Operations Officer - MFB at CredPal

Purpose Statement

• We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Operations Officer with strong risk awareness and control experience to support the efficient day-to-day operations of our microfinance bank in Dawakin Kudu.
• The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring smooth transaction processing, maintaining strong operational controls, supporting compliance requirements, and proactively identifying and mitigating risks across operations.
• This role will work closely with and provide direct support to the Head of Finance & Operations, ensuring seamless execution of financial and operational activities across the branch.

Responsibilities

Daily Operations Management

• Process and monitor daily transactions including deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and loan disbursements.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all operational activities.
• Maintain proper documentation and record-keeping for all transactions.

Reconciliation & Reporting

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliations of accounts, cash, and transactions.
• Investigate, resolve, and escalate discrepancies promptly.
• Prepare and submit operational reports to the Head of Finance & Operations.

Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational and transaction risks across all activities.
• Ensure strict adherence to internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor and prevent fraud, errors, and irregular transactions.
• Escalate control breaches and recommend corrective actions.

Compliance & Regulatory Support

• Ensure adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support regulatory reporting and returns preparation as required.
• Maintain proper audit trails and documentation for all transactions.

Cash & Vault Management

• Manage cash handling processes including cash counts, balancing, and vault operations.
• Ensure proper cash control procedures are followed always.
• Monitor cash levels and escalate funding requirements where necessary.

Customer Service Support

• Provide prompt and professional support to customers on transactions and inquiries.
• Resolve customer issues efficiently and escalate where necessary.
• Ensure a seamless and positive customer experience.

Credit & Loan Operations Support

• Support loan processing, documentation, and disbursement activities.
• Ensure all credit files are complete and compliant with policy.
• Monitor loan repayments and flag overdue or high-risk accounts.

Support to Head of Finance & Operations

• Provide day-to-day operational and financial support to the Head of Finance & Operations.
• Assist with financial reporting, reconciliations, returns filing, and compliance activities.
• Support implementation of internal controls, SOPs, and process improvements.
• Ensure timely execution of directives and reporting requirements from management.

Process Improvement & Efficiency

• Identify gaps in operational processes and recommend improvements.
• Support implementation of SOPs and operational best practices.
• Ensure efficient use of banking systems and tools.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Transaction Accuracy Rate
• Reconciliation Timeliness & Accuracy
• Number of Risk Incidents / Control Breaches
• Compliance with Internal Controls
• Cash Management Accuracy
• Customer Service Turnaround Time
• Error & Exception Rates

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3years experience strictly within a Microfinance Bank (MFB).
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, internal controls, or operations risk within a microfinance environment.
• Strong understanding of microfinance banking operations, reconciliation, and transaction processes.
• Experience with fraud prevention, risk monitoring, and compliance controls in an MFB.
• Hands-on experience supporting regulatory reporting and returns filing specific to microfinance institutions (CBN, NDIC, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and core banking systems used in microfinance operations.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must reside in Kano State, preferably within or around Dawakin Kudu and its environs.