Manager, Finance Operations

Job Overview:
The Manager, Finance Operations is the operational and technical leader of Charles Ardor, serving as the firm's Practice Lead. You will lead client delivery across the firm's full service portfolio, manage our technical team, and serve as the primary point of contact for our clients.

Duties and Responsibilities:
You are the senior point of contact for all clients. You manage relationships, set expectations, and handle conversations about scope, timelines, and deliverables directly. You are responsible for the quality of all client-facing work. Associates and analysts report to you, and their output is reviewed and approved by you before it reaches a client. You manage how work flows through the firm — from setting up a new engagement to ensuring monthly deliverables are completed on time and to standard across the full client portfolio. You lead and develop a small technical team of associates and analysts. You set the standard, coach your team to meet it, hold people accountable, and build their capacity over time. You have the autonomy to make decisions about client delivery, team allocation, and engagement management without seeking approval on routine matters. You meet with the Managing Principal weekly to share the state of play across all engagements, flag what requires strategic input, and align on priorities.

Required Qualifications:
ACA, ACCA, or equivalent professional qualification. 5 to 10 years of post-qualification experience in accounting, audit, advisory, or finance operations. Demonstrated experience managing client relationships independently — not supporting or assisting, but owning the relationship. Experience reviewing the work of others and maintaining a consistent quality standard. Experience managing or supervising a team.

Educational Background:
Professional qualification in accounting or finance (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent).

Experience:
5 to 10 years of post-qualification experience in accounting, audit, advisory, or finance operations.

Languages:
English

Additional Notes:
Preferred: Background in a professional services firm (Big Four, mid-tier, or similar). Familiarity with Zoho Books and Zoho Projects. Experience with Nigerian payroll (PAYE, pension, NHF, NSITF, ITF) and tax compliance (VAT, WHT etc.). Experience working with SMEs and founder-led businesses. Active use of AI tools in a professional context.