Finance Controller at Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is an independent non-profit organization in Nigeria set up to drive research and execute high-value cultural, arts, and heritage initiatives in West Africa. Our ambition is to create a world-class museum, research, and training centre - connecting West Africa’s ancient heritage to its thriving contemporary arts and culture.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Finance Controller

Location: Benin City, Edo [Flexible]
Employment Type: Full-time
Reporting Line: Head of Finance and Corporate Operations
Start Date: Immediate (from August 2024)
Contract Duration: Full-time, rolling / indefinite position, subject to performance

Job Overview

• As part of our commitment to accurate reporting and effective accounting, budgeting, and controls, we are seeking a qualified finance controller to provide support in reporting, finance and budget control, tax management, and bank relationship management.
• The primary objective of this position is to oversee financial accounting

Key Responsibilities
Finance and Budget Control:

• Maintain the general ledger, promote sound financial management, and gather, record, and monitor financial data.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Organize internal audits and verify contracts for financial compliance.
• Perform month-end and year-end close processes.
• Continuously enhance accounting systems.
• Liaise with external auditors to ensure timely completion of financial audits.
• Maintain a donor reporting roster and ensure all financial reports are presented as required.
• Prepare relevant financial reports for donors, meetings, or management needs.
• Develop and manage organizational and departmental budgets.
• Conduct risk analyses to assess potential investments.
• Monitor and report on accounting discrepancies.
• Initiate payroll meetings and prepare journals and payment files.

Payment and Bank Relations:

• Manage cash flow to provide daily visibility of cash positions.
• Maintain payment schedules and ensure all approved obligations are paid.
• Ensure timely payroll payments and prepare monthly financial reports.
• Supervise monthly bank reconciliation processes and statements for approval.
• Maintain a good relationship with banks and ensure they perform their duties.
• Review and post payments in Sage and banking platforms for approval in line with bank mandates.
• Maintain donor databases and manage drawdown requests.

Tax and Regulatory Remittances:

• Ensure appropriate transaction taxes are deducted at source.
• Remit PAYE, NSITF, WHT, VAT, and other statutory deductions monthly.
• Ensure annual filing of tax, legal, and regulatory documents, including annual reports.
• Maintain zero-tax penalties for the organization.

Grant Portfolio Management:

• Act as the financial liaison with key partners.
• Oversee partner-specific compliance within MOWAA.
• Assist in developing project-specific milestone financial reports.
• Brief partners on MOWAA’s financial governance policies.
• Ensure relevant staff are briefed on grant rules related to procurement and financial reporting.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Chartered accountant certification is mandatory.
• Proficiency in financial management software, especially SAGE.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, dashboards, and macros.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial accounting, taxation, treasury management, budgeting, and reporting, preferably in the non-profit sector.

Key Attributes:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Great attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program goals.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills, able to prioritize, plan, and meet tight timeframes.

Career Growth & Development:

• MOWAA has a strong culture of continuous learning and invests in developing its people.
• This role offers exposure to global institutions across MOWAA’s wide network of partners and affiliates.
• By joining our team, you’ll have an opportunity to shape a growing organization, work on groundbreaking initiatives, and build a rewarding long-term career.

Compensation & Benefits
Highly competitive, subject to credentials.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV & Cover Letter to: [email protected] using "Finance Controller" as the subject of the email.

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• MOWAA is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application Deadline 30th July, 2024.