Introduction

What are you going to do 

  • Leads financial operation teams across Middle East, Saudi and potentially Africa (circa 25 staff);
  • Attract, retain and develop a talented group of financial leaders;
  • In charge of the legal entities included in the role’s scopes;
  • Plays a key role in bids and project reviews. Accountable to review tenders and contracts on a financial perspective and work on mitigating risks and providing recommendations;
  • Needs to develop, optimize and track key performance metrics/trends: P&L, Cash, Operation profitability within the plants and the business;
  • Owns the budgeting/forecasting process/long term financial plans;
  • Analyses and Leads process improvements to create “actionable insights” for the Geomarkets to improve operating results and cash;
  • Collaborates with cross-functional leaders to develop creative yet simple solutions to complex issues which improve performance Provide financial support and advice as a business partner to the regional business leader;
  • This position supervises a current team of 25 (Finance Manager, Finance Leads and Accountants in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Africa) with 5 direct reports (including Africa). The employee is expected to have frequent contacts with internal customers to provide accounting and finance support, resolve issues and implement process improvements to manage business profitability, maintain strong internal controls, drive productive behavior and increase efficiency. The employee will also be the liaison with internal and external auditors, tax authority, bankers, sales representatives and stakeholders;
  • Mainly office environment with time spent in the production floor and warehouse. The incumbent is expected to split his time between the Abu Dhabi office and the Saudi Arabia office as required to support the business in the Middle East;
  • Significant travel will be required, both within the Middle East as well as other Surface EAST locations from time to time;
  • Work independently to accomplish objectives and resolve non-recurring issues. There is a wide degree of creativity and latitude as we rely on the experience and judgment of the individual to plan and accomplish goals;
  • Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to be able to assess, explain and forecast the financial impact on the profitability of the business;
  • Be able to produce integrated solutions to issues and, to develop and implement processes for improvement related to the functional area of expertise;
  • Implement strategic program and policies for the functional group and lead organization change to support the business growth;
  • Ensure compliance with company policies & standards, U.S. GAAP and the local statutory requirements and tax regulations;
  • Develop and implement processes and procedures to ensure compliance with internal controls and increase productivity;
  • Ensure timely and proper recognition of revenue and costs for month-end close in compliance with U.S. GAAP and local statutory requirements;
  • Review cost center expenses and highlight deviations from budget for corrective action;
  • Provide monthly performance reports which include comprehensive analysis of manufacturing variances and business profitability;
  • Provide 12-month rolling forecast;
  • Oversee standard cost updates;
  • Responsible for inventory accounting;
  • Annual standard cost revaluation;
  • Inventory management to optimize working capital;
  • Responsible for the annual budget as well as monthly forecasts and other corporate reporting requirements;
  • Lead ad hoc projects as assigned.

Essential skills and knowledge

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from a reputable University/Master’s degree in Finance;
  • Must be a qualified accountant;
  • Strong knowledge of finance operation, accounting, costing, internal control and tax with at least 15 years of relevant work experience (including minimum 4 years as a Finance Manager in a MNC) in a manufacturing environment;
  • International Experience required, preferably in the Middle East;
  • Mega contract experience;
  • Proficient in personal computer skills (Spreadsheet, PowerPoint, Presentations);
  • Experience in ERP system, procedures and controls;
  • Ability to lead, coach and develop a team;
  • Excellent communication skills and strong inter-personal skills and cross functional problem solver;
  • Proven business partner and team manager;
  • The employee has to be familiar with: Financial Standards and Policies, IFRS / US GAAP and Local tax regulations and reporting standards/requirements, Sarbanes Oxley Act and SAP/Hyperion.

What we offer