Head of Finance

Our client is a leading firm dealing in the Oil and gas sector & Energy Commodity Trading. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, it strives to deliver high-quality products/services while fostering a positive work environment for its employees. In continuation of its expansion and growth, the company is seeking a dynamic individual as the Head of Finance.

Job Summary:

Our client seeks a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on Head of Finance to oversee all financial functions within its oil & gas operations. The ideal candidate will bring versatile experience across finance disciplines, including financial planning & analysis (FP&A), treasury, project finance, cost control, compliance, and investor relations. Crucially, the candidate should possess a strong foundation in AI-powered analytics to optimize performance and drive strategic decision-making across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Originate and execute profitable oil and gas trading deals across West Africa, including spot and term contracts.
Lead the company’s overall financial strategy, planning, budgeting, and forecasting in alignment with business goals.
Develop a comprehensive AI adoption strategy for finance functions, ensuring alignment with industry standards and company objectives.
Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, treasury, taxation, and reporting.
Oversee AI-powered financial data management systems for accuracy, security, and compliance.
Partner with IT/Data Science teams to develop intelligent dashboards, real-time analytics, and automated financial reporting tools.
Apply AI insights to improve supply chain management, fuel trading, inventory control, and OPEX/CAPEX analysis.
Position the company as a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge AI solutions within the Oil & Gas sector.
Use AI-driven insights to evaluate and prioritize funding for renewable energy projects and sustainable practices.
Manage capital raising efforts, including project financing, debt structuring, and investor engagement.
Provide commercial support to trading, operations, and project teams by developing financial models, feasibility analyses, and pricing strategies.
Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting following IFRS and industry best practices.
Monitor and optimize cash flow, working capital, and funding for ongoing operations and capital projects.
Oversee compliance with tax, regulatory, audit, and internal control requirements across jurisdictions.
Drive implementation and improvement of ERP systems, financial processes, and controls.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team.
Provide key insights and presentations to executive leadership and the board for strategic decisions.


Key Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA) or professional certifications (ACCA, CFA, CPA) are strongly preferred.
10–15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the Oil & Gas sector.
Versatile experience across upstream, midstream, or downstream segments (e.g., E&P, refining, trading, logistics).
Strong background in financial management, project evaluation, CAPEX/OPEX control, and cost recovery (especially for upstream or joint venture operations).
Proven track record in capital raising, including working with banks, DFIs, investors, and financial advisors.
Demonstrated experience deploying AI or advanced analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Alteryx, SAP Analytics Cloud, or custom ML models).
Strong knowledge of financial systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, NetSuite) and digital transformation best practices.
In-depth knowledge of tax structures, joint venture accounting, crude lifting, and royalty regimes applicable in Nigeria and West Africa.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle, etc.), and financial modeling tools.
Experience working with regulatory bodies such as FIRS, NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NEITI is a plus.


Core Competencies

Strategic Financial Leadership
Oil & Gas Sector Insight
Capital & Project Financing
Budgeting & Forecasting
Risk Management & Compliance
Financial Modeling & Analysis
Investor & Stakeholder Management
Team Development & Performance Leadership
Deep interest in AI, digital finance, and emerging technologies.
Advanced Data Analytics Proficiency
AI-Enhanced Financial Forecasting