Chief Financial Officer

Purpose

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic executive responsible for overseeing the company’s financial operations accounting systems and overall fiscal health. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and working closely with the Board of Directors the CFO provides leadership in financial planning risk management compliance and operational efficiency.

The role is central to ensuring the mission to produce highquality locally manufactured footwear while driving sustainable growth profitability and social impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Strategy and Leadership

Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the vision for growth and operational excellence.

Partner with the CEO to identify financial opportunities and risks providing recommendations to drive corporate objectives.

Advise the Board of Directors on longterm financial planning market expansion and investment strategies.

Oversee the development of budgets forecasts and performance metrics to track progress toward company goals.

2. Accounting and Reporting

Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Nigerian regulations.

Supervise the monthly quarterly and annual financial closing processes ensuring errorfree and transparent reporting.

Coordinate external audits ensuring all regulatory and statutory compliance requirements are met.

Develop and maintain robust internal reporting systems providing actionable insights for management and stakeholders.

3. Management Accounts

Lead the preparation of detailed management accounts including profit and loss statements balance sheets and cash flow analyses.

Collaborate with departmental heads to create budgets and monitor performance against forecasts.

Conduct cost and profitability analysis ensuring the business achieves financial efficiency and competitive pricing.

Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including manufacturing efficiency costperunit metrics and inventory turnover.

Manage cash flow and working capital through rolling forecasts to ensure operational liquidity.

4. Risk Management and Compliance

Identify and mitigate financial risks including currency fluctuations regulatory changes and market volatility.

Ensure the organisation complies with tax laws reporting requirements and corporate governance standards.

Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent financial mismanagement or fraud.

5. Operational and Financial Management

Direct treasury functions optimising cash reserves and ensuring efficient use of financial resources.

Collaborate with manufacturing operations to improve cost management and production efficiency.

Oversee supply chain financing and procurement strategies to enhance cost savings.

Drive initiatives to adopt financial technologies and systems for improved reporting and decisionmaking.

6. Investor and Stakeholder Relations

Serve as the financial spokesperson for the organisation liaising with investors financial institutions and external stakeholders.

Prepare presentations and financial summaries for board meetings communicating financial health and future projections.

Build and maintain strong relationships with auditors regulators and financial partners.

7. Team Leadership and Development

Build mentor and lead a highperforming finance team fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Conduct regular training sessions to ensure the team is updated on financial regulations tools and best practices.

Develop succession plans to ensure the sustainability of the finance function.

8. Funding Requirements and ESG Grant Oversight

Develop and execute funding strategies to support the growth and expansion with the goal of achieving a valuation of 150 billion within three years.

Identify and secure appropriate funding sources including equity investments debt financing and partnerships with financial institutions.

Oversee grant funding applications and compliance particularly for projects related to sustainability environmental social and governance (ESG) initiatives.

Build relationships with international and local ESGfocused funds sustainable finance organizations and impact investors.

Ensure efficient allocation and reporting of grant and funding proceeds to align with corporate goals and external stakeholder expectations.

Lead presentations and negotiations with potential investors providing financial models and growth projections to support funding proposals.

Monitor the financial health of all funded projects ensuring alignment with profitability and sustainability objectives.

Work with the CEO and Board of Directors to ensure funding strategies align with longterm strategic goals and operational needs

9. Establish Financial Models for Savings and Secure Investment Funds

Develop and implement financial strategies and models to ensure the organisation saves up to $10 million in a secured interestbearing fund over the next five years.

Work with financial institutions to identify lowrisk highyield investment opportunities that align with the company’s goals for secure capital growth.

Allocate portions of company profits into dedicated savings and investment accounts to build a financial reserve for future expansion sustainability initiatives or unforeseen challenges.

Monitor and manage the performance of the secured funds ensuring consistent growth while mitigating risks.

Provide regular updates to the CEO and Board of Directors on the progress of savings investment returns and adherence to the longterm financial plan.

Establish policies and guidelines to safeguard the saved funds ensuring they are accessible only for approved strategic purposes.

Align the savings strategy with the goal of achieving a 150 billion valuation ensuring adequate reserves for expansion and operational stability

Reporting Structure and Relationships

Reporting to the CEO

Partner with the CEO to align financial strategies with corporate goals including pricing cost management and investment decisions.

Provide regular updates on financial performance risks and opportunities to inform the CEO’s decisionmaking.

Relationship with the Board of Directors

Present detailed financial reports budgets and strategic recommendations during board meetings.

Ensure the Board is aware of financial risks compliance updates and progress against strategic objectives.

Collaborate with the Board on strategic initiatives such as market expansion mergers or acquisitions.

Collaboration with Other Departments

Work with the operations team to optimize production costs and ensure efficient inventory management.

Partner with the marketing and sales departments to evaluate revenuegenerating activities and set achievable targets.

Align financial resources with HR needs to fund recruitment training and staff welfare programs.

General Expectations and Organizational Control

1. Strategic Contributor: Drive the financial vision to support its mission of creating highquality locally manufactured footwear while maintaining profitability and sustainability.

2. Transparency and Accountability: Maintain the highest standards of financial reporting ensuring accuracy and ethical practices.

3. Operational Efficiency: Lead costreduction initiatives particularly in manufacturing and supply chain processes while maintaining product quality.

4. Innovation: Identify and implement modern financial tools and technologies to enhance efficiency and decisionmaking.

5. DataDriven Decisions: Use financial data and analysis to support operational product and market strategies.

6. Robust Control Environment: Implement and monitor financial controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulations.

Qualifications and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Finance or a related field (Master’s/MBA preferred).

Professional Certification: Chartered Accountant (CA) CFA ACCA or CPA certification is highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience with at least 5 years in a manufacturing or retail environment.

Technical Skills: Expertise in financial modeling ERP systems and data analytics tools.

Soft Skills: Strong communication leadership and stakeholder management abilities.