Finance Manager

Stanley & Akatu HR Partners Africa is an AI-powered HR consulting and HR technology firm that partners with organizations across Africa to deliver strategic HR advisory, talent acquisition, workforce optimization, performance management, and digital HR solutions. Through innovative platforms such as MoonTrack, we help businesses build smarter, more scalable, and future-ready people operations.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Stanley & Akatu (S&A) is recruiting on behalf of Carpe Diem Solutions, a strategic communications and public relations agency based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Carpe Diem Solutions serves institutional clients across FMCG, financial services, entertainment, and the public sector, delivering work that is sharp in its thinking, exceptional in its execution, and built to earn lasting trust.

As the agency continues to grow, it is strengthening the financial infrastructure required to support sustainable expansion, operational excellence, and long-term success. The Finance Manager will play a critical role in ensuring that the organisation's financial operations remain accurate, compliant, scalable, and aligned with its strategic objectives.

This is an opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys combining technical expertise with practical business decision-making within a dynamic and growing professional services environment.

ABOUT CARPE DIEM SOLUTIONS

Carpe Diem Solutions is a strategic communications and public relations agency committed to helping organisations build credibility, shape public perception, and engage stakeholders effectively.

The agency partners with businesses, brands, institutions, and government entities to deliver communications programmes that are thoughtful, strategic, and impactful.

At the heart of the organisation's culture is a philosophy known as The Second Mile—the belief that true excellence comes not only from meeting expectations but from consistently exceeding them. This commitment to quality extends across every aspect of the business, including client delivery, operational discipline, and financial stewardship.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The Finance Manager is responsible for the agency’s financial health and operational discipline.

You will own the full cycle of financial management - from invoicing and collections through to payroll, tax compliance, management reporting, and cash flow planning.

In a growing services business, financial clarity is not a back-office function. It is what allows the team to focus on the work, leadership to make sound decisions, and the agency to honour its commitments to clients, employees, and partners.

This role requires someone who is both technically competent and practically minded. You will be working in a lean environment where your judgment matters as much as your spreadsheets, and where getting the details right on a Monday morning is just as important as the quarterly reporting cycle.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations & Bookkeeping

• Manage day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date books using the agency’s accounting software (currently Zoho Books), ensuring all transactions are properly classified against the Chart of Accounts.
• Process and track client invoices, following up on outstanding receivables to maintain healthy cash flow.
• Prepare and process monthly payroll, including salary payments, statutory deductions (PAYE, Pension, etc.), and contractor payments.
• Maintain a clean receivables and payables ledger with clear ageing reports.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including:
• Profit & Loss Statements
• Balance Sheets
• Cash Flow Statements
• Produce monthly overhead and revenue requirement schedules to support operational planning.
• Track revenue by client and service line, distinguishing between earned fees and pass-through costs.
• Provide financial analysis to support:
• Pricing decisions
• Client profitability reviews
• Resource allocation
• Prepare quarterly and annual financial reports for leadership review and board reporting.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Manage cash flow planning and forecasting, ensuring the agency can meet its financial obligations on time.
• Implement and maintain a structured cash allocation framework across:
• Operating accounts
• Tax accounts
• Payroll accounts
• Reserve accounts
• Monitor and flag potential cash flow risks in advance and recommend corrective actions.
• Manage petty cash and expense reimbursement processes.

Tax & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely filing and remittance of all statutory obligations, including:
• Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Withholding Tax (WHT)
• Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE)
• Pension Contributions
• Company Income Tax
• Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors to ensure full compliance with Nigerian tax laws and CAMA 2020 requirements.
• Maintain proper documentation and records for all tax filings and regulatory submissions.
• Stay current with changes in Nigerian tax legislation and advise leadership on their impact on agency operations.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Support the CEO in preparing annual budgets and periodic forecasts.
• Track actual performance against budget and provide variance analysis with clear explanations.
• Contribute to financial modelling for:
• New business opportunities
• Pricing proposals
• Investment decisions
• Provide financial input into operational decisions, including:
• Hiring
• Vendor contracts
• Capital expenditure

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and improve financial systems, ensuring data integrity and efficient workflows.
• Document financial processes and procedures to ensure continuity and reduce key-person risk.
• Identify opportunities to automate or streamline routine financial tasks.
• Support the Operations Manager on vendor management, contract tracking, and procurement processes where financial input is required.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting qualification such as:
• ICAN
• ACCA
• Equivalent recognised qualification
• Minimum of three (3) years’ hands-on experience in financial management, preferably within a services, agency, or professional services environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Nigerian tax laws, including:
• VAT
• WHT
• PAYE
• Pension Compliance
• CAMA 2020
• Proficiency with accounting software:
• Zoho Books (preferred)
• QuickBooks
• Xero
• Sage
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including:
• Financial modelling
• Pivot tables
• Scenario analysis
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive financial information.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working within an agency, media, or creative services environment.
• Familiarity with Profit First or similar cash management methodologies.
• Experience with payroll processing and HR-related financial administration.
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Experience working with external auditors and tax advisors.

WHAT CARPE DIEM OFFERS

Carpe Diem Solutions is committed to creating an environment where talented professionals can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and develop rewarding careers.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the financial future of a growing and ambitious organisation while working closely with leadership on strategic and operational decisions.

The agency offers a collaborative and merit-based culture that values initiative, accountability, continuous learning, and professional growth. Team members are empowered to take ownership of their work and contribute to the ongoing success of the business.

Carpe Diem Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

Application Process:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and relevant supporting documents using the link https://api.moontrackhr.com/functions/v1/og-job/9229362b-3980-4510-850a-18dbddb36028. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.