SENIOR FINANCIAL CONTROL OFFICER AT BAOBAB MICROFINANCE BANK

About Company:

Baobab Microfinance Bank is an investment company whose mission is to create a group of leading microfinance banks and finance companies in at least 15 countries by 2015 that will provide financial services and savings products to entrepreneurs who lack access to the traditional financial sector. Baobab was created in July 2005 by PlaNet Finance, and other investors including International Finance Corporation, AXA Belgium, and Societe Generale, with the European Investment Bank, the French Development Agency and Developing World Markets Joining later.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Description:

• The Senior Financial Control Officer is responsible for ensuring effective financial monitoring, budgetary control, and cost management across the organization.
• This role provides critical support in maintaining financial discipline through accurate reporting, reconciliations, audit support, and process documentation, contributing significantly to the Bank’s financial integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Budget Monitoring: Monitor departmental and overall budget utilization to ensure compliance with approved allocations. Flag potential overspending or underutilization trends and recommend corrective measures.
• Cost Control: Review and monitor expenses to ensure adherence to cost control strategies and financial targets.
• Cost & Variance Analysis: Conduct regular cost analysis to identify cost drivers, trends, and areas for potential savings. Perform monthly and quarterly variance analysis between actual and budgeted expenditures and explain key variances.
• Budget Reporting & Cost Analysis: Prepare and present monthly budget utilization and cost performance reports to management. Collaborate with departmental heads for real-time insights and financial advisory.
• Process Documentation & Filing: Maintain proper documentation of finance-related processes, approvals, and reports. Ensure timely filing and retrieval of key financial documents for audit and compliance purposes.
• Payment to suppliers: Ensure prompt payment of approved Opex and Capex to the suppliers.
• Financial Reporting Assistance: Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements. Contribute to the accuracy and completeness of financial data across reports.
• Audit Support (External and Internal): Assist with audit preparation, schedule preparation, and documentation. Follow up on audit findings to ensure timely closure and implementation of recommendations.
• General Ledger (GL) Reconciliation & Proof: Reconcile assigned GL accounts monthly and investigate discrepancies. Maintain reconciliation files and provide audit trails.
• Monthly & Year-End Close Process: Support monthly and year-end closing activities, including accruals, journals, and ledger reviews. Ensure timelines and accuracy in closing reports and schedules.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Economics, or related discipline.
• Professional certification (or in advanced stage) such as ACA, ACCA, AAT.
• Minimum of 5 - 10 years’ relevant experience in financial control, preferably in banking or financial services.
• Solid knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, and cost control
• Proficiency in Microsoft Advance Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and relevant accounting software (Sage X3, T24, or similar ERP)
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to manage tight deadlines.

Key Competencies:

• Budgeting and forecasting
• Financial analysis and reporting
• Strong reconciliation and documentation skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• High integrity and sense of ownership
• Teamwork and process orientation.

Salary

Application Closing Date: Not specified

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates should send their CV to: ng.recruitment@baobabgroup.com cc: bagbadu@baobab.com using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.