Head, Compliance at Nile University of Nigeria

Responsibilities

• The Head, Compliance will lead the university\'s compliance strategy and operations, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, institutional policies, and ethical practices while safeguarding the university’s financial integrity and legal standing. The role will involve identifying and mitigating compliance risks, fostering a culture of accountability and integrity, and supporting the institution’s strategic objectives through robust governance frameworks.

He/she is expected to;

• Develop and implement a comprehensive compliance program aligned with the university’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. 
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Pro-Chancellor and Executive Management on all compliance-related matters, including regulatory updates and emerging risks. 
• Monitor changes in local, national, and international laws and regulations to ensure the university remains compliant with applicable legal requirements. 
• Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and implement corrective actions. 
• Establish and enforce university-wide compliance policies, procedures, and standards to promote accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct. 
• Oversee the development and delivery of compliance training programs for staff, faculty, and students to enhance awareness and understanding of compliance obligations. 
• Oversee adherence to accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP) and ensure accurate financial reporting and record-keeping
• Lead investigations into financial irregularities, fraud, or mismanagement, alleged violations of compliance policies or ethical standards, ensuring prompt resolution and appropriate corrective actions.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to facilitate audits and ensure timely implementation of recommendations. 
• Develop and manage the compliance budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support strategic priorities. 
• Foster a culture of compliance and ethics by promoting open communication channels and encouraging reporting of potential violations through whistleblower mechanisms.
• Oversee incident response efforts related to compliance breaches, ensuring effective mitigation and communication with stakeholders. 
• Prepare and present regular compliance reports to the Pro-Chancellor and relevant governance committees, highlighting key risks, trends, and performance metrics.

Qualification & Experience

• A Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• A recognized professional qualification such as ICAN, ACCA, CPA, CFA, or CIMA.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in financial compliance, auditing, or a related field, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in higher education, financial services, or a similarly regulated organizational environment is highly desirable. 
• Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) or equivalent certification. 
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent project management certification is a plus.
• Knowledge of Nigerian and international regulatory frameworks is essential