Overview
Head of Finance Jobs in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria at Lightway Finance
Title: Head of Finance
Company: Lightway Finance
Location: Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
The Opportunity
We are seeking a visionary and highly technical financial leader to steer our global financial strategy. As the most senior financial officer within the organization, you will be responsible for the stewardship of our financial health, regulatory integrity, and strategic growth. This role demands a rare blend of deep technical accounting expertise, rigorous regulatory knowledge, and the executive presence to interface with boards and international regulators.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Financial Leadership
• Direct all aspects of the group’s financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term capital management.
• Provide executive-level analysis on investment strategies, liquidity management, and international expansion.
• Advise the Board of Directors on the financial implications of business activities and strategic decisions.
2. Regulatory Compliance & Governance
• Ensure absolute compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policies and reporting requirements for financial institutions.
• Oversee financial conduct and prudential reporting in alignment with UK financial licensing standards (FCA/PRA), ensuring the firm maintains its "fit and proper" standing across jurisdictions.
• Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external audits and regulatory examinations.
3. Financial Reporting & Control
• Oversee the preparation of all financial statements in strict accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
• Maintain a robust internal control environment to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial data across banking and payment platforms.
• Manage complex tax strategies and cross-border financial flows between West African and European entities.
4. Treasury & Risk Management
• Optimize the company’s balance sheet, managing liquidity risk, interest rate risk, and foreign exchange exposure.
• Develop and implement sophisticated risk management frameworks tailored to the Fintech/Payments sector.
Required Qualifications & Experience
• Professional Certification: Must be a Chartered Accountant (ICAN, ACCA, or CPA) with a valid practicing license.
• Educational Background: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics. An MBA or relevant Master's degree is highly preferred.
• Industry Experience: Minimum of 12–15 years of progressive experience in the Banking, Fintech, or Digital Payments sectors.
• Regulatory Mastery: Proven track record of managing relationships and reporting with the CBN and a deep understanding of UK financial regulations.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of IFRS is non-negotiable. Experience with automated core banking systems and sophisticated ERPs is essential.
Core Competencies
Integrity: Unwavering ethical standards in financial reporting and transparency.
Strategic Vision: The ability to look beyond the balance sheet to drive business growth.
Global Mindset: Comfort navigating the nuances of different international financial markets.
Communication: Ability to distill complex financial data into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
Work Environment
This is an executive-level position requiring a presence in both our local and international corridors. The successful candidate will be expected to drive financial excellence in a fast-paced, high-innovation environment where technology and traditional banking intersect.