Senior Finance Manager

The People Practice - Our client, a Top-tier Co-educational Secondary School, is recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Finance Manager

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full Time

Job Role

• Our client is seeking a Senior Finance Manager whose responsibility is to assist in coordinating, managing, and overseeing the school's fiscal affairs, supporting budget development, financial planning and reporting, payroll, taxation, capital management, operational data analysis, and other financial management programs.
• Serve as a key finance leader, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations while supporting the CFO in strategic financial decisions, including capital raising and debt management.

Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight & Support: Assist in managing the school's financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, payroll processing, taxation, capital management, and debt financing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial policies and regulations.
• Operational Data Analysis: Analyze operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost savings. Collaborate with other departments to interpret data and drive informed decision-making in both operational and financial planning.
• Tax Compliance & Liaison: Ensure compliance with tax regulations, including the preparation and timely filing of tax returns, remittance of statutory payments, and implementation of tax-efficient strategies. Liaise with tax authorities, respond to queries, and manage tax audits or assessments. 
• Capital Management & Debt Raising: Assist in the planning, strategy, and execution of capital raising activities, including debt financing, to support the school’s long-term growth and infrastructure needs. Work with the CFO to assess financial markets, structure debt deals, and maintain relationships with lenders and investors.
• Team Coordination: Support the direction, coordination, and evaluation of staff responsible for payroll, budget, finance, and accounting functions. Provide guidance to ensure operational efficiency and compliance.
• Strategic Financial Planning: Collaborate with the CFO and executive leadership to develop financial strategies, forecasts, and improvement initiatives aligned with the school's objectives.
• Budget Management: Support the development, review, and monitoring of the annual budget, including collecting and disseminating data, overseeing resource allocation, and preparing budget reports for stakeholders.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance: Assist in financial accounting and reporting activities, ensuring timely preparation of financial reports, periodic forecasts, and adherence to audit, regulatory, and tax requirements.
• Audit Coordination: Work closely with auditors, oversee responses to audit findings, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including board members, school leadership, parents, tax authorities, financial institutions, and community groups, to provide financial insights and recommendations.
• Policy & Process Improvement: Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies, administrative guidelines, and process enhancements to improve financial efficiency, transparency, and capital management.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Provide leadership and support to finance staff, conducting performance evaluations, mentoring team members, and promoting professional growth.
• Strategic Participation: Serve on workgroups, committees, and project teams that support financial initiatives and school-wide strategic goals.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the CFO or executive leadership.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. Degree in Accounting or Finance, ACA/ACCA/MBA is an added advantage.
• Minimum of ten (10) years accounting & finance experience.
• ICAN certification.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Experience with creating financial statement.
• Highest level of integrity, excellence & creativity.
• Knowledge and understanding of Nigerian Taxation Laws.
• Knowledge of Xero accounting ERP and ability to use the entire MS Office suite will be an added advantage.
• Must be able to work effectively with all levels of employees, including top, middle and supervisory levels of management. 

Must have skills:

• Excellent multi-tasking abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, vendors and clients.
• Must have demonstrated leadership and management skills.