I have a company phone that was set up by an ex employee - now locked and i don't know the passcode. Is there anyway to unlock it

If the company was the original purchaser and can prove it with

a receipt from Apple or Apple authorized iPad retailer showing

the serial number of the iPad, make a genius bar

reservation and bring in the receipt, iPad, proof you represent the company, and

government-issued photo ID to Apple and they may assist in resolving the problem.

If the iPad was purchased used or there is no receipt, the AppleID and passcode must be recovered 

It is highly recommended that you make a Genius Bar Reservation to avoid any delay at the Apple store

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple