Financial Controller

Role Overview

• We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Financial Controller to oversee financial reporting, treasury, tax compliance, internal controls, budgeting, and audit functions.
• The successful candidate will ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records, strengthen financial processes, support regulatory compliance, and provide reliable financial insights to management for strategic decision-making.
• The ideal candidate must have strong financial management experience, a solid understanding of IFRS, and proven experience in fundraising readiness and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with IFRS, including IFRS 9 expected credit loss provisioning.
• Lead the month-end closing process and ensure timely preparation of management accounts.
• Present financial performance, variance analysis, and key financial ratios to management.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of all financial records.

Loan Book and Portfolio Accounting:

• Oversee the accurate accounting of loan disbursements, repayments, interest income, fees, and write-offs.
• Reconcile loan management systems, payment gateways, and bank accounts.
• Work with Credit, Collections, and Risk teams to monitor portfolio quality, portfolio-at-risk (PAR), and impairment.
• Ensure appropriate accounting treatment and reporting of loan portfolio activities.

Treasury and Cash Management:

• Manage daily cash positions, liquidity planning, and cash flow forecasting.
• Monitor funding facilities, lender covenants, and debt obligations.
• Oversee payment processes, approval controls, and banking relationships.
• Support debt reporting and funding-related financial requirements.

Fundraising and Financial Planning:

• Prepare the organisation for fundraising through financial modelling, projections, data room preparation, and due diligence documentation.
• Support management in executing debt and equity fundraising activities, from investor and lender engagement through to closing.
• Coordinate post-funding reporting and ensure compliance with investor and lender requirements.
• Develop financial models to support business growth, pricing, product development, and funding decisions.

Internal Controls and Audit:

• Design, document, implement, and enforce financial controls, policies, and approval limits.
• Coordinate external audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Identify and address control gaps, fraud risks, and potential revenue leakages.
• Strengthen financial governance, accountability, and operational efficiency.

Tax and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure timely and accurate filing of CIT, VAT, WHT, PAYE, and other applicable statutory returns.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Support regulatory reporting obligations relating to CBN, FCCPC, and other relevant authorities, where applicable.
• Keep the organisation updated on changes in tax laws, financial regulations, and reporting standards.

Budgeting and Financial Planning:

• Lead the annual budgeting process and coordinate budget preparation across business units.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and investigate significant variances.
• Provide financial forecasts and recommendations to support business planning and resource allocation.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the Finance and Accounts team.
• Establish clear performance objectives and KPIs for team members.
• Improve finance processes, reporting systems, and the use of accounting and financial management tools.
• Promote accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement within the finance function.

Requirements

Education and Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
• ACA (ICAN) or ACCA qualification is required.
• An MBA or Master's degree in Finance is an added advantage.
• CFA, CITN/ACTI, or other relevant professional certifications are an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years in a financial management or leadership role.
• Proven experience in fundraising readiness and execution, including debt and/or equity financing.
• Experience in digital lending, fintech, microfinance, or consumer credit is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience building and improving financial processes in a growing organisation.
• Experience presenting financial information to executive management, boards, lenders, or investors.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of IFRS, including IFRS 9, Nigerian tax laws, financial controls, and audit procedures.
• Understanding of relevant CBN and FCCPC reporting requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP or accounting systems such as Sage, QuickBooks, Odoo, or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Experience with loan management systems and reporting tools such as Power BI is an advantage.

Core Competencies:

• High integrity, sound judgement, and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent financial analysis, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict reporting deadlines.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to build effective financial processes in a fast-growing business.