Job Description
About You
You are passionate about development and believe we are the ones we have been waiting for to change our society. You are an experienced change leader who reflects thoughtfully and broadly and challenges conventions in search of answers to Africa's development challenges. You are tenacious and remain motivated even when the client is not incentivised to drive the needed change. You are an adaptive leader who can conceptualise and deliver solutions to drive improved development outcomes.
Role Purpose
The Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that the firm adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, internal policies, and industry standards. This role includes developing and implementing compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, monitoring regulatory changes, and ensuring that the firm operates within the legal and ethical boundaries of Nigerian law, including CAMA, FIRS, PENCOM, NSITF, ITF, and other relevant statutory obligations.
Job Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance
- Monitor and interpret regulatory requirements issued by Nigerian authorities (e.g., CAC, FIRS, CBN, EFCC, NFIU, PENCOM) and ensure timely implementation across business units.
- Ensure accurate and timely filings for all statutory obligations, including tax remittances, pension contributions, NSITF, ITF, and other regulatory submissions.
- Maintain up-to-date records of licenses, permits, registrations, and other regulatory documentation required for operational continuity.
Policy Development and Risk Management
- Develop, review, and regularly update compliance policies, procedures, and frameworks to reflect evolving regulatory standards.
- Conduct internal audits and compliance risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential legal, financial, and reputational risks.
- Investigate, document, and escalate any compliance breaches, irregularities, or potential violations, providing recommendations for remediation.
Stakeholder Engagement and Regulatory Liaison
- Collaborate with legal, HR, finance, and operations teams to ensure contracts, vendor engagements, and internal processes align with compliance requirements.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies during audits, inspections, or formal inquiries, and coordinate responses to compliance-related requests.
- Conduct due diligence assessments on third-party vendors, consultants, and partners to ensure alignment with contractual and regulatory obligations.
Strategic Compliance and Advisory
- Provide strategic guidance to senior management on regulatory developments, emerging compliance risks, and necessary controls.
- Track and interpret evolving laws, policies, and industry standards to support proactive compliance planning and continuous improvement.
- Develop and present periodic compliance reports, metrics, and audit findings to management, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Contribute to the firm’s internal governance framework by recommending improvements to risk management practices and internal controls.
Compliance Capacity Building
- Deliver ongoing compliance training, workshops, and awareness initiatives for staff and consultants to foster a culture of accountability and legal integrity.
- Respond to internal and external compliance inquiries in a timely and professional manner, ensuring clarity and adherence to applicable standards.
- Ensure that the firm’s advisory services to clients meet ethical, legal, and compliance benchmarks
Role Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a compliance or risk management role, preferably within a consulting, legal, or financial services firm.
- Strong understanding of the Nigerian regulatory environment (e.g., FIRS, CBN, PENCOM, SEC, etc.).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with compliance tracking tools is an advantage.
- Professional certification (e.g., ICAN, ANAN, CFE, or other relevant compliance credentials) is an added advantage.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
- Integrity and high ethical standards.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and regulatory tasks effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with compliance tracking tools is an advantage.