Chief Financial Officer at Elvaridah

Reports To: Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Job Summary

• The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic financial leadership and oversee all financial operations of the company, ensuring financial sustainability, profitability, and long-term growth.
• The role is responsible for financial planning, treasury management, project financing, investment analysis, financial reporting, risk management, and corporate governance across the company's real estate development portfolio.
• The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in real estate finance, project financing, capital raising, and financial strategy, with a strong understanding of the Nigerian real estate market and regulatory landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Develop and implement the company's financial strategy in alignment with business objectives and growth plans.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on financial and investment matters.
• Lead long-term financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• Drive business profitability and optimize capital allocation across projects.

Financial Planning & Analysis:

• Prepare and manage annual budgets, financial forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Conduct financial modelling and feasibility studies for new real estate developments and investments.
• Monitor project profitability, return on investment (ROI), and internal rate of return (IRR).
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Treasury and Cash Flow Management:

• Oversee the company's treasury function and manage liquidity across multiple projects.
• Develop and implement robust cash flow management strategies.
• Ensure adequate working capital to support ongoing and future developments.
• Monitor and optimize the company's capital structure and financing arrangements.

Project Finance and Capital Raising:

• Structure and secure financing for real estate development projects through banks, investors, private equity firms, and financial institutions.
• Negotiate loan facilities, project financing agreements, and investment partnerships.
• Manage relationships with lenders, investors, and financial stakeholders.
• Evaluate and execute alternative funding strategies to support business expansion.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Ensure timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, tax regulations, and all statutory reporting requirements.
• Present financial reports and performance updates to the Executive Management Team and Board of Directors.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure the implementation of recommendations.

Risk Management and Internal Controls:

• Develop and implement robust financial controls and risk management frameworks.
• Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and investment risks.
• Manage foreign exchange exposure and interest rate risks where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance policies and regulatory requirements.

Investment and Portfolio Management:

• Conduct investment appraisals and due diligence for acquisitions and development opportunities.
• Evaluate the financial viability of proposed projects and investments.
• Monitor project performance against approved budgets and financial targets.
• Provide recommendations on asset optimization and portfolio growth strategies.

Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting teams.
• Foster a high-performance and accountability-driven culture within the finance function.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with investors, financial institutions, regulators, and external advisors.
• Collaborate effectively with other business units to achieve organizational objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue and profitability growth.
• Project ROI and IRR achievement.
• Cash flow adequacy and liquidity management.
• Capital raising and financing success rate.
• Budget adherence and cost optimization.
• Timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Reduction in financial and operational risks.
• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Working capital efficiency.
• Investor and stakeholder satisfaction.

Qualifications and Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Master's degree (MBA, MSc Finance, or related field) is highly preferred.

Professional Certifications

• ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification is required.
• CFA certification will be an added advantage.

Experience

• 8-15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 7 years in a senior financial leadership role.
• Experience within the real estate, property development, construction, or infrastructure sector.
• Demonstrated experience in project financing, capital raising, investment management, and treasury operations.
• Proven experience managing large-scale real estate development projects and complex financial transactions.