Director of Finance
Allied Talent Partners is a talent marketplace, connecting experienced professionals with climate-related projects and businesses in Africa.
High-Level Overview
Client:
The client is a Benin-based infrastructure and engineering company focused on the deployment of LED and solar solutions. Through its large-scale solarization and electrification initiatives, they are working to deliver sustainable energy access across Benin and the wider West African region. The organization is committed to high standards of operational excellence, local capacity building, and long-term infrastructure development
Project:
The client is launching a nationwide initiative to solarize telecom towers in Benin. To support this effort, they are seeking a Director of Finance to lead the establishment and stabilization of financial operations. This role will be instrumental in developing the systems, policies, and controls needed to enable effective project execution and investor engagement. A key component of the engagement will also involve onboarding and preparing a permanent, local finance lead to ensure long-term continuity.
Role and ResponsibilitiesRole: Director of Finance
Direct Report: CEO
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
- Establish financial operations, including budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and reporting
- Develop cash flow models and financial controls aligned with local compliance needs
- Interface with local banks, auditors, and legal advisors
- Support funding activities and donor reporting obligations
- Recruit and onboard a local finance team, including a permanent finance director
- Provide training and transition planning for long-term local financial leadership
- 10+ years of experience in senior finance roles within infrastructure, renewable energy, or large-scale project finance.
- Proven track record in setting up financial systems for early-stage ventures or startups in emerging markets.
- Familiarity with donor-funded project finance, grant management, and audit requirements (e.g., World Bank, AfDB, or other multilateral agencies).
- Deep understanding of West African finance regulations, tax laws, and compliance procedures.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MSc in Finance) or professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CFA) preferred.
- Financial Systems & Controls: Ability to design and implement end-to-end finance functions, including ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or local equivalents).
- Financial Modelling & Forecasting: Advanced proficiency in building dynamic financial models for capital-intensive projects, scenario analysis, and sensitivity testing.
- Regulatory & Risk Management: Expertise in local IFRS compliance, tax structuring, and risk mitigation strategies for renewable energy projects.
- Fundraising & Investor Relations: Experience in securing project financing, managing investor due diligence, and preparing pitch decks for stakeholders.
- Data & Reporting: Strong analytical skills with the ability to generate actionable insights from financial data
- Strong leadership and mentoring ability, with a focus on capacity building for local teams.
- Exceptional communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proactive, structured, and adaptable to dynamic project environments.