Finance Lead

Our client is a trusted provider of alternative clean energy solutions, serving both household and commercials client across Sub-Saharan Africa. They specialise in delivering end-to-end solar solutions through scalable and cost-effective platforms, positioning them as a leading provider of solar home systems and energy services in the region.

Role Summary

Our client is seeking a Finance Lead who is both a seasoned operator and a deal-maker. This person will own the full finance function, day-to-day operations, compliance, and reporting, while also leading our client's debt management and fundraising activities. They will manage a junior Finance Officer and serve as the primary finance interface for the MD, Chairman, banking partners, and development finance institutions. The financial systems and models are already in place; what our client needs is someone who can run them with precision, interpret what they produce, and simultaneously open and close financing relationships that fuel the company's growth.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Financial Operations

• Oversee and quality-check the full month-end close process, journals, reconciliations, and accruals, ensuring the junior Finance Officer executes to a high standard
• Manage and review back-end settlement processes; ensure all PAYG transactions are reconciled against ANGAZA and bank records daily
• Maintain the dual-currency (NGN/USD) accounting framework, monitoring FX exposure and flagging risks proactively
• Ensure all payment approvals, expense processing, and internal controls are followed without exception
• Manage accounts payable and receivable; ensure no backlogs accumulate

Reporting and Financial Interpretation

• Read, interpret, and act on daily and weekly system-generated financial reports; the models exist; this role uses them intelligently
• Prepare clear, concise management summaries for the MD and Chairman, flagging variances, risks, and decisions required
• Contribute financial data to the Monday MD dashboard; maintain always-current visibility of our clients' financial position
• Prepare monthly management accounts and present findings to leadership with recommended actions

Debt Management and Loan Facilities

• Personally manage all existing loan facilities, tracking repayment schedules, covenant compliance, and lender communications
• Lead negotiations on new debt facilities with commercial banks, DFIs, and other lenders, personally sitting across the table and closing terms
• Manage due diligence processes for new borrowing, documentation, financial projections, and lender Q&A
• Monitor and manage covenant compliance across all active facilities; escalate risks to the Chairman before they become issues
• Maintain strong, proactive relationships with all banking partners

Fundraising and Investor Engagement

• Support the Chairman and MD in identifying and pursuing fundraising opportunities, grants, equity, and debt instruments
• Prepare financial information packages, investment memoranda, and pitch support for DFI and investor meetings
• Lead engagement with DFIs, including REA, NEP, USAID, IFC, and other relevant institutions
• Build and maintain relationships with development finance and impact investing contacts in Nigeria's energy access ecosystem

Compliance and Controls

• Ensure full FIRS compliance: VAT, WHT, and CIT filed accurately and on time
• Manage external auditor relationships; maintain audit-ready documentation at all times
• Oversee PFA pension remittances and all statutory deductions
• Design and enforce robust internal financial controls appropriate for a growing PAYG business

Team Leadership

• Directly manage, develop, and quality-check the junior Finance Officer
• Set clear priorities and standards; review work before it is filed or submitted
• Build the finance function's capability as our client grows

Education, Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics
• ACA (ICAN) / ACCA, qualified or minimum part-qualified
• Minimum 6 years of finance experience, including management responsibility
• Has personally negotiated at least one loan facility with a bank or DFI, led it, and did not just support it
• Strong hands-on reconciliation, settlement, and month-end close experience
• Dual-currency (NGN/USD) accounting experience
• FIRS compliance: VAT, WHT, CIT
• IFRS / NGAAP proficiency
• Experience managing or developing junior finance staff

Strongly Preferred

• PAYG solar, off-grid energy, or energy access sector experience
• Familiarity with ANGAZA or similar PAYG platform financial reporting
• DFI engagement track record: REA, NEP, USAID, IFC, or equivalen
• Microfinance, fintech, or last-mile finance background
• Experience in a lean SME environment, not only in large corporates
• Existing relationships with Nigerian banking partners or DFIs