Head of Finance

JOB TITLE: SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-time

Experience: Minimum of 7 years

Industry: Financial Services / Fintech / Lending

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to oversee financial reporting, accounting operations, reconciliations, regulatory compliance, and financial controls.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with applicable Nigerian financial regulations, monitoring financial transactions, and providing timely financial information to support management decision-making.

The ideal candidate should have strong accounting experience, preferably within financial services, fintech, microfinance, or lending institutions, with a good understanding of loan accounting, financial reporting, taxation, and prudential requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Maintain and update the general ledger and accounting records.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Review and validate daily operational postings and generate call-over reports.
• Prepare daily bank balance reports for management.
• Maintain accurate documentation of financial transactions.
• Maintain the fixed assets register and oversee fixed asset accounting.

2. Reconciliation and Financial Operations

• Reconcile bank statements, loan disbursement accounts, and other financial accounts.
• Monitor loan repayment schedules, interest income, and revenue tracking.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable.
• Process vendor payments and staff expense claims.
• Identify and resolve posting and reconciliation discrepancies.

3. Taxation and Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and manage statutory tax and regulatory remittances, including PAYE, VAT, WHT, pension, HMO, and other applicable obligations.
• Ensure compliance with Nigerian tax laws, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Classify loans and advances quarterly in line with applicable prudential guidelines.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and provide relevant financial documentation.
• Liaise with financial institutions, regulators, auditors, and internal departments.

4. Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Prepare and monitor departmental and organisational budgets.
• Conduct budget variance analysis and prepare periodic reports.
• Support financial forecasting and planning.
• Provide management with financial insights to support business decisions.

5. Accounting Systems and Internal Controls

• Facilitate the implementation and optimisation of accounting software.
• Review and improve accounting processes, policies, and internal controls.
• Conduct periodic internal financial reviews and audits.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Perform other finance and accounting duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional accounting experience.
• ICAN or ACCA qualification is an added advantage; part-qualified candidates may also be considered.
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA/MSc in Finance or related discipline) is an advantage.
• Experience in financial services, fintech, microfinance, lending, or banking is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian tax regulations, statutory remittances, and financial reporting requirements.
• Practical experience with general ledger management, bank reconciliations, loan accounting, and financial statement preparation.
• Knowledge of loan classification and applicable prudential guidelines.
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of integrity, accuracy, attention to detail, and professional judgement.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple financial responsibilities.

Key Competencies

• Financial reporting and analysis
• General ledger management
• Bank and loan account reconciliation
• Tax and regulatory compliance
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Internal controls and audit management
• Accounting software proficiency
• Financial accuracy and attention to detail

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary and other benefits, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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