Job Description
Purpose Statement
• We are seeking a highly experienced and execution-driven Head of Finance & Operations to oversee the financial management, operational efficiency, and overall performance of our microfinance bank in Dawakin Kudu.
• The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving financial strategy, ensuring strong internal controls, optimizing operational processes, and supporting aggressive business growth while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• This role requires a commercially minded leader who can balance growth, profitability, and risk management in a fast-paced microfinance environment.
Responsibilities
Financial Strategy & Management:
• Lead the development and execution of the bank’s financial strategy in line with business objectives.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Drive profitability through effective cost management and revenue optimization.
• Monitor financial performance and provide actionable insights to management.
• Ensure the bank consistently maintains all regulatory prudential ratios in line with microfinance banking requirements.
Accounting, Reporting & Returns Filing:
• Oversee preparation of accurate and timely financial statements.
• Ensure timely filing of statutory and regulatory returns (CBN returns, NDIC, tax filings, etc.).
• Maintain full compliance with IFRS standards and financial reporting requirements.
• Liaise with external auditors, regulators, and tax authorities.
Operations Management:
• Oversee daily banking operations including cash management, branch operations, and transaction processing.
• Drive operational efficiency and process optimization across all units.
• Implement and monitor SOPs and internal control frameworks.
• Ensure operational readiness, uptime, and business continuity.
Risk Management & Compliance:
• Establish and enforce strong internal controls to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Ensure full compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations and microfinance guidelines.
• Oversee credit risk processes and portfolio quality in collaboration with business teams.
• Monitor fraud risks and implement preventive measures.
Treasury & Liquidity Management:
• Manage liquidity, cash flow, and funding requirements of the bank.
• Optimize asset-liability management to ensure financial stability.
• Oversee investment activities and fund allocation strategies.
Leadership & Team Management:
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and operations teams.
• Drive a high-performance culture with clear KPIs and accountability.
• Ensure continuous training and capability development across teams.
Process Improvement & Systems:
• Drive automation and digital transformation across finance and operations.
• Ensure effective use of core banking systems and financial tools.
• Continuously identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Profitability & Cost-to-Income Ratio
• Financial Reporting Accuracy & Timeliness
• Liquidity & Cash Flow Management
• Operational Efficiency Metrics
• Portfolio Quality (PAR / NPL)
• Compliance & Audit Outcomes
• Process Turnaround Time
Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• ACA / ACCA certification is required.
• MCIB certification is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years experience strictly within a Microfinance Bank (MFB) with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role overseeing finance and/or operations.
• Strong knowledge of microfinance banking operations and regulatory requirements in Nigeria.
• Proven experience in financial planning, treasury management, and operational leadership.
• Strong understanding of risk management, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Must reside in Kano State, preferably within or around Dawakin Kudu and its environs.
Benefits
• Opportunity to lead finance and operations in a high-growth microfinance institution
• Direct impact on strategic and operational decision-making
• Fast-paced, performance-driven environment with strong growth potential
