Regional Head of Finance - ME&A at Apex Group

• The Regional FD will be ultimately responsible for the finance function of the Middle East and Africa Region of Apex Group.
• ​The candidate will be expected to ensure the various entities’ financial records are up to date, accurate and delivery of their duties is in line with Group requirements.  The role thus requires a direct interface with the other finance areas as well as the heads of the relevant business operations and third parties. 
• ​In addition to the oversight of the historical financial results, the Regional FD will play a key role in coordinating the requirements of Group Finance along with that of the business. This includes oversight and management of the activities performed by the entire finance function as well as closely engaging with the Local Managing Director (“LMD”) and business managers within the Division.     
• ​As the senior finance role player for the division, the individual will be responsible for delivering, analyzing and interpreting the finance outputs and reporting so that these are shared appropriately to maintain a stable, compliant and well-controlled trading environment. The role will thus involve management of the team and close working with the MDs and the underlying business managers and reporting and presenting of the financial results to these individuals and entity Boards.​​​ 

Job specification 

• To maintain the finance, function the Regional FD will work with the Senior Financial Controller, MDs and Service Group Heads to ensure financial information is appropriate for managing the business and its risks. 
• ​Obtain a thorough understanding of the Divisions business, its competitors, risks, opportunities and challenges to ensure appropriate judgement is applied in making strategic decisions.
• ​Provide overall support, leadership and control over the finance staffing and the cost of the finance function for the Division. 
• ​Review and assess the processes within the Divisional finance function to seek out process improvements and customizations required to ensure best practice is implemented and efficiencies are shared.
• ​Engage with the business to drive strategy and ensure the financial aspects of strategic decisions are appropriately considered.
• ​In conjunction with central treasury and the finance team monitoring cash, ensure funding requests and loan repayments are managed so that operating entities have appropriate balances to continue meeting their obligations. Adherence to all applicable Reserve Bank legislation for cross-border payments and executing relevant payments approvals as is required.
• ​Represent the finance function as required where business requires finance representation in discussions with clients and other third parties. 
• ​Ensuring the overall delivery of the required financial outputs on an ongoing basis in accordance with predetermined deadlines to the business, Group Finance and other third parties. Initiate and oversee reporting and analysis as required to provide value through ongoing and ad-hoc financial information to the business.
• ​Overall responsibility for the Division’s statutory and regulatory reporting and filing including financial audits.
• ​In conjunction with the wider Finance teams, ensure the risks, administration and compliance with income tax, transfer pricing and VAT rules are understood, adhered to and regularly reviewed. Obtaining necessary opinions to remain in good standing, and new changes made are in line with these requirements.
• ​Representing the Divisional users of accounting systems, participate in decisions for development and investment in finance systems in conjunction with other Senior Financial Controllers, Group Finance, MD and Service Group heads.
• ​Ensuring that proper internal financial controls and operational policies, procedures and checks are in place for the Division to maintain the integrity of the accounting records, and to minimize risk of errors and omissions, and misappropriation of company assets.
• ​Responsibility for the finance component of delivering annual Divisional budget data and monthly cash and P&L forecasts in accordance with predetermined deadlines and budgeting parameters. 
• ​Implementing corporate governance good practice together with the company secretarial department in all financial procedures, such as the AFS preparation process, contracting for new services, dividend and loan advances etc. 

Other:

• Responsibility for ensuring that various reporting requirements imposed by contractual commitments are completed on time.
• ​Implementing cost cutting measures, streamlining processes and increasing revenue collection ability.
• ​Negotiating contracts such as leases, insurance and other supplier contracts.
• ​Participating in due diligence reviews and financial analysis of other businesses, as required by the Division and Group Finance.
• The Regional FD may also be required to assume responsibility for certain office administration, directorship and management functions.       

Skills Required:

• A qualified accountant with a minimum of 10 year’s relevant experience; 
• ​Excellent accounting skills and attention to detail;
• Demonstrably resilient and with a problem-solving mindset 
• ​Analytical and financial modelling skills; 
• ​General Management skills; 
• ​Experience in multi-currency, multi-company, and multi-jurisdictional accounting will be advantageous. 

Knowledge of Accounting Principles:

• Cashflow and credit control management.
• ​Forecasting and Budgeting.
• ​Ability to design accounting models in order to support business decisions.
• ​Up-to date working knowledge of international financial reporting standards and experience in preparation of accounts in accordance with those standards. 
• ​Excellent computer skills, and in particular a good knowledge of: Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook email.
• ​Windows based accounting packages, including multi-currency; (Workday advantageous).
• ​Experience in income tax, VAT and CGT principles.

General skills:

• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• ​Experience in negotiating with suppliers and reviewing of contracts.
• ​Trouble shooting and conflict resolution.
• ​Experience in funding and treasury.
• ​Commercial approach to business decisions.
• ​The ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders on all levels.
• ​The ability to prioritize and plan a challenging workload and to meet tight reporting deadlines.
• ​A systematic work method and attention to detail.
• ​The ability to work as a member of a team.
• ​The ability to think independently and have a hands-on mentality.
• ​Communication and Language skills.
• ​Strategic thinking and commercial approach to finance.
• ​Fluent English.​