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 OperationsOversee 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
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
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
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
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
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 equivalent
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
