The Bank & Trade Finance Executive supports the CFO in managing the company's banking relationships and end-to-end trade documentation in Nigeria.
The role owns the accurate and timely processing of import and export documentation - including Form M, NXP, letters of credit, and PAAR - liaises with banks, customs brokers, and shipping agents to ensure smooth clearance of shipments, and ensures full compliance with CBN foreign exchange regulations and Nigerian trade requirements.
The role is expected to actively use AI and automation tools to digitize documentation, tracking, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Act as the primary day-to-day contact with banks for routine transactions, credit facilities, bank guarantees, remittances, and trade finance instruments.
Prepare, verify, and submit banking documentation (facility requests, LC applications, bills for collection, guarantee requests), ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
Track utilization and expiry of credit lines, LCs, and guarantees; alert the CFO ahead of renewals and margin/collateral calls.
Verify bank charges, interest, and COT against agreed terms; flag and recover excess charges.
Initiate and process Form M on the Nigeria Single Window / bank trade portals; follow through to approval and PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) issuance.
Coordinate letters of credit, bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, SONCAP/NAFDAC certificates, and other customs-related paperwork for imports.
Process NXP forms for exports and monitor repatriation of export proceeds within CBN-stipulated timelines; maintain compliance with NEPC registration requirements.
Follow up daily with customs brokers, shipping agents, terminal operators, and inspection agencies to ensure timely clearance of shipments and minimize demurrage and detention costs.
Assist in resolving discrepancies in trade documents (LC discrepancies, short-shipments, classification/valuation queries) with banks, Nigeria Customs Service, and counterparties.
Ensure adherence to CBN foreign exchange regulations, Nigeria Customs Service requirements, and applicable trade regulations; keep abreast of circulars affecting imports, exports, and FX.
Use AI tools and the company's ERP (SAP) to automate document preparation, shipment tracking, reconciliation, and reporting.
Identify and implement at least two documentation/process improvements per year.
Key Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
3 - 6 years' experience in banking operations, trade finance, or import/export documentation; hands-on experience with Nigerian trade processes (Form M, PAAR, NXP, LCs) strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of CBN foreign exchange regulations, Nigeria Customs procedures, and Incoterms; familiarity with UCP 600 is an advantage.
Strong organizational, communication, negotiation, and follow-up skills; high attention to detail.
Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems (SAP preferred).