Senior Finance Manager at Rainbow Educational Services Limited

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Oversight & Support: Assist in managing the school's financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, payroll processing, taxation, capital management, and debt financing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial policies and regulations.
• Operational Data Analysis: Analyze operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost savings. Collaborate with other departments to interpret data and drive informed decision-making in both operational and financial planning.
• Tax Compliance & Liaison: Ensure compliance with tax regulations, including the preparation and timely filing of tax returns, remittance of statutory payments, and implementation of tax-efficient strategies. Liaise with tax authorities, respond to queries, and manage tax audits or assessments.
• Capital Management & Debt Raising: Assist in the planning, strategy, and execution of capital raising activities, including debt financing, to support the school’s long-term growth and infrastructure needs. Work with the CFO to assess financial markets, structure debt deals, and maintain relationships with lenders and investors.
• Team Coordination: Support the direction, coordination, and evaluation of staff responsible for payroll, budget, finance, and accounting functions. Provide guidance to ensure operational efficiency and compliance.
• Strategic Financial Planning: Collaborate with the CFO and executive leadership to develop financial strategies, forecasts, and improvement initiatives aligned with the school's objectives.
• Budget Management: Support the development, review, and monitoring of the annual budget, including collecting and disseminating data, overseeing resource allocation, and preparing budget reports for stakeholders.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance: Assist in financial accounting and reporting activities, ensuring timely preparation of financial reports, periodic forecasts, and adherence to audit, regulatory, and tax requirements.
• Audit Coordination: Work closely with auditors, oversee responses to audit findings, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including board members, school leadership, parents, tax authorities, financial institutions, and community groups, to provide financial insights and recommendations.
• Policy & Process Improvement: Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies, administrative guidelines, and process enhancements to improve financial efficiency, transparency, and capital management.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Provide leadership and support to finance staff, conducting performance evaluations, mentoring team members, and promoting professional growth.
• Strategic Participation: Serve on workgroups, committees, and project teams that support financial initiatives and school-wide strategic goals.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the CFO or executive leadership.

Qualifications & Skills:

• B.Sc. in Accounting or Finance, ACA/ACCA/MBA is an added advantage.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of accounting & finance experience.
• ICAN certification
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Experience with creating financial statements
• Highest level of integrity, excellence & creativity
• Excellent multi-tasking abilities
• Knowledge and understanding of Nigerian Taxation Laws
• Knowledge of Xero accounting ERP and the ability to use the entire MS Office suite will be an added advantage.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, vendors, and clients
• Must have demonstrated leadership and management skills.
• Must be able to work effectively with all levels of employees, including top, middle, and supervisory levels of management.