Watu Credit Limited is a dynamic fast-growing non-bank finance company that harnesses technology to offer both secured and unsecured lending primarily via mobile services. Headquartered in Mombasa, Watu Credit aims to become the leading African provider of a broad set of inclusive financial products, delivered through technology in a fast, efficient and professional manner.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Head of Finance
Locations: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time
Role purpose
- 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 a 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 3 years 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.
Application Closing Date
Not Specified.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online