Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer at Malaria Consortium

Job purpose

The post holder supports the Programmes Compliance Manager on the management oversight of ensuring adequate filing and submission of all forms of monthly and annual statutory returns with relevant agencies. Example, remittances and filing of statutory deductions, filing of audited annual financial accounts and data audits, risk management and internal controls. In doing so, the post supports the compliance unit with end-to-end oversight of monthly and annual filings of statutory deductions and management across the country operations in line with applicable laws and Malaria Consortium’s policies.

The role holder will act as the tax and other statutory deductions focal point for Malaria Consortium in Nigeria and as the key compliance personnel for operations and other functions on statutory deduction matters.

Scope of work

The Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer is responsible for keeping management abreast of regulatory changes and developments in the regulatory environment, documenting compliance-related processes and maintaining records. The objective of the role is to develop and enact regulatory compliance strategies to ensure that Malaria Consortium does not suffer any penalties due to late or non-filing of relevant returns because of omissions or commissions.

The position holder will act as the focal point for statutory and regulatory compliance and controls within the country office in Nigeria.

Key working relationships

The Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer reports to the Programmes Compliance Manager. He/she will regularly interact with the senior management team (WCAPC, SCTC, Country Finance Manager, COM, HR Manager) to determine compliance-related priorities.

The Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer will be required to work with the regulatory agencies to keep abreast of relevant statutes & regulations and liaise with relevant functions, partners, and colleagues at Malaria Consortium to ensure the requirements are met.

Key accountabilities

Statutory and Regulatory Compliance (55%)

• Working with the Programmes Compliance Manager to support management and staff to identify and manage regulatory risks.
• Support management to implement organizational policies, standards, and procedures in line with local regulations.
• The post-holder will help management to track and ensure compliance with relevant laws and statutes that affect Malaria Consortium’s operations.
• Responsible for the reconciliations with relevant statutory bodies/government agencies all Nigeria statutory deduction matters, including ensuring tax returns.
• Working with relevant function (e.g., finance) the post holder will ensure that accurate prepared and filed on time and necessary review managed effectively.
• Monitor and ensure the organization's compliance with all statutory national, and international regulations, laws, and standards.
• Responsible for filing of all statutory deductions which are accurately prepared on a timely basis.
• Maintain accurate records of compliance activities, violations, and corrective actions taken.
• Maintain a log of project and statutory audit findings, follow up and track implementation.
• Work regularly with HR to ensure that payroll is in alignment with all statutory reductions.
• Support State team (field Finance Officers) to ensure that Malaria Consortium is compliant with local regulations.
• Work closely with country finance team to review and keep up to date the implementation of the country statutory obligations.

Main interactions with other functions and regulatory agencies (25%)

• Maintaining open lines of communication with all relevant decision makers and stakeholders to keep all parties informed of regulatory changes.
• Organizing regular training sessions for employees to efficiently communicate key regulatory changes and updates.
• Ensuring standards through disciplinary policies to ensure the organization achieves and maintains government compliance.
• Work with State Internal Revenue Services and other regulatory authorities at state levels to ensure relevant compliance.
• Facilitate annual certification from regulatory authorities issued to Malaria Consortium on an annual basis. These include (CAC, TCC, PENCOM,) etc.
• Develop and prepare correspondence and documentation to support the Nigerian entities’ tax and other statutory compliance checks, reviews, and audits.

Continuous improvement (15%)

• Assist in ensuring compliance with following internal and external processes, including identifying training needs for staff, and providing training as required.
• Develop continuous technical skills by remaining up to date on trends, new developments and regulatory authorities’ decisions and applying those learnings to improve Malaria Consortium compliance, suggest policies that legally optimise cost savings for Malaria Consortium .
• Interpret and implement new tax rules/amendments and train Financial Control, Financial Planning and Analysis, and Risk & Compliance Teams on the new rules and processes required.

Reporting (5%)

• Report on statutory and regulatory requirements and the implementation of prompt compliance action plans to the Programmes Compliance Manager

Person specification

Qualifications and experience:

Essential

• Business/Public Administration, Auditing/Accountancy, Programme Management, Law and any relevant social science degree
• An accredited qualification in regulatory and compliance assurance will be advantageous.
• In-depth experience and technical knowledge of statutory deductions in Nigeria.
• Appreciable knowledge of employee deductions.
• Minimum of five years’ experience, with at least three years as a regulatory compliance officer/specialist, or similar
• Significant experience of working with donors and Grants.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the NGO sector
• Experience of working in an international context
• Knowledge of Global Fund, BMGF, and FCDO rules and regulation including the financial and technical reporting requirements
• Certification in Compliance and Risk Management preferred.

Work-based skills:

Essential

• Experience working in a regulatory compliance environment.
• Excellent computer skills with high proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• A proven ability to work independently and prioritise and manage your workload to complete assessments and deliver timely reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a readiness to take initiative to resolve issues.
• Attention to detail to deliver accurate and credible results and objective assurance.
• Good interpersonal skills with a persuasive, diplomatic and confident manner while also demonstrating the tenacity to effectively challenge management. An ability to build effective working relationships and provide advice at all levels.
• Fluent English with effective communication and listening skills. The ability to prepare and deliver impactful oral and written reports.
• Good knowledge of the Nigeria tax, pension, housing, and labour laws
• Basic knowledge of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant privacy regulations
• Proven track record of integrity
• Committed to the organisational mission and values.

Desirable

• Working knowledge of accounting software
• Confident being a role model for others.
• Willing to travel to the field at short notice.
• Team player