Financial Controller at Standard Chartered Bank

Job Summary

• As a senior member of the Finance team supporting the business in Nigeria, the primary focus of the role will be to provide leadership and direction on the control function and financial accounting functions of the Bank ensuring reports generated are in accordance with Local / international accounting standards and group guidelines.
• The individual will be responsible for the implementation of a control framework and infrastructure that ensures reporting, both Group and statutory, is of the highest standard and is delivered within a robust control environment. 

This entails:

• Ensuring compliance with all local statutory and regulatory reporting filings. 
• Maintaining a robust environment in accordance with the Financial Control Policy. 
• Ensuring that all matters relating to external reporting are undertaken in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the Group’s accounting policies and other regulatory guidelines 
• To ensure that Finance Hub delivers in accordance with the service level agreement.
• In liaison with Group Tax, ensure that the Bank’s taxation affairs are planned and managed so as to optimize the Bank’s position.
• Take ownership of ensuring a smooth relationship with all relevant regulators i.e. CBN, NDIC. FRCN, FIRS, LSIRS etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that an effective system of internal financial controls is established and maintained at all times in compliance with Group Financial Control policies. 
• Ensure all financial / fiduciary reporting obligations, including subsidiary reporting, are met on time and to a high quality.
• Apply Group accounting policies, standards, procedures and internal control practices across all activities in the country.
• Support the management of the balance sheet and liquidity and interest rate risk through the ALCO process ensuring compliance with all group and regulatory ratios and reporting requirements.
• Manage Financial Control risk across the bank and within the finance function through application of Group Financial Control Policy and the Risk Management Framework.
• Provide strong leadership to the Country Finance team, managing and developing the skills and careers of Finance professionals and building staff engagement through appropriate learning and development plans.
• Provide independent financial expertise, advice and challenge to the businesses and specialist functions.
• Involvement in the development and implementation of re-engineering initiatives impacting Country Finance functions in-country.
• Manage internal and external statutory audit requirements including rationale for accounting positions and analytical and risk reviews and forge a close and effective working relationship with the external auditors.
• Maintain an appropriate governance structure for the UK legal entities in coordination with Group Tax, Company Secretariat and Country Risk.
• Contribute to the management of the business as a member of the top management team.
• To provide the financial input for the formulation of the bank's Strategic Plan.
• Initiate and co-ordinate the formulation of the annual operating plans and budgets and monitor progress towards their 
•  achievement, drawing attention to important trends, and to opportunities to maximise income, reduce cost and minimize risk. 
• Ensure that the financial statements and returns prepared by the Hub are in accordance with statutory, regulatory and other requirements, and in accordance with group standards, procedures and timetables.
• Liaise with Hub Manager in development and running the Bank's financial and management information systems, recommending agreed variations for local use where relevant and necessary for implementation by Hub Manager.
• Work with the tax team to ensure that the taxation affairs of The Bank are planned and managed so as to optimize the Group’s position. 
• Improve the understanding of financial management issues by Business Unit/Segment Heads, Financial Managers and other Senior Managers within the Business.
• Monitor the operational and capital expenditure programmes to ensure adherence to budgeted limits.
• Support the Country Manager in interpreting, communicating and meeting local regulatory requirements.
• Keep up to date with local and international accounting developments through membership of professional bodies and contact with other members of the profession.
• Manage relationship with External Auditors including the negotiation of the scope of the audit, general liaison, the clearance of audit work and responding to and following up management letters.
• Monitor and decide on SLAs with the Hub
• Agree the recharge methodology with the Hub
• To ensure that Finance staff comply with applicable Group Control Standards and Local Regulatory Standards. 
• Maintain the highest professional financial management standards in the Bank
• Delivery of country budgets and strategic business plans.
• Accurate and timely delivery of Group and local reports 
• Adherence to Standard Chartered Bank Group Policy on financial and risk management, efficient balance sheet and capital management of the Bank.
• Management of bank tax position and compliance with all taxation legislation.
• Management of bank insurance arrangements to ensure all aspects of risk is adequately covered. 
• Maintenance of satisfactory control environment with audit grading of Acceptable or better.
• Timely and accurate reports for submission to local management and Board and other users of information.
• Timely production of detailed variance analysis of Bank’s operational performance.
• Adherence to Standard Chartered Bank Group policy on settlement of supplier’s invoices within the agreed timeframe.
• Timely production and submission of regulatory reports to the Central Bank and other users of information.
• Timely operational risk compliance reporting.

People and Talent (for People Leader roles only):

• Set direction and drive high performance by translating strategy into clear direction, aligning individual goals to team outcomes and providing regular, constructive feedback.
• Develop talent and capability through coaching and career conversations that build critical skills, stretch potential and prepare individuals for future opportunities.
• Lead by example by role-modelling the Bank’s valued behaviours, upholding strong risk and conduct standards, exercising sound judgment, and creating an inclusive team culture that supports wellbeing, values diverse perspectives, and drives accountability.

Qualifications

• Over 8 years’ experience in a senior financial management and administration position of a Bank or large commercialorganisation.
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, IFRS Standards, Group Accounting Policy, taxation and banking and exchange control legislation.
• Broad understanding of banking practice.
• Superior knowledge and experience in utilization of Information Technology in modern business.
• Good communications, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Effective manager & developer of staff
• Certifications / Qualifications (only where mandatory): ACCA, ICAN
• Languages: English.

Skills and Experience:

Must-have Skills:

• Regulatory & Compliance
• Risks & Controls
• External Reporting
• Performance Management
• Budget Management
• Accounting
• Effective Communication
• Capital Management.

Other Skills:

• Balance Sheet Management
• Tax Management
• Liquidity Management.

Motivations:

• Supportive leadership
• Clear goals and expectations
• Clear policies 
• Positive workplace culture