JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Head of Financial Control
Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer
Department: Financial Control Department
Team Size: 13 Headcount
Direct Oversight
The Head of Financial Control is accountable for the leadership and performance of:
- General Accounting (3 HC)
- Financial Reporting & Compliance (2 HC)
- AP/AR and Payroll Section (3 HC)
- Internal Controls & Governance Function (4 HC)
Job Summary
The Head of Financial Control is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Company's financial records, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, transaction processing, payroll administration, and internal control environment. The role provides leadership across all financial control functions and partners closely with the CFO to ensure strong financial governance, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and protection of the Company's assets.
As a key member of the Finance leadership team, the position supports the growth of the business by maintaining robust accounting processes, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Accounting & General Ledger Management
- Direct and oversee all general accounting activities.
- Ensure accurate recording of financial transactions in accordance with applicable accounting standards and company policies.
- Oversee month-end, quarter-end, semi-annual, and year-end closing activities.
- Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and ledger integrity.
- Ensure timely resolution of accounting issues and reconciling items.
- Maintain an effective chart of accounts and accounting policies.
2. Financial Reporting & Regulatory Compliance
- Lead the preparation and review of monthly management reports and annual financial statements.
- Ensure compliance with IFRS, local accounting standards, tax regulations, and other statutory requirements.
- Oversee preparation and submission of regulatory reports required by the SEC and other government agencies.
- Ensure all tax filings, remittances, and regulatory submissions are accurate and timely.
- Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and tax authorities.
3. Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Payroll Oversight
- Oversee vendor payments and disbursement processes.
- Ensure proper controls over accounts payable and accounts receivable activities.
- Monitor cash disbursements and payment approval processes.
- Provide oversight of payroll processing and payroll-related compliance.
- Ensure payroll accuracy, confidentiality, and timely salary releases.
- Review payroll reconciliations and related statutory contributions.
4. Internal Controls & Governance
- Establish and maintain a strong internal control framework across all finance processes.
Oversee the timely completion and review of Head Office and Branch Bank Reconciliations, ensuring significant issues are promptly resolved.
Ensure all Balance Sheet accounts are properly reconciled, supported, and reviewed in accordance with company policies and reporting requirements.
Monitor and drive the resolution of outstanding reconciling items, suspense accounts, and other balance sheet exceptions.
Strengthen internal controls by identifying risks, addressing control gaps, and implementing improvement initiatives.
Partner with Internal Audit, Risk, and Operations teams to promote compliance, safeguard company assets, and maintain an effective control environment.
5. Audit & External Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the primary finance lead during external audits and regulatory examinations.
- Coordinate audit schedules, requests, and deliverables.
- Ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
- Maintain productive relationships with external auditors, banking partners, regulators, and tax authorities.
6. Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop the Financial Control Department.
- Establish performance goals and development plans for team members.
- Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
- Drive automation initiatives and process enhancements.
7. Strategic Support
- Partner with the CFO on financial governance initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost optimization.
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to support business decisions.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy, Finance, or related discipline.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an advantage but not required.
- MBA or postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, or financial control.
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership or managerial capacity.
- Experience in financial services, banking, lending, microfinance, fintech, or other related and regulated industries.
- Experience in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, payroll oversight, and internal controls.