Financial Controller at Airtel

Job Description

• The Financial Controller is responsible for safeguarding the financial health of Smartcash PSB by ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. The role oversees budgeting, accounting, audit, taxation, and financial systems, while maintaining a strong internal control environment. The incumbent will play a critical role in supporting strategic business decision-making, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks (CBN, IFRS, Companies Act, Banking Regulation Act), and driving operational excellence in finance. 

Responsibilities

Financial Governance & Reporting

• Develop, implement, and maintain financial and accounting policies, procedures, and controls aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Review and finalize statutory financial statements (Balance Sheet, P&L, Cash Flow, and Notes to Accounts).
• Release accounting guidelines/clarifications in response to evolving IFRS standards, CBN directives, and group reporting needs.
• Act as custodian of the Chart of Accounts and Financial Delegation of Authority (FDoA).

Regulatory Compliance & Audit

• Ensure strict compliance with internal control frameworks, governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with statutory, tax, and internal auditors to ensure successful and timely closure of audits.
• Guarantee timely filing of all statutory obligations, including VAT, WHT, CIT, PAYE, and other direct/indirect tax submissions.
• Drive cross-functional compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulators’ directives.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Support the CFO in preparing annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial models.
• Conduct variance analysis, profitability assessments, sensitivity testing, and scenario planning.
• Provide management with insightful financial reports and recommendations for strategic decision-making.
• Analyze trial balances, aging reports, impairment reviews, and working capital positions.

Accounting Operations & Systems

• Oversee the bookkeeping function across accounts payable, receivable, fixed assets, payroll, and reconciliations.
• Ensure completeness, accuracy, and integrity of financial data within the general ledger.
• Implement best-in-class accounting systems (Flexcube/Oracle) and ensure alignment with group IT/Finance architecture.
• Safeguard company financial information, ensuring robust data security and business continuity processes.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance & Accounts team to achieve professional excellence.
• Build cross-functional collaboration to ensure effective delivery of finance-related services.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement within the Finance function.

Qualifications

Educational Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Banking & Finance, or related discipline.
• ACA/CPA/CFA will be an advantage.

Relevant Experience

• 13–18 years of progressive experience in finance roles within banking, payments, or financial services.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or senior FINCON role in a CBN-regulated bank (mandatory).
• Strong track record in financial reporting, compliance, audit management, and team leadership.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of IFRS, CBN guidelines, and Nigerian tax regulations.
• Expertise in Flexcube Banking / Oracle Accounting systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Other requirements 

• High integrity, ethics, and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence, coach, and develop finance teams.
• Resilient under pressure with a structured, detail-oriented approach.
• Business acumen with a focus on delivering measurable results.