Chief Financial Officer at Primera Africa Finance Group

Job Description

• The CFO role oversees the entire financial management, regulatory compliance, and strategic direction of the bank, working closely with the CEO and Board to drive financial stability, growth, and digital transformation. It leads financial planning, budgeting, treasury, taxation, and IFRS reporting while ensuring full compliance with CBN and other regulatory bodies. The position manages financial and operational risks, oversees digital banking financial controls, and guides funding strategies, investor relations, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the role strengthens corporate governance, supports audit processes, and builds a high-performing finance team to ensure operational excellence and sustainable profitability.

Requirements

• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute financial and digital transformation strategies.
• Lead budgeting, financial forecasting, capital planning, and overall financial strategy.
• Ensure full compliance with all CBN, NDIC, EFCC, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Oversee IFRS-compliant financial reporting, treasury operations, and liquidity management.
• Manage loan portfolio quality, provisioning, NPL oversight, and financial controls.
• Implement financial risk management frameworks covering credit, market, and liquidity risks.
• Provide financial oversight for digital banking platforms, automation, and fin-tech partnerships.
• Manage funding strategy, deposits mobilization, capital raising, and relationships with DFIs/investors.
• Drive corporate governance, audit coordination, and effective Board-level financial communication.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing finance team while managing key stakeholders and investors.

OTHER REQUIREMENT

• Minimum 12-15 years of progressive financial management experience
• At least 5-7 years in senior financial leadership roles (CFO, Finance Director, Group Financial Controller, or equivalent)
• Proven experience in Nigerian banking, microfinance, or financial services sector
• Experience managing CBN regulatory compliance and examinations
• Experience with digital banking or fin-tech operations (advantageous)

MANDATORY:

• Active membership/fellowship of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) - ACA/FCA, OR
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - ACCA/FCCA

HIGHLY DESIRABLE:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Certification in Risk Management (FRM, CIPM)
• Certification in Corporate Governance
• Member of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)
• Certification in AML/CFT compliance

Technical Skills:

• Expert knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Nigerian GAAP
• Deep understanding of CBN prudential guidelines and regulations for microfinance banks
• Advanced financial modelling, analysis, and forecasting capabilities
• Proficiency in risk management frameworks (Basel, COSO, ISO 31000)
• Strong knowledge of core banking systems and digital banking platforms
• Expertise in treasury management and Asset-Liability Management (ALM)
• Comprehensive understanding of Nigerian tax laws and regulations
• Knowledge of audit methodologies and internal control frameworks
• Proficiency in financial management software and ERP systems
• Understanding of microfinance operations and development finance principles

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship building
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• High emotional intelligence and executive presence
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Decision-making under pressure and in ambiguous situations
• Change management and digital transformation leadership
• Integrity, ethics, and professional conduct

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Banking & Finance, or related field from a recognized university
• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA - Finance), Accounting, or Finance (highly preferred)