Associate, Finance Operations

Who we are

Babban Gona is an award-winning, high impact, financially sustainable and highly scalable social enterprise, part-owned by the farmers we serve. Babban Gona, was created to attract youth to agriculture specifically and away from the looming instability of extremist groups.

We accomplish this by franchising thousands of farmer cooperatives across Nigeria, dramatically increasing the profitability of the smallholder members 2.5 times above the national average. This dramatic increase in net income is accomplished by delivering an integrated holistic package of training, farm inputs and marketing services, on credit. Babban Gona has been able to deliver this credit while maintaining one of the highest repayment rates in the world, currently above 99%, leveraging our comprehensive 8 levels of risk mitigation.

We developed the model with our partners that include His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, the Sarkin (Emir) Kano, Nestle, IITA, DfID, USAID, GIZ, AGRA, BMGF, Skoll, Kiva, FMCB, Mulago, GIF and Rockefeller Foundation amongst others.

Key Responsibilities

• Measuring the monetary funds of the company in order to find out whether they will affect the execution of all the enterprise projects.
• Monitor and manage credit cards and invoice payments for farmers.
• Approve third-party payments through accurate reconciliation of financial records.
• Manage the account payable and receivable process.
• Assist in the annual budget process.
• Assist in the development and implementation of best-in-class financial processes and internal control.
• Verify that transfer requests meet guidelines.
• Ensure that staff expenditure requests meet guidelines and budget limits.
• Provide support to management during year-end closing, which includes helping process transfers and answering any questions that colleagues in the finance division might have regarding revenue, expenditures, fund movement, etc.
• Act as the main point of contact for addressing any inquiries and questions related to financial operations.
• Perform monthly invoicing by gathering and compiling data, coordinating with associates and senior associates on cost allocations, and working with accountants to record information in the accounting system.
• Analyze existing accounting and finance systems and make recommendations for improvements.
• Develop financial goals and objectives for the team.
• Conduct periodic finance audits and recommend improvements.
• Assist financial policies and procedures for operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain financial statements for future reference.
• Assist Senior associate in financial management and reporting activities.
• Ensure that financial operational activities are executed and delivered as per the standards set by the company.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Banking, Business or Economics.
• Master’s degree in finance and/or MBA preferred.
• 4-6 years of work experience in finance and accounting.
• Profound know-how in advanced financial analysis and investment banking.
• Familiar with data query/data management tools (Access, SQL, Business Objects).
• Ability to streamline functions and passion to learn and grow.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
• Ability to work as a team as well as independently.
• Experience working with, and presenting to, senior executives.
• Extensive experience leading a complex organization and passion for getting into details to identify the root cause of issues and create innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; be comfortable interacting with executive-level management.
• Strong financial modeling experience.
• Strong leadership skills.

Start-Up Environment

• Thrives in a fast-paced, start-up environment with dynamic business priorities.

Work Location

• Babban Gona currently operates a decentralized model with 10 offices spread across Nigeria.
• This role would be based in Lagos

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health Insurance
• Pension
• Performance Bonus
• Annual paid vacation
• Group Life Insurance