Senior Finance Associate

Are you an expert Chartered Accountant ready to serve as the financial backbone of a leading investment firm, specializing in Private Equity (PE)?

Our client is seeking a
Senior Finance Associate
to maintain the overall financial health of the firm and its portfolio of PE funds and SPVs. As the Senior Finance Associate, you will own the end-to-end accounting, reporting, and valuation processes across multiple jurisdictions, with deep accountability for tax, treasury, and cross-border compliance (FIRS, FSC Mauritius, CBN).

Who are we looking for?

• You are a certified Chartered Accountant (ICAN/ACCA) ideally within the Private Equity or financial services sector.
• You are an expert in Fund Accounting, capable of managing end-to-end accounting, reporting, and valuation processes for multiple PE funds and SPVs in line with IFRS and Limited Partnership Agreements.
• You have a comprehensive understanding of Nigerian tax laws (CITA, VAT, WHT, PIT) and the ability to design transaction structures for compliance and efficiency.
• You are a Treasury professional, skilled in cash flow forecasting,bank relationship management, and executing FX conversion and fund repatriation processes efficiently.
• You have proven experience in leading audit processes and achieving an Unqualified Audit Opinion.
• You are technically proficient, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP systems and fund administration platforms.

Your Responsibilities...
Financial Record Management

• You will manage end-to-end accounting, reporting, and valuation processes for multiple PE funds and SPVs in line with IFRS and Limited Partnership Agreements.
• You will review quarterly and annual financial statements, investor reports, and capital account statements.
• You will oversee carried interest calculations, and capital call/distribution schedules.
• You will maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including general ledger entries, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• You will prepare and process invoices, ensuring proper documentation and approval.
• You will track fund expenses and allocations in line with partnership agreements.

Financial Reporting

• You will assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with IFRS and GAAP.
• You will provide support in the preparation of financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• You will assist in the preparation of budgets and financial forecasts.
• You will monitor and report on budget variances and provide insights into financial performance.

Treasury and Cash Management

• You will oversee cash flow planning, bank relationships, and FX management across multiple jurisdictions.
• You will coordinate currency conversions and fund repatriation processes with banks and regulators.
• You will implement interest income optimization and fund liquidity strategies across portfolios.
• You will monitor the firm's cash positions to ensure adequate liquidity position.
• You will manage payment processes, including vendor payments, wire transfers and investment-related transactions.

Compliance and Audit Support

• You will lead audit processes with internal and external auditors, ensuring adherence to agreed timelines and zero qualification reports.
• You will ensure compliance with relevant regulatory bodies, including FSC Mauritius, CAC, CBN, and FIRS.
• You will maintain up-to-date knowledge of CRS, FATCA, and other fund reporting requirements.
• You will ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Investment Accounting

• You will support the investment team with the accounting and reporting of investment transactions.
• You will maintain accurate records of investment portfolios and related financial activities.

Tax Support

• You will maintain a comprehensive understanding of Nigerian tax laws, including the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA), Value Added Tax Act (VAT), Withholding Tax,Personal Income Tax Act (PIT), and Education Tax Act.
• You will work with external consultants to track and interpret Finance Acts, FIRS circulars, and evolving tax policies, providing concise summaries and implications for fund operations.
• You will advise management on tax considerations for fund structures, capital flows, and exit strategies.
• You will support decision-making on withholding tax, VAT, and intercompany transactions, ensuring alignment with tax principles and regulatory expectations.
• You will collaborate with external tax consultants and auditors to confirm that tax positions are technically sound and well-documented.
• You will contribute to the design and review of fund transaction structures to ensure efficiency and compliance with Nigerian and cross-border tax frameworks.
• You will assist in identifying potential tax risks and developing recommendations to mitigate exposure.

Process Improvement

• You will identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• You will collaborate with the finance team to develop and maintain financial policies and
• procedures.

What Success Looks Like...

• Submitting monthly/quarterly reports within the stipulated time.
• Achieving Unqualified Audit Opinions annually and 100% compliance with all regulatory deadlines across all jurisdictions (FIRS, CBN, FSC Mauritius).
• Tax filings submitted before statutory deadlines (zero penalties) and achieving a reduction in effective tax rate through strategic initiatives.
• Maintaining cash flow forecast accuracy and achieving competitive interest yields on idle funds
• Maintaining Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) of invested capital and integrating risk metrics into all major investment decisions.

To be considered for this role you should have...

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Chartered Accountant (ICAN/ACCA) qualification required.
• 5 - 7 years plus experience in accounting, preferably in Private Equity.
• Experience in Tax matters under Nigerian laws.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Results-oriented with a strong sense of urgency and commitment to excellence.