Finance Manager at Xcene Research

About the job

• Xcene Research is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Finance Manager to lead and manage our financial operations in Nigeria. This role will be responsible for overseeing the Nigerian Accounts Payable (AP) team, ensuring timely and accurate financial processing and reporting, leading the month-end close process, and maintaining strong collaboration with both the Budget and Compliance teams. The Finance Manager will bring structure and leadership to the Nigerian finance team, ensuring that all financial operations align with our standard operating procedures. 

Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the preparation of annual cash burn analysis, PI forecasts, and long-tern financial plans.
• Work closely with the Budget team to ensure accurate and timely tracking of Pass through budgets, vendors payments, and study related forecasts.

Financial Operations & Controls

• Lead the generation and management of fixed asset management 
• Oversea statutory tax filing and payments
• Oversee AP processes including vendor payments, investigator payments, and other disbursements.
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure proper documentation.
• Lead and manage the month-end and year-end close processes, including accruals, reconciliations, and journal entries.

Collaboration with Compliance

• Partner with the Compliance team to ensure financial processes adhere to sponsor, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Support audit activities by providing accurate, complete, and timely financial data and documentation.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop Nigerian finance team members, fostering a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
• Professional accounting certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA) strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Proven experience managing accounts payable functions.

Skills:

• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of GAAP/IFRS and Nigerian financial regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and problem-solving capability.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & People Management – Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a finance team.
• Analytical Thinking – Skilled in interpreting financial data to inform strategic decisions.
• Collaboration – Strong ability to work effectively with budget and compliance teams.
• Results Orientation – Focused on achieving timely and accurate financial outcomes.
• Adaptability – Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving research environment.Working Conditions
• Based in Nigeria with on-site presence required.
• Occasional travel for site visits, audits, or sponsor meetings.