Finance Controller at Museum of West African Art

Job Overview:

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Payment and Bank Relations

• Manage cash flow to provide daily visibility of cash positions.
• Maintain payment schedules and ensure all approved obligations are paid.
• Review and post payments in Sage and banking platforms for approval in line with bank mandates.
• Maintain donor databases and manage drawdown requests.
• 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.

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

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.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial accounting, taxation, treasury management, budgeting, and reporting, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Proficiency in financial management software, especially SAGE.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, dashboards, and macros.

Key Attributes

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Great attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills, able to prioritize, plan, and meet tight timeframes.
• 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.

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.

Terms and Conditions:

• Reporting Line: Head of Finance and Corporate Operations
• Duty Station: Benin City, Nigeria [Flexible]
• Compensation & Benefits: Highly competitive, subject to credentials
• Start Date: Immediate (from August 2024) 
• Contract Duration: Full-time, rolling/indefinite position, subject to performance