Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary

• The CFO will play a critical role in managing the company's finances, including financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, and financial reporting, with a special emphasis on leading the company toward a successful listing on the stock market within the next three years.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy that aligns with the company's goal of being listed on the stock market.
• Lead the preparation for the Initial Public Offering IPO, including due diligence, financial structuring, and liaising with investment bankers, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Manage the capital request and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and market listing requirements.
• Establish robust financial management frameworks to support the company's transition to a public entity, including compliance with financial reporting, disclosure, and governance standards applicable to publicly listed companies.
• Develop and monitor performance measures that support the company's strategic direction and compliance with stock market regulations.
• Oversee the company's finance IT system to ensure it meets the reporting and analytical requirements of a public entity.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and analysis for board members, company shareholders, and potential investors.
• Supervise acquisition due diligence and negotiate acquisitions under the strategic framework of enhancing stock market listing prospects.
• Maintain a strong relationship with external parties such as investors, banks, auditors, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions.

SLA's

• Ensure the company's financial systems, policies, and procedures are fully compliant with regulatory requirements for public companies within the first six months of tenure.
• Achieve milestones related to the IPO process within agreed timelines, ensuring that financial and legal prerequisites are met.
• Maintain financial and operational data accuracy, integrity, and transparency as required for public companies.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as CFO, preferably with experience guiding a company through the process of a stock market listing.
• Strong understanding of the IPO process, financial regulations, and compliance requirements for publicly listed companies.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate financial law, risk management practices, and stock market operations.
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods, with a strong proficiency in financial reporting as per stock market standards.
• ICAN Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Certification is compulsory
• BSc/BA in Accounting, Finance, or relevant field; MSc/MBA or CPA/CFA is a plus

Skills:

• Ability to analyze financial data, interpret trends, and provide insights to support strategic decision-making. This includes understanding financial statements, profitability analysis, and cost management.
• Proficiency in creating and managing budgets, as well as forecasting future financial performance based on market trends, sales projections, and operational costs.
• Experience in managing cash flow to ensure liquidity for day-to-day operations, including monitoring receivables, and payables, and optimizing working capital.
• Ability to identify and mitigate financial risks, including market fluctuations, regulatory compliance, and operational challenges. This includes implementing internal controls and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting standards GAAP. Experience in preparing accurate and timely financial reports for internal management and external stakeholders.
• Capacity to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the bakery's long-term goals and objectives. This includes assessing investment opportunities, evaluating capital allocation decisions, and analyzing potential acquisitions or partnerships.
• Understanding of relevant financial regulations and compliance requirements, including tax laws, industry-specific regulations, and reporting standards for food and beverage businesses.
• Familiarity with financial management software and tools to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance reporting capabilities. This may include ERP systems, financial modeling software, and data analytics tools.
• Strong leadership skills to lead and develop the finance team, set clear objectives, and foster a collaborative and high-performance work culture. This includes mentoring staff, providing feedback, and promoting professional development.
• Effective communication skills to convey financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including senior management, board members, investors, and external partners. This includes the ability to build relationships and influence key stakeholders.
• Experience in developing financial models and scenarios to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning. This includes assessing the financial impact of various business initiatives and identifying opportunities for growth and optimization.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and integrity in financial practices, including transparency, honesty, and compliance with laws and regulations.