Head of Finance at Watu Credit Limited

Watu Credit Limited is a dynamic fast-growing non-bank finance company that harnesses technology to offer both secured and unsecured lending primarily via mobile services. Headquartered in Mombasa, Watu Credit aims to become the leading African provider of a broad set of inclusive financial products, delivered through technology in a fast, efficient and professional manner.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Finance

Locations: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Role purpose

• WATU is seeking a strategic, analytical, and agile finance leader to serve as the Head of Finance for the West Africa Region.
• The successful candidate will lead and oversee financial operations across multiple countries, primarily Nigeria, ensuring fiscal discipline, tax compliance, capital optimization, and investment readiness.
• This role is critical in supporting WATU’s growth through data-driven financial strategy, regional fundraising, and investor engagement, while ensuring robust risk management and adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Strategy and Leadership:

• Drive regional financial strategy aligned with WATU's global goals.
• Develop and implement robust financial controls, forecasting models, and budgeting systems across West Africa.
• Provide strategic financial insight to executive leadership on business performance,risks, and opportunities.

Regional Financial Operations:

• Lead and manage the finance teams across West Africa, with direct oversight in Nigeria.
• Ensure accurate, timely financial reporting, monthly closings, and compliance with IFRS and local accounting standards.
• Monitor working capital, cash flow, and cost-efficiency across the region.
• Coordinate audits, both internal and external.

Tax and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with tax laws and financial regulations in Nigeria and other West African countries where WATU operates.
• Build strong relationships with tax authorities, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Provide proactive guidance on tax planning, risk mitigation, and legal structuring.

Fundraising and Investor Relations:

• Identify and pursue financing opportunities, including debt and equity, to support WATU’s expansion across West Africa.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international financial institutions, development finance institutions (DFIs), and potential investors.
• Prepare and present investor materials, financial projections, and business cases to support capital raising efforts.

Strategic Projects and Expansion Support:

• Partner with cross-functional teams on new market entry, pricing strategies, and product innovation from a financial perspective.
• Support M&A, due diligence, and financial modelling for strategic opportunities.
• Leverage financial analytics to optimize business growth and profitability.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; Master’s Degree or MBA is strongly preferred.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CFA) required.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in progressively senior finance roles, with at least 3 years at a regional or leadership level.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-country financial operations, preferably in fintech, microfinance, or asset finance sectors.
• Strong understanding of West African tax laws, financial regulations, and businessenvironments, especially in Nigeria.
• Proven track record of capital raising, investor engagement, or working with DFIsand private equity.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online