Job title: Head of Finance
Company: Watu
Job description: About WATU:WATU is a dynamic and inclusive fintech organization committed to driving financial
inclusion across Africa. With operations spanning multiple countries, WATU
empowers individuals and businesses through access to mobility, asset financing,
and innovative credit solutions.Role Overview:
WATU is seeking a strategic, analytical, and agile finance leader to serve as the
Head of Finance for the West Africa Region. The successful candidate will lead and
oversee financial operations across multiple countries, primarily Nigeria, ensuring
fiscal discipline, tax compliance, capital optimization, and investment readiness. This
role is critical in supporting WATU’s growth through data-driven financial strategy,
regional fundraising, and investor engagement, while ensuring robust risk
management and adherence to regulatory frameworks.Key Responsibilities:Financial Strategy and Leadership
- Drive regional financial strategy aligned with WATU’s global goals.
- Develop and implement robust financial controls, forecasting models, and budgeting systems across West Africa.
- Provide strategic financial insight to executive leadership on business performance,risks, and opportunities.
Regional Financial Operations
- Lead and manage the finance teams across West Africa, with direct oversight in Nigeria.
- Ensure accurate, timely financial reporting, monthly closings, and compliance with IFRS and local accounting standards.
- Monitor working capital, cash flow, and cost-efficiency across the region.
- Coordinate audits, both internal and external.
Tax and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with tax laws and financial regulations in Nigeria and other West African countries where WATU operates.
- Build strong relationships with tax authorities, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
- Provide proactive guidance on tax planning, risk mitigation, and legal structuring.
Fundraising and Investor Relations
- Identify and pursue financing opportunities, including debt and equity, to support WATU’s expansion across West Africa.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international financial institutions, development finance institutions (DFIs), and potential investors.
- Prepare and present investor materials, financial projections, and business cases to support capital raising efforts.
Strategic Projects and Expansion Support
- Partner with cross-functional teams on new market entry, pricing strategies, and product innovation from a financial perspective.
- Support M&A, due diligence, and financial modelling for strategic opportunities.
- Leverage financial analytics to optimize business growth and profitability.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA is strongly preferred.
- Professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CFA) required.
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in progressively senior finance roles, with at least 3years at a regional or leadership level.
- Demonstrated success in managing multi-country financial operations, preferably in fintech, microfinance, or asset finance sectors.
- Strong understanding of West African tax laws, financial regulations, and businessenvironments, especially in Nigeria.
- Proven track record of capital raising, investor engagement, or working with DFIsand private equity.
Skills and Attributes:
Strong leadership and team management skills with a coaching mindset.
Exceptional analytical, modelling, and decision-making capabilities.
High agility in fast-paced, data-driven environments.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Integrity, resilience, and accountability.Location and Travel:
This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Occasional travel to other WATU offices and stakeholders across West Africa is required.Why Join WATU?
Work with one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech companies.
Drive regional financial innovation and inclusion.
Join a purpose-driven team committed to empowering communities.Powered by JazzHR
Expected salary:
Location: Lagos, Lagos State
Job date: Fri, 01 Aug 2025 01:29:42 GMT