Director of Finance

Purpose of the Role

The Finance Director will play a critical role in supporting the establishment and operational stability of the new Nigerian entity.

The position has three primary areas of responsibility:

1. Provide financial leadership and oversight during the project implementation phase, monitoring CAPEX and operating expenses to ensure compliance with local regulations, corporate guidelines, and approved budgets.
2. Assume full accountability for all financial, reporting, controlling, and accounting activities of the entity, providing the General Manager with timely, high-quality financial insights to support decision-making.
3. Ensure alignment and consistency with Group Headquarters in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting processes, and project business models, while contributing to overall tax optimization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Finance Function Setup & Governance

• Build, implement, and lead an effective and robust finance function to support the local organization.
• Establish and enforce financial controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets and mitigate risks.
• Ensure full compliance with local accounting standards, tax regulations, and Group policies.
• Prepare statutory and management financial statements in accordance with applicable standards.

2. Financial Planning & Performance Management

• Monitor financial performance, profitability, cash flow, and capital expenditures to ensure financial stability.
• Analyze monthly results, explain variances versus budget, and recommend corrective actions to achieve or exceed approved targets.
• Develop and manage budgeting, forecasting, financial simulations, and ad hoc financial analyses in collaboration with the General Manager and executive team.
• Coordinate locally with functional and cost center heads to ensure realistic and aligned financial planning.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, operational efficiency, and value creation.

3. Reporting & Headquarters Liaison

• Ensure accurate and timely weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting to the General Manager and Group Headquarters.
• Maintain consistency in reporting formats and financial fact sheets, aligned with management expectations.
• Liaise with Group Headquarters on budgeting, forecasting, financing needs, and specific project business models.
• Plan financing requirements and ensure appropriate funding structures are in place.
• Contribute to tax compliance and propose relevant actions for tax optimization within legal frameworks.

Profile – Knowledge & Skills

• 10+ years of proven experience as a Finance Director or in a senior finance leadership role.
• Strong expertise in corporate finance, financial governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic financial planning.
• Sound knowledge of financial principles, accounting standards, and Nigerian tax regulations.
• Very good command of English (written and spoken) and fluency in at least 2 major local dialects.
• Familiarity with ERP systems; experience with SAP is an advantage.