Chief Finance Officer at Optiven Limited

Job Purpose Statement:

The job holder is responsible for providing leadership to the Finance and Accounting function of Optiven group to ensure the integrity of the group’s financial operations, books and alignment and support for strategy. These includes:

• Development and implementation of a long-term financial strategy.
• Building a high performing and cohesive team.
• Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the organization’s books of accounts, financial integrity and compliance.
• Optimizing profitability, Capital and Operational management and mitigating risk.

Key Responsibilities:

 Strategic Financial Planning

• Lead long-term financial planning for the group in line with the Group Strategy including all SBU’s.
• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO, providing financial expertise and data-driven insights to guide critical business decisions and overall strategy.
• Use macroeconomic insights (e.g., inflation, urban growth) to guide strategy.
• Analyze market trends, and regulatory risks and provide recommendations to the BOD.
• Prioritize capital towards high-potential land corridors and infrastructure.
• Align budgeting with master planning timelines.
• Oversee Budget planning for the group within the defined timelines

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership to create a good team environment that motivates and drives maximum productivity.
• Build and lead high-performing and cohesive Finance team across key functions.
• Oversee and manage Finance team activities.
• In collaboration with the HR, ensure that the finance team, has clear targets that are in line with the objectives of the company and ensure that each member of staff is clear on their goals and targets for each performance cycle.
• Lead the monthly performance check ins, the quarterly review and half year performance reviews
• Foster a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and agility.
• Drive succession planning and performance management
• In collaboration with HR oversee disciplinary and grievance management for the team.
• Lead change management across financial systems and processes.
• Ensure transparent internal communication and inclusive leadership development.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee the preparation of accurate financial reports, statements, budgets as well as key performance indicators
• Create ROI and feasibility models for land acquisition, subdivision, and resale
• Support leadership with financial insights for strategic decisions.
• Use Financial management models to determine optimal pricing for all inventory items.
• Build capital models for phased projects and developments.
• Promote transparency and accountability in financial reporting

Cash Management & Liquidity

• Overseeing cash flow to ensuring the company has sufficient liquidity to meet its Liability obligations.
• Ensure funding is available for operations, debt servicing, and infrastructure projects.
• Review and manage receivables and collections to effectively support Liquidity and profitability
• Manage company assets for optimal utilization.
• Drive Capital investments to Optimise returns.
• Structure financing deals for land and capital investments.
• Manage relationships with banks, investors, and partners.

Financial Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with tax, accounting standards, and laws.
• Streamline financial processes like payments, receivables, procurement, etc.
• Work closely with auditors on risk and compliance reviews.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on cash flows and inventory values.
• Manage vendor onboarding and financial due diligence.
• Leverage new technologies and data analytics to improve financial processes, drive efficiency, and foster innovation within the finance function.
• Uphold financial stewardship by ensuring accurate financial statements, complying with accounting standards.

Growth and Profitability Optimization

• Collaborate with sales, projects and legal to shape pricing and cash flow strategies.
• Uncovering opportunities for growth and cost reduction, and implementing financial strategies that enhance profitability and business value. Track costs across acquisition, titling, and infrastructure to protect margins.
• Implement controls over vendor payments and escrow disbursements.
• Define revenue recognition policies for multi-phase land sales
• Reduce costs through efficient infrastructure planning.
• Monitor landholding costs and plan divestments for low-return assets.
• Use data to optimize pricing, marketing, and buyer conversion.

Risk Management

• Proactively manage portfolio risks through internal controls, compliance systems, and strategic advisories on zoning, environmental, and legal exposure.
• Identify potential financial, market, credit, and operational risks and potential impact on business continuity
• Develop an action plan to mitigate identified risks
• Report on mitigation and residual risks to ensure effective decision making.
• Set up strong internal controls across procurement and financial operations.
• Advise the Board on portfolio risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Build dashboards to track compliance, market changes, and risk signals.
• Ensure insurance, legal protections, and reserves are in place.
• Lead anti-fraud and KYC programs across all transactions.
• Maintain proper audit trails for all transactions.

Other duties assigned from time to time

Qualification and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration.
• Master’s Degree (MBA) in finance or strategic management.
• Professional Certifications – CPAK (Certified Public Accountant) required
• Professional Certification in investment management an added advantage
• 15 years working Experience, 10 of which should be in financial leadership and 3 years leading a finance department.
• Must be a member of a professional body. i.e. ICPAK,ACCA,etc.

Competency Requirements:

• Excellent financial acumen
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Adaptability
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent reporting skills