Risk & Compliance Officer at The People Practice

• Our client, one of Nigeria’s major conglomerates, is looking to hire a Risk & Compliance Officer who will support the effective management of the Group’s risk, control, and compliance frameworks, ensuring adherence to internal policies, statutory requirements, and regulatory standards.
• The role combines responsibilities for risk monitoring, internal control testing, compliance tracking, and tax/regulatory support. It is designed for an experienced officer (typically with 2–4 years of relevant experience) who can operate independently, provide analytical insights, and support the Risk Manager in strengthening the Group’s governance and control environment.

Responsibilities

Risk & Internal Control

• Maintain and periodically update the Group’s risk register, tracking mitigation actions and reporting status.
• Conduct control reviews and spot checks to assess compliance with policies and procedures.
• Support the Risk Manager in preparing risk dashboards and periodic risk reports.
• Assist in investigating control breaches or irregularities and recommend corrective measures.
• Follow up on internal and external audit recommendations, ensuring timely closure of actions.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Maintain a compliance calendar covering all statutory, regulatory, and internal policy obligations.
• Track and ensure timely filing of statutory returns (FIRS, LIRS, VAT, WHT, PAYE, CIT, CAC, PENCOM, ITF).
• Support the Risk Manager in liaising with tax consultants, regulators, and auditors.
• Monitor regulatory changes (FIRS, LIRS, SEC, CBN, PENCOM, ITF, etc.), summarising key updates and implications for management.
• Maintain documentation and evidence to support compliance certifications, filings, and inspections.
• Coordinate compliance reporting from portfolio companies and ensure consistency with Group standards.

Risk & Investment Oversight Support

• Assist the Risk Manager in monitoring investment, liquidity, and counterparty risks.
• Support risk data collection for proprietary positions, treasury operations, and portfolio risk analysis.
• Maintain working papers and evidence for investment and financial risk assessments.

Audit & Assurance

• Assist in planning and coordinating internal control reviews across departments and portfolio companies.
• Prepare audit schedules, control testing documentation, and working papers.
• Support the Risk Manager in liaison with internal and external auditors during audit cycles.

Collaboration & Service Delivery

• Work closely with HGL departments to ensure policies, controls, and compliance standards are adhered to.
• Liaise with portfolio company finance teams to provide guidance, templates, and reminders for risk and compliance submissions.
• Respond to queries from auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders promptly and professionally.

Learning & Development

• Build advanced understanding of risk management, internal control, and compliance frameworks.
• Develop skills in data analysis, risk reporting, and regulatory interpretation.
• Work towards professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CITN, CISA, CIA, or equivalent).
• Participate in training, coaching, and professional development activities.
• Perform any duties as directed by the Risk Manager and the CFO 

Qualifications

• First degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related discipline.
• 2–4 years’ work experience in audit, compliance, risk management, or tax/regulatory roles (experience from a Big 4, financial institution, or holding company an advantage).
• Progress towards a professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CITN, CISA, CIA, or equivalent) required.
• Knowledge of Nigerian tax, regulatory, and governance requirements (FIRS, LIRS, CAC, PENCOM, ITF, etc.).
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Good understanding of risk management, internal control, and compliance principles.

Must have skills

• Strong analytical, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Collaborative and proactive team player
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in multiple concurrent tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organisation and ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Demonstrated integrity and professional ethics in handling sensitive information.