Job Description

Reporting to the Finance & Accounting Director, the position holder will be responsible for maintaining the Bank’s accounting records and financial closings, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of financial, regulatory, and prudential statements in line with applicable standards (BCEAO framework, Banking Commission’s prudential requirements), leading accounting control, contributing to management control and the budget process, ensuring tax compliance, and supporting the Finance & Accounting Director across the full range of the Finance Department’s activities. This is a versatile role covering the functions of accountant, accounting controller, and management controller.

MAIN ACTIVITIES AND TASKS

1. Standards, procedures, and accounting framework

• Contribute to the development and updating of the chart of accounts in accordance with the applicable banking accounting framework;
• Contribute to drafting and updating the accounting procedures manual and standards compendium;
• Define and formalize the operational accounting schemes for the Bank’s products and transactions;
• Oversee and test the accounting configuration of the banking information system (core banking);
• Monitor developments in accounting, tax, and prudential standards and incorporate changes into the Bank’s procedures.

2. Bookkeeping and financial closings

• Maintain the Bank’s general and subsidiary accounting records;
• Record and control accounting entries, and justify and analyze accounts;
• Organize and coordinate financial closings within required deadlines;
• Prepare balance sheets, income statements, and periodic financial statements.

3. Regulatory and prudential reporting

• Produce financial and regulatory statements for the BCEAO and the Banking Commission;
• Prepare monthly prudential reports and ensure their reliability;
• Ensure compliance with submission deadlines to supervisory authorities.

4. Accounting control

• Implement the accounting risk matrix and the control plan;
• Perform first- and second-level accounting controls;
• Oversee the reconciliation of suspense accounts and manage their resolution through to closure.

5. Management control and performance monitoring

• Contribute to the preparation of the multi-year business plan and the annual budget;
• Monitor budget execution;
• Produce periodic management reports.

6. Tax management

• Prepare tax returns and ensure their compliance;
• Ensure tax deadlines are met and pursue tax optimization in strict compliance with applicable regulations;
• Manage day-to-day relations with Tax Administrations.

7. Relations with Statutory Auditors and authorities

• Prepare closing files and coordinate the work of Statutory Auditors during their engagements;
• Track recommendations from Statutory Auditors and/or the regulator through to resolution;
• Contribute to preparing documentation for governance bodies (Board of Directors, Committees, General Meeting).

Profile sought

PROFILE

• Master’s degree (4-5 years post-secondary) in Accounting, Finance, Audit, or equivalent (Master’s in Accounting-Control-Audit, DSCG, chartered accountancy qualification);
• Minimum 7 to 10 years of experience in banking accounting, acquired in a BCEAO-regulated environment;
• Experience covering accounting, accounting control, and/or management control in a banking environment;
• Experience in project management (implementation or evolution of accounting systems, information system configuration) would be an asset;
• Proficiency in English would be an asset.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• • Strong command of banking accounting and accounting standards;
  • Proficiency in regulatory, prudential, and supervisory reporting;
  • Good knowledge of taxation;
  • Good knowledge of management control and budget processes;
  • Strong command of banking information systems (core banking);
  • Ability to analyze and interpret figures; strong written communication skills;
  • Versatility, adaptability, and autonomy;
  • Rigor, method, and organizational skills;
  • Responsiveness, initiative, and anticipation;
  • Self-control and resilience under pressure;
  • Integrity, confidentiality, and reliability.

Job Description

MAIN MISSION

The Local Portfolio Manager supervises, secures, and optimizes all of Sirius Bank Côte d’Ivoire’s local and regional (UEMOA zone) banking payment and settlement operations, including the settlement and BCEAO compliance component of the Company’s connection to the PI-SPI instant payment system.

During the bank’s start-up and ramp-up phase, this person directly manages remote clearing (SICA-UEMOA), real-time settlements (STAR-UEMOA), instant payments (PI-SPI), and local transfers. They ensure strict compliance with the BCEAO regulations applicable to these flows and ensure full control of operational risks across the processing chain.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

1. Clearing, local flows, and instant payment (SICA, STAR-UEMOA & PI-SPI)

• Oversee the daily processing, validation, and integration of SICA-UEMOA remote clearing files (transfers, cheques, direct debits, bills of exchange).
• Validate large-value and urgent transfers via the STAR-UEMOA system and monitor the BCEAO settlement account position in real time.
• Lead the project connecting the Company to the BCEAO’s PI-SPI platform and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory deadlines and requirements.
• Ensure rigorous management and processing of clearing rejections, complaints, and the posting of related corrections.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact with the Clearing House of the BCEAO’s National Directorate.

2. Compliance and local market modules

• Oversee first-level compliance controls (AML/KYC screening, sanctions & embargo) prior to releasing SICA, STAR, and PI-SPI flows.
• Ensure proper use of the CIP (Payment Incidents Registry) regulatory support module.

3. Control and resolution of local suspense items

• Oversee the matching, reconciliation, and daily control of local clearing and passage accounts.
• Ensure immediate identification of discrepancies and oversee the resolution of suspense accounts related to local flows, with a target of 24 hours and an absolute cap of 48 hours for complex cases.

4. Structuring, management, and continuity

• Participate, in liaison with Human Resources, in the recruitment and ramp-up of the local portfolio officer during Phase II (post year-1 start-up).
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the local portfolio officer.
• Identify and train interns capable of providing backup on non-critical operations, to ensure continuity of service.
• Implement standardized operating procedures and map operational risks related to local flows.
• Actively participate in the acceptance testing, configuration, and optimization of the Core Banking system’s (Amplitude) local payment modules.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Compliance with regulatory and network cut-off times (SICA, STAR, PI-SPI): 100%.
• Clearing error/rejection rate (SICA/STAR): < 0.2% in steady state — progressive milestones to be defined for the first 6 months of operation.
• Compliance of SICA/STAR/PI-SPI operations and associated AML/KYC controls: 0 regulatory penalties.
• Resolution time for local suspense accounts: 24-hour target, 48-hour absolute cap.
• PI-SPI connection and compliance: within the regulatory deadlines set by the BCEAO.

Profile sought

REQUIRED PROFILE AND SKILLS

Education and experience

• Degree: Master’s degree (5 years post-secondary) in Banking, Finance, International Trade, Accounting, or Audit.
• Experience: Minimum 5 to 8 years of experience in banking back-office operations within a credit institution in the UEMOA zone, with proven expertise in local clearing and payment systems (SICA/STAR/PI-SPI), including at least 3 to 4 years in a senior management or supervisory role.

Technical skills

• Market tools & networks: proven expertise in SICA-UEMOA, STAR-UEMOA, PI-SPI, and CIP.
• Core Banking: advanced proficiency in the Amplitude software suite (Sopra Banking Software) — Clearing, Transfers, and Suspense Accounts modules.
• Regulation: thorough command of the UEMOA Banking Chart of Accounts and BCEAO regulations on payment systems and instruments (including PI-SPI).

Aptitudes and soft skills

• Supervisory, leadership, and change management capabilities.
• Extreme rigor, methodical approach, and resilience to stress given the time constraints imposed by settlement system closing schedules.
• Strong analytical mindset for handling anomalies and monitoring accounting reconciliations.

Job Description

MAIN MISSION

The Foreign Operations Manager supervises, secures, and optimizes all of Sirius Bank Côte d’Ivoire’s international banking payment and settlement operations, as well as compliance with the foreign exchange control regulations applicable to these flows.

During the bank’s start-up and ramp-up phase, this person directly manages all international transfer flows (SWIFT) and correspondent banking relationships. They ensure strict compliance with BCEAO regulations and foreign exchange controls, and ensure full control of operational risks across the international payment processing chain.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

1. International operations and SWIFT transfer processing

• Coordinate and validate the issuance and receipt of all SWIFT messages (MT1xx, MT2xx series and the transition to ISO 20022 MX standards).
• Oversee the execution of incoming and outgoing international transfers in compliance with cut-off times and correspondent banking agreements.
• Control the management of Nostro/Loro accounts and ensure appropriate leveling of foreign currency treasury positions with the Trading Room / Treasury.

2. Compliance and foreign exchange regulation

• Ensure strict application of UEMOA foreign exchange regulations on outgoing transfers (verification of supporting documents, preparation and monitoring of import/export settlement files).
• Ensure timely submission of regulatory statistical statements (balance of payments, exchange declarations) to the Central Bank.
• Oversee first-level compliance controls (AML/KYC screening, sanctions & embargo) prior to releasing SWIFT flows.

3. Control and resolution of suspense items related to foreign operations

• Oversee the daily reconciliation and control of correspondent accounts.
• Ensure immediate identification of discrepancies and oversee the resolution of suspense accounts related to international operations, with a target of 24 hours and an absolute cap of 48 hours for complex cases.

4. Structuring, management, and continuity

• Participate, in liaison with Human Resources, in the recruitment and ramp-up of the foreign portfolio officer during Phase II (post year-1 start-up).
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the foreign portfolio officer.
• Identify and train interns capable of providing backup on non-critical operations, to ensure continuity of service.
• Implement standardized operating procedures and map operational risks related to international flows.
• Actively participate in the acceptance testing, configuration, and optimization of the Core Banking system’s (Amplitude) SWIFT/Transfers modules.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Compliance with regulatory and SWIFT network cut-off times: 100%.
• SWIFT message error/rejection rate: < 0.2% in steady state — progressive milestones to be defined for the first 6 months of operation.
• Compliance of foreign exchange files and AML/KYC controls on SWIFT flows: 0 regulatory penalties.
• Resolution time for suspense accounts related to foreign operations: 24-hour target, 48-hour absolute cap.

Profile sought

REQUIRED PROFILE AND SKILLS

Education and experience

• Degree: Master’s degree (5 years post-secondary) in Banking, Finance, International Trade, Accounting, or Audit.
• Experience: Minimum 5 to 8 years of experience in banking back-office operations within a credit institution in the UEMOA zone, with proven expertise in international operations, the SWIFT network, and foreign exchange control regulations, including at least 3 to 4 years in a senior management or supervisory role.

Technical skills

• Market tools & networks: proven expertise in the SWIFT network (Alliance Access / Cloud, ISO 20022 standards) and BIC codes.
• Core Banking: advanced proficiency in the Amplitude software suite (Sopra Banking Software) — Transfers/SWIFT module.
• Regulation: thorough command of foreign exchange control regulations and reporting obligations (balance of payments, exchange declarations) to the BCEAO.

Aptitudes and soft skills

• Supervisory, leadership, and change management capabilities.
• Extreme rigor, methodical approach, and resilience to stress given the time constraints imposed by settlement system and international correspondent closing schedules.
• Strong analytical mindset for handling anomalies and monitoring accounting reconciliations.

Job Description

MAIN MISSION

The Card & Payment Systems Manager leads the implementation, connection, and operational acceptance testing of the card payment ecosystem and digital payment channels for Sirius Bank Côte d’Ivoire.

During the installation and launch phase, this person coordinates the bank’s connection to regional and international payment networks (GIM-UEMOA, VISA) and ensures the integration of the card payment system and Card Management System with the Core Banking system (Amplitude) and the Digital platform. They ensure the proper functioning of authorization flows, the management of the ATM and POS terminal fleet, card payment clearing, and the handling of disputes and fraud.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

1. Oversight of acceptance testing and card payment connection (project / Go-Live phase)

• Lead functional and technical acceptance testing (UAT) of the Card Management System (CMS) and the card payment server.
• Oversee interbank card payment connection to the regional GIM-UEMOA network and international networks (VISA).
• Coordinate the integration and qualification of API interfaces between the card payment platform, the Core Banking system (Amplitude), the Digital platform, and Mobile Money aggregators (Wave, Orange, MTN, Moov).
• Lead, in coordination with the Senior Single Portfolio Manager, the merchant and mobile money interoperability component of the company’s connection to the BCEAO’s PI-SPI platform (QR code acceptance, interoperability with e-money issuers).

2. Card payment operations and fleet management (ATMs, POS terminals & cards)

• Oversee the bank card issuance chain (personalization, stock management, card encoding, PIN code generation and routing).
• Lead card acquiring operations: monitor ATM functioning (availability, cash replenishment, card capture management) and oversee the deployment of the POS terminal network.
• Ensure 24/7 availability of card payment authorization servers and monitor transaction approval rates.

3. Card payment clearing and reconciliation

• Ensure daily monitoring and reconciliation of card payment clearing files (GIM-UEMOA, VISA) and accounting settlement in Amplitude.
• Ensure the matching and reconciliation of card payment clearing accounts, suspense accounts, and treasury positions associated with ATMs.
• Manage the resolution of ATM cash discrepancies and authorization routing anomalies.

4. Dispute, fraud, and chargeback management

• Set up and oversee the process for handling customer complaints, cardholder disputes (chargebacks), and unpaid card transactions.
• Ensure the implementation of payment security rules (EMV, PCI-DSS, 3D Secure / OTP standards) and monitor card payment fraud alerts.
• Ensure first-level compliance controls (AML/KYC screening, sanctions & embargo) on card payment transactions, particularly international card operations.
• Represent the bank in arbitration sessions with GIM-UEMOA or international card schemes.

5. Regulatory monitoring and partner relations

• Ensure strict compliance with BCEAO and GIM-UEMOA rules and circulars regarding payment security and interoperability.
• Maintain the ongoing operational relationship with card personalization providers, card payment subcontractors, and GIM-UEMOA.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

Implementation KPI (project phase)

• Initial card payment acceptance/qualification success rate: 100% of use cases validated before Go-Live.

Operating KPIs (recurring, steady-state)

• Card payment authorization service availability rate (24/7 uptime): ≥ 99.5%.
• Card payment complaint / chargeback processing time: 100% handled within the regulatory deadlines set by GIM-UEMOA and VISA.
• Reconciliation and clearing time for card payment clearing accounts: < 24 hours.

Profile sought

REQUIRED PROFILE AND SKILLS

Education and experience

• Degree: Master’s degree (5 years post-secondary) in Banking IT, Card Payments, Software Engineering, Telecommunications, or Banking/Finance.
• Experience: Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in bank card payment operations within a bank, a card payment processing center, or a Switch operator in the UEMOA zone, with successful experience on connection or migration projects, including at least 2 to 3 years in team supervision or project leadership.

Technical skills

• Networks & Protocols: proficiency in card payment standards (ISO 8583, ISO 20022, EMV, PCI-DSS, 3D Secure) and integration mechanisms for GIM-UEMOA, VISA, Mastercard.
• Card payment solutions: proficiency in Card Management Systems (PowerCARD, S2M, or equivalent) and authorization servers.
• Core Banking & Digital: excellent knowledge of interfaces between the card payment platform and the Amplitude Core Banking system (Sopra Banking Software) as well as Digital platform solutions.
• Card payment accounting: solid understanding of the accounting scheme for authorization, clearing, and settlement flows.

Aptitudes and soft skills

• Strong technical analysis and complex incident resolution skills.
• Rigor, methodical approach, and a strong sense of information systems security.
• Results-oriented, responsive, and able to work with external service providers under time pressure.