Head of Finance- Neat Micro-credit

Reports To: Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
Location: NEAT Micro-credit Kaduna Nigeria (on-site leadership role; relocation support may be discussed for the right candidate)

Job Summary
The Head of Finance will provide both operational and strategic financial leadership to NEAT Micro-credit establishing strong accounting control and reporting systems while supporting management with accurate decision-ready financial information.
This role requires a hands-on finance professional who can build structure in a lean high-transaction environment and guide the organization toward disciplined financial management compliance and sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the finance and accounting function ensuring all financial activities are recorded accurately and timely.
  

• Design and implement financial systems procedures and controls suited to NEATs lending operations.
  

• Supervise and mentor the existing team of accountants and bookkeepers to improve performance accuracy and accountability.
  

• Coordinate the monthly and quarterly closing process and produce management reports for decision-making.
  

Treasury & Liquidity Management

• Oversee daily cash management to ensure adequate liquidity for loan disbursements collections and operational expenses.
  

• Monitor cash flow trends and prepare short-term cash forecasts to guide funding needs.
  

• Establish processes for cash handling reconciliation and bank management aligned with internal controls.
  

Loan Portfolio Accounting

• Supervise the accurate posting reconciliation and reporting of all loan disbursements and repayments.
  

• Ensure interest income provisioning and loan loss adjustments are recorded correctly and supported by documentation.
  

• Partner with the operations team to align loan performance data with financial reporting.
  

Budgeting & Planning

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets forecasts and financial plans in collaboration with management.
  

• Track performance against budget highlighting variances and recommending corrective actions.
  

• Support management in assessing new lending initiatives or funding opportunities from a financial standpoint.
  

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements including tax pension and relevant financial reporting obligations.
  

• Prepare and submit accurate financial and management reports to regulators investors and funding partners as required.
  

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations applicable to microcredit and financial services institutions.
  

• Liaise with external auditors tax consultants and regulatory bodies as needed.
  

Systems Policies & Process Improvement

• Implement and maintain financial policies standard operating procedures and internal controls.
  

• Identify areas of process inefficiency and propose improvements that enhance accuracy and accountability.
  

• Oversee the transition from manual to digital accounting processes where possible.
  

Governance & Strategy Support

• Advise senior management on financial implications of operational decisions and business strategies.
  

• Provide analysis to support pricing funding and cost management decisions.
  

• Ensure management has a clear view of the organizations financial health at all times.
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications Experience & Skills

Education & Certification

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Economics or related field.
  

• Professional qualification (ICAN ACCA or equivalent) required or in final stages.
  

Experience

• Minimum of 68 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance roles.
  

• Demonstrated exposure to micro-credit microfinance or SME lending operations.
  

• Hands-on experience managing accounting processes reconciliations and reporting in lean or semi-manual environments.
  

• Prior experience setting up or strengthening financial systems and controls is a strong advantage.
  

• Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
  

• Solid understanding of loan portfolio accounting provisioning and reporting principles.
  

• Working knowledge of statutory and regulatory reporting (CBN NDIC FIRS PENCOM etc.) as applicable.
  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  

• Detail-oriented with a bias for accuracy and control.
  

• High integrity and commitment to confidentiality.
  

• Comfortable operating in lean high-transaction environments with limited automation.
  

• Practical process-driven and able to design systems that work for scale.
  

• Strong communication and team leadership abilities.
  

• Ability to work independently and drive accountability within a small team.
  

• Demonstrated initiative in automating or streamlining financial processes.
  

• Collaborative mindset: able to liaise across finance operations and executive management.
  

• Desire to build and strengthen financial infrastructure within a growing organization.
  

Benefits

• Competitive Salary Package: Attractive compensation that reflects the strategic importance of the role.
  

• Relocation Allowance (Subject to Management Review): Support provided to ease transition and settlement into the new work location.
  

• Strategic Involvement in Financial Decisions: Opportunity to influence key financial policies actively investment strategies and institutional growth plans.
  

• Professional Growth and Leadership Exposure: Hands-on experience in financial management regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement within a dynamic sector.