• A key, influential figure who will be integral to the redesign, simplification and streamlining of the Middle East finance function and processes.
• Continuously improve processes and find smarter ways to achieve the strategic goals of both the department and region. Drive efficiency and minimize functional costs.
• Identify and deliver profit improvement measures, SMART profit improvement target to be agreed with Financial Controller ME & ME CFO each year. Must be willing to take responsibility and contribute towards maximizing bottom line profit.
• Monitor and analyze the company's financial performance, identify trends, and recommend strategies for improvement.
• Responsible for improving the Middle East financial analysis and reporting, using tools such as Power BI, and taking advantage of automation and technology.
• Contribute to, manage and oversee the accounting department's daily operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting.
• Hands-on and personally responsible for generating periodic financial statements, forecasts and budgets. Ensuring timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as sales, operations, HR, and finance, to provide financial insights and support business decisions.
• Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local and international accounting standards and regulations.
• Support the Financial Controller ME with the annual audit process and work directly with external auditors to ensure timely and accurate completion of audits.
• Heavily involved in Internal Audits & Internal Controls Assessments and responsible for closing out relevant actions.
• Preparation of Quarterly Balance Sheet recs and lead reviews alongside Financial Controller ME, to be presented to ME CFO.
• Lead and develop a small team of accounting professionals, providing coaching, development plans, and performance evaluations. 
• Prepare and present financial information to the Financial Controller ME, including variance analysis and financial forecasts.
• Support and help drive ERP improvement projects, and future implementations if required.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, changes in accounting standards, and regulations that may affect the company's financial reporting and compliance.
• Support the Financial Controller ME with banking and treasury requirements including issuance of bank guarantees, LCs etc.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting/Finance or equivalent
• Chartered accountant with globally recognised accounting qualification
• 5-10 years’ experience in equivalent industries and Middle East region
• Must be hands on and willing to be part of data entry and report preparation. This is not a management only role with a vast team covering all transactional activity
• Experience of managing a small team and optimising resource levels and costs 
• FP&A experience and history of improving reporting highly advantageous
• Fluency in English a must
• Arabic language skills a significant advantage but not mandatory
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office platform
• Excellent knowledge of best-in-class ERPs, Knowledge of MS Navision and Hyperion HFM
• Tax compliance
• Experience in dealing with Banks
• Power BI skills admirable
• Understanding and appreciation of future benefits of AI within business and finance