Head of Finance at H. Pierson Associates

Job Summary: 

• Our client seeks a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on Head of Finance to oversee all financial functions within its oil & gas operations. The ideal candidate will bring versatile experience across finance disciplines, including financial planning & analysis (FP&A), treasury, project finance, cost control, compliance, and investor relations. Crucially, the candidate should possess a strong foundation in AI-powered analytics to optimize performance and drive strategic decision-making across the organization. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Originate and execute profitable oil and gas trading deals across West Africa, including spot and term contracts. 
• Lead the company’s overall financial strategy, planning, budgeting, and forecasting in alignment with business goals. 
• Develop a comprehensive AI adoption strategy for finance functions, ensuring alignment with industry standards and company objectives. 
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, treasury, taxation, and reporting. 
• Oversee AI-powered financial data management systems for accuracy, security, and compliance. 
• Partner with IT/Data Science teams to develop intelligent dashboards, real-time analytics, and automated financial reporting tools. 
• Apply AI insights to improve supply chain management, fuel trading, inventory control, and OPEX/CAPEX analysis. 
• Position the company as a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge AI solutions within the Oil & Gas sector 
• Use AI-driven insights to evaluate and prioritize funding for renewable energy projects and sustainable practices. 
• Manage capital raising efforts, including project financing, debt structuring, and investor engagement. 
• Provide commercial support to trading, operations, and project teams by developing financial models, feasibility analyses, and pricing strategies. 
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with IFRS and industry best practices. 
• Monitor and optimize cash flow, working capital, and funding for ongoing operations and capital projects. 
• Oversee compliance with tax, regulatory, audit, and internal control requirements across jurisdictions. 
• Drive implementation and improvement of ERP systems, financial processes, and controls. 
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team. 
• Provide key insights and presentations to executive leadership and the board for strategic decisions. 

Key Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA) or professional certifications (ACCA, CFA, CPA) are strongly preferred. 
• 10–15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the Oil & Gas sector. 
• Versatile experience across upstream, midstream, or downstream segments (e.g., E&P, refining, trading, logistics). 
• Strong background in financial management, project evaluation, CAPEX/OPEX control, and cost recovery (especially for upstream or joint venture operations). 
• Proven track record in capital raising, including working with banks, DFIs, investors, and financial advisors. 
• Demonstrated experience deploying AI or advanced analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Alteryx, SAP Analytics Cloud, or custom ML models). 
• Strong knowledge of financial systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, NetSuite) and digital transformation best practices. 
• In-depth knowledge of tax structures, joint venture accounting, crude lifting, and royalty regimes applicable in Nigeria and West Africa. 
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle, etc.), and financial modeling tools. 
• Experience working with regulatory bodies such as FIRS, NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NEITI is a plus.