Our client in the Manufacturing industry is seeking to recruit a Chief Financial Officer.The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic executive responsible for overseeing the company’s financial operations, accounting systems, and overall fiscal health. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and working closely with the Board of Directors, the CFO provides leadership in financial planning, risk management, compliance, and operational efficiency.The role is central to ensuring the mission to produce high-quality, locally manufactured footwear while driving sustainable growth, profitability, and social impact.Key Responsibilities1. Financial Strategy and LeadershipDevelop and implement financial strategies aligned with the vision for growth and operational excellence.Partner with the CEO to identify financial opportunities and risks, providing recommendations to drive corporate objectives.Advise the Board of Directors on long-term financial planning, market expansion, and investment strategies.Oversee the development of budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics to track progress toward company goals.2. Accounting and ReportingEnsure the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Nigerian regulations.Supervise the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes, ensuring error-free and transparent reporting.Coordinate external audits, ensuring all regulatory and statutory compliance requirements are met.Develop and maintain robust internal reporting systems, providing actionable insights for management and stakeholders.3. Management AccountsLead the preparation of detailed management accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow analyses.Collaborate with departmental heads to create budgets and monitor performance against forecasts.Conduct cost and profitability analysis, ensuring the business achieves financial efficiency and competitive pricing.Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including manufacturing efficiency, cost-per-unit metrics, and inventory turnover.Manage cash flow and working capital through rolling forecasts to ensure operational liquidity.4. Risk Management and ComplianceIdentify and mitigate financial risks, including currency fluctuations, regulatory changes, and market volatility.Ensure the organisation complies with tax laws, reporting requirements, and corporate governance standards.Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent financial mismanagement or fraud.5. Operational and Financial ManagementDirect treasury functions, optimising cash reserves and ensuring efficient use of financial resources.Collaborate with manufacturing operations to improve cost management and production efficiency.Oversee supply chain financing and procurement strategies to enhance cost savings.Drive initiatives to adopt financial technologies and systems for improved reporting and decision-making.6. Investor and Stakeholder RelationsServe as the financial spokesperson for the organisation, liaising with investors, financial institutions, and external stakeholders.Prepare presentations and financial summaries for board meetings, communicating financial health and future projections.Build and maintain strong relationships with auditors, regulators, and financial partners.7. Team Leadership and DevelopmentBuild, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.Conduct regular training sessions to ensure the team is updated on financial regulations, tools, and best practices.Develop succession plans to ensure the sustainability of the finance function.8. Funding Requirements and ESG Grant OversightDevelop and execute funding strategies to support the growth and expansion, with the goal of achieving a valuation of 150 billion within three years.Identify and secure appropriate funding sources, including equity investments, debt financing, and partnerships with financial institutions.Oversee grant funding applications and compliance, particularly for projects related to sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.Build relationships with international and local ESG-focused funds, sustainable finance organizations, and impact investors.Ensure efficient allocation and reporting of grant and funding proceeds to align with corporate goals and external stakeholder expectations.Lead presentations and negotiations with potential investors, providing financial models and growth projections to support funding proposals.Monitor the financial health of all funded projects, ensuring alignment with profitability and sustainability objectives.Work with the CEO and Board of Directors to ensure funding strategies align with long-term strategic goals and operational needs9. Establish Financial Models for Savings and Secure Investment FundsDevelop and implement financial strategies and models to ensure the organisation saves up to $10 million in a secured interest-bearing fund over the next five years.Work with financial institutions to identify low-risk, high-yield investment opportunities that align with the company’s goals for secure capital growth.Allocate portions of company profits into dedicated savings and investment accounts to build a financial reserve for future expansion, sustainability initiatives, or unforeseen challenges.Monitor and manage the performance of the secured funds, ensuring consistent growth while mitigating risks.Provide regular updates to the CEO and Board of Directors on the progress of savings, investment returns, and adherence to the long-term financial plan.Establish policies and guidelines to safeguard the saved funds, ensuring they are accessible only for approved strategic purposes.Align the savings strategy with the goal of achieving a 150 billion valuation, ensuring adequate reserves for expansion and operational stabilityReporting Structure and RelationshipsReporting to the CEOPartner with the CEO to align financial strategies with corporate goals, including pricing, cost management, and investment decisions.Provide regular updates on financial performance, risks, and opportunities to inform the CEO’s decision-making.Relationship with the Board of DirectorsPresent detailed financial reports, budgets, and strategic recommendations during board meetings.Ensure the Board is aware of financial risks, compliance updates, and progress against strategic objectives.Collaborate with the Board on strategic initiatives, such as market expansion, mergers, or acquisitions.Collaboration with Other DepartmentsWork with the operations team to optimize production costs and ensure efficient inventory management.Partner with the marketing and sales departments to evaluate revenue-generating activities and set achievable targets.Align financial resources with HR needs to fund recruitment, training, and staff welfare programs.General Expectations and Organizational Control1. Strategic Contributor: Drive the financial vision to support its mission of creating high-quality, locally manufactured footwear while maintaining profitability and sustainability.2. Transparency and Accountability: Maintain the highest standards of financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and ethical practices.3. Operational Efficiency: Lead cost-reduction initiatives, particularly in manufacturing and supply chain processes, while maintaining product quality.4. Innovation: Identify and implement modern financial tools and technologies to enhance efficiency and decision-making.5. Data-Driven Decisions: Use financial data and analysis to support operational, product, and market strategies.6. Robust Control Environment: Implement and monitor financial controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulations.RequirementsQualifications and ExperienceEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master’s/MBA preferred).Professional Certification: Chartered Accountant (CA), CFA, ACCA, or CPA certification is highly desirable.Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a manufacturing or retail environment.Technical Skills: Expertise in financial modeling, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.Soft Skills: Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
