Executive Director, Finance

Our client is a fast-growing fintech company focused on transforming how businesses across Africa handle payments. With a mission to empower businesses to thrive, they offer a range of tools that support both online and offline transactions, streamline operations, and fuel business growth. Their culture is rooted in innovation, high standards, and a customer-first approach.

Role Overview

The Executive Director, Finance is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the bank, ensuring accurate financial processing, compliance with regulations, and operational efficiency. This role ensures that financial transactions, accounting processes, and cash flow management run smoothly and are aligned with the bank's strategic objectives. The scope of financial operations covers transaction processing, account management, treasury operations, regulatory compliance and risk management, settlements and reconciliation, accounting and financial reporting.

Job Type: Permanent/ Full time

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Workplace: Hybrid

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Banking, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field - an advanced degree (e.g., MBA) is preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in banking operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role within an MFB or similar financial institution.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and managing financial operations processes in a digital bank.
• In-depth understanding of CBN guidelines, internal control frameworks, AML, KYC, and risk management practices.
• Familiarity with process automation and digital banking technologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What success looks like:

• Compliance Adherence: Zero compliance violations and successful audits with all financial operations aligning with CBN and regulatory guidelines.
• Financial Accuracy & Reporting: Achieve 100% accuracy in financial reports with no major discrepancies in financial statements or reconciliations.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimise automation across all finance processes.
• Cash Flow Management: Maintain liquidity ratio of at least 20%, ensuring sufficient funds are available for operations, lending activities, and regulatory compliance.
• Internal Controls: Zero incidents of fraud or errors due to weak internal controls in financial processes.
• Customer Satisfaction: Achieve a customer satisfaction score of 90% or higher.

Responsibilities

Financial Transaction Management:

• Develop and implement financial operations policies and processes, including transaction management, cash flow monitoring, reconciliations, and reporting structures.
• Oversee daily financial transactions and ensure proper accounting and accurate recording in the bank's financial systems.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely payments and collections.

Reconciliation and Financial Reporting:

• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations of financial accounts to ensure accuracy.
• Establish and manage an effective reporting system that provides accurate and timely financial reports (balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements) for internal and external stakeholders, including submission to regulatory authorities.
• Manage the preparation of financial statements in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Compliance & Regulatory Adherence:

• Ensure financial operations comply with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations, anti-money laundering (AML) standards, and other relevant financial standards.
• Support the preparation and coordination for audits, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

Cash Flow & Liquidity Management:

• Monitor and manage the bank's cash flow to ensure liquidity for daily operations and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee treasury operations to ensure effective cash management, optimizing liquidity for payments, settlements, lending, investments and future operational needs.
• Manage the bank's investments, borrowing, and capital allocation to optimize financial performance.

Process Optimization & Automation:

• Optimize settlement systems to ensure timely and accurate settlements for customer transactions and merchant payments.
• Lead efforts in automating financial processes and integrating digital tools (e.g., API systems, digital payment platforms) to reduce manual errors and increase operational efficiency.
• Work closely with the Technical Operations team to ensure smooth integration of financial processes with digital platforms, APIs, and automation systems.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate risks related to financial transactions and operational processes.
• Implement internal controls to safeguard the bank's financial assets and minimize errors or fraud.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and compensation package
• Full medical coverage
• Fully covered parental leave
• Performance-based incentives
• Leadership in a growing financial institution