entrepreneurs, has impacted his company’s growth and factored into his own entrepreneurial journey. This engagement with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem underscores his commitment not just to his own venture but to fostering innovation and growth within the industry. His success serves as an inspiration and a blueprint for other aspiring tech entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to solve complex, niche problems within established industries.The Atlanta Connection: Building an Enterprise SaaS Legend
While George Azih was born in Nigeria, his entrepreneurial success story is deeply intertwined with the vibrant tech scene of Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta has served as the base for building his enterprise SaaS legend. Previous to George's current city of Atlanta, GA, he lived in Norcross, GA, and Marietta, GA, indicating a long-standing connection to the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. His decision to establish and grow LeaseQuery in Atlanta speaks to the city's burgeoning reputation as a hub for technology and innovation. In an intimate discussion, George Azih shared how he built the enterprise SaaS legend in Atlanta, Georgia, leveraging the local talent pool, supportive business environment, and access to capital. This regional focus highlights how significant, industry-changing companies can emerge from diverse geographical locations, contributing to the economic vitality and technological advancement of their chosen homes. His company's success has undoubtedly added to Atlanta's growing prestige as a significant player in the global software industry.The Human Behind the Vision: George Azih's Personal Touch
Despite his immense success and influence, George Azih maintains a reputation for humility and approachability. Comments from those who have interacted with him often echo sentiments like, "What a great and humble guy!! You would never know who he is." This personal touch is a refreshing counterpoint to the often-impersonal world of high-tech finance. It speaks to a leader who remains grounded, despite building a company that has achieved significant milestones. His passion for making accountants’ lives easier using software is not just a business strategy; it appears to be a genuine personal mission. This dedication to solving real-world problems for a specific professional community underscores his authentic connection to the accounting profession. Whether it's through his active presence on platforms like LinkedIn, where his profile serves as a professional community for over a billion members, or through public discussions, George Azih embodies the spirit of an innovator who is deeply committed to his craft and the people it serves. His social media presence, like his Twitter account (@georgeazih), further connects him with the broader professional and tech community, showcasing his continued engagement and thought leadership.Conclusion
George Azih's journey from a dedicated accountant to a pioneering entrepreneur has profoundly reshaped the landscape of financial reporting. Through his visionary leadership, he transformed the arduous task of lease accounting compliance into a streamlined, efficient process with LeaseQuery, now FinQuery. His unwavering commitment to simplifying complex financial regulations, coupled with his deep expertise in technical accounting, has positioned him as a leading authority and a trusted partner for thousands of businesses worldwide. The legacy of George Azih is not merely in the software he created, but in the stress he alleviated for countless accountants, the compliance risks he mitigated for corporations, and the entrepreneurial spirit he embodies. His story is a powerful reminder that true innovation often stems from a profound understanding of a specific problem and the determination to build a solution that genuinely improves lives. We invite you to explore FinQuery's solutions further and see how George Azih's vision continues to evolve. What are your thoughts on the impact of specialized software in financial compliance? Share your insights in the comments below, or consider sharing this article with colleagues who might benefit from understanding the journey of this remarkable industry leader.
LeaseQuery again tops the list of Bulldog 100 rankings - UGA Today
The Journey of an Endeavor Entrepreneur: George Azih - Endeavor
Alumni Association reveals 2021 Bulldog 100 businesses
