Group Head of Finance at Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB)

Co-creation Hub is Nigeria’s first open living lab and pre-incubation space being designed to be a multi-functional, multi-purpose space where work to catalyze creative social tech ventures take place. The HUB is a place for technologists, social entrepreneurs, government, tech companies, impact investors and hackers in and around Lagos to co-create new solutions to the many social problems in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Group Head of Finance

Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Job Type: Internship

Job Description

• The Group Head of Finance (GHOF) is accountable for the company’s financial and risk management operations. This includes developing a financial and operational strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company’s assets and report accurate financial results.
• The GHOF will provide leadership and coordination in the company’s business planning, accounting, financial analysis, financial reporting, and budgeting efforts. S/he will develop and institutionalize the Finance Department. 

Relationship:

• The Group Head of Finance position reports to the CEO and functionally to the board.

Corporate Strategy:

• Collaborating with the CEO and/or the Executive Management  to set strategic financial goals and make strategic business projections based on current trends and future expectations.
• Work with the management team to ensure alignment on resource requirements and action plans to allow for company’s goals to be met.
• Continuously monitor company performance and the external landscape to identify risks and opportunities and determine whether adjustments to the strategic approach is required.
• Work with management to define and implement effective work processes and ways of working across the company to realize the strategic objectives.

Financial Leadership:

• Financial Management: Oversee the duties of the company’s finance function to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements; increase efficiency and effectiveness of the finance team; accuracy and reliability of financial information and the overall management of the company’s funding and expenditure.
• Develop forecasts, company financial models and work directly with management across the company to align on plans and measure results. This role requires a deep background in financial modelling and analysis, strong communication skills and a great deal of interaction and relationship building with key stakeholders across finance and the leadership team.
• Oversee collaboration with other functions, benchmark performance internally to identify opportunities to adjust operating models with the aim of improving effectiveness and efficiency.
• Treasury / Cash Management and manage the relationship with the company’s bankers.
• Grants Accounting: Oversee preparation of budgets and financial reports for submission to granting agencies in cooperation with the Program Managers and grantees, as required.
• Investment Management: Undertake the management of the Company’s assets and securities, including tracking investment performance and providing financial statement analysis to the CEO (and potentially  to the Board).

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

• Oversee the preparation of internal reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including both operating reports and financial reports
• Oversee the integrity of the General Ledger, transaction reporting, and the balance sheet on a real-time basis, ensuring that all reconciliations and accruals are accurate and reviewed on a timely basis
• Oversee the preparation of financial reports and certificates, as required by the internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform all financial reporting and analysis work for the group’s business operations.

Planning and Budgeting:

• Participate in strategic and business planning for the group.
• Coordinate the setting and monitoring of performance against financial goals and objectives.
• Provide overall leadership and management of the annual budgeting process and any interim re-evaluation processes; the budgeting processes should provide an accurate forecast of financial and cost accounting information based on historical analysis and teaming with other senior management.
• Provide overall leadership and management to the capital budget and approval process.
• Support ongoing re-forecasting efforts to ensure that the company maintains a current operating forecast on a real-time basis, which is integrated with the company’s medium term financial forecast and short-term cash forecast.

Operations:

• Implement operational best practices.
• Assess and manage any third-party partners/vendors to which accounting or other finance functions have been outsourced.
• Supervise the financial operations of subsidiary companies and operations.
• Oversee the company's transaction processing systems.
• Ensures that systems are in place to maximize revenue, minimize expenses, and meet capital requirements for all company property in accordance with industry best practices.
• Maintain relationships with key CAPEX and OPEX suppliers.
• Provide oversight to ensure compliance with local and international reporting requirements and ensure taxes are determined on a timely basis and paid in line with local regulation.
• Work with Executive Management on periodical cost management and revenue growth decisions.
• Lead the due diligence and acquisition process, where applicable.

Internal Controls and Processes:

• Ensure proper preparation for all audits.
• Maintain, review and revise internal controls to ensure the safeguarding of assets and reliability of financial statements.
• Establish and monitor systems and controls that verify the integrity of all systems, processes, and data, and enhance the company's value.
• Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
• Enforce compliance with proper accounting procedures and company policies and escalate non-compliance issues to the CEO and/or Executive management when appropriate.
• Oversee the coordination and activities of independent auditors, ensuring they are provided accurate and timely information as required, all audit inquiries are addressed, and all compliance standards are met.
• Challenge and streamline accounting processes for accuracy and efficiency wherever possible.
• Direct initiatives focused on automation and efficiencies within the finance unit and in the rest of the Company.
• Manage the preparation of the annual financial statements, federal and state requirements and preparation of any other required supplementary schedules and information

Risk Management:

• Anticipate and mitigate key elements of the company's risk profile.
• Assess and maintain appropriate internal control safeguards.
• Ascertain that the company uses appropriate insurance coverage.
• Make sure that the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that record keeping meets the requirements of auditors and government agencies.
• Maintain relations with external auditors and investigate their findings and recommendations.

Leadership and Management:

• Structure, lead and mentor the existing finance unit.
• Coach the team; we want CcHUB to be the place where people learn the most in their career.
• Establish a system of accountability and monitor the performance and competency of direct reports, including conducting timely performance and salary reviews.
• Giving (and receiving!) thoughtful, constructive feedback to all members of the unit.
• Line manage unit members: set development goals that enable them to perform at their best and stretch into opportunities for development.
• Support the wellbeing of every member of the unit.
• Maintain in-depth relations with all other unit heads.
• Participate in key decision-making processes as a member of the Management team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or postgraduate professional qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration and/or other relevant and appropriate discipline.
• 8+ years of experience handling financial management, accounting, reporting, financial analysis and planning.
• At least 5 years of progressively evolving management and leadership experience managing large complex employee groups.
• Demonstrated experience and skill with budget preparation and analysis, financial reporting preparation and presentation, and the proven ability to translate technical, financial data into informative reports.
• Experience in formulating, developing, and implementing financial strategies and plans.
• Experience with managing and reporting on complex projects, managing risk, and ensuring value for money.
• Track record of advising senior management and providing technical support concerning best practices in financial management, aiming to support strategic business goals.
• Background in strategy and business planning with the proven ability to develop and manage business plans, processes, and controls to enhance efficiencies and mitigate risk.

Knowledge:

• Strong working knowledge of financial accounting, cash flow, donor, grant budgeting and investment management.
• Strong working knowledge of audit and compliance of different jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of accounting standards and consolidated financial reporting.
• Knowledge of  grant processes, procedures and auditing requirements.
• Strong knowledge of the technology ecosystem and understanding of grant and program financing and management.
• Demonstrate proven ability in organizational development, business transformation, fundraising, project management, asset, and property management.
• Mission-focused, energetic, results-oriented and process-minded leader who is able to help others deliver measurable, cost-effective outcomes that make the company’s vision a reality.
• A deep understanding of the African financial, legal & tax regulatory environments and experience dealing with international accounting  frameworks.

What We Offer

• Paid time off
• Healthcare coverage
• A highly collaborative team environment that will support your professional and personal growth
• Work alongside great talent.
• A culture of learning and innovation. 
• Opportunities for career growth and training.
• Interaction with industry leaders and forward-thinking people. 
• A chance to make a social difference.
• Overall fun company.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.