We are looking to hire a Finance Excellence Lead who will be responsible for formulating and executing the strategic vision for the Finance Shared Services function. The Finance Excellence Lead will oversee a team of professionals who will execute projects across process excellence, service excellence, process automation, and performance management, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives. This role is for our large semi-government entity client based in Dubai which is one of the largest companies in the region.

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the overall strategy for finance excellence, aligning with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Finance Excellence team, ensuring effective execution of strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior management to align finance excellence initiatives with broader business strategies.

Service Excellence:

• Guide the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality in service delivery.
• Oversee initiatives to streamline service processes and enhance efficiency.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through strategic improvements in service delivery.

Process Excellence:

• Lead the identification and prioritization of process re-engineering and improvement projects to optimize finance operations.
• Drive the adoption of best practices to reduce costs and increase productivity.
• Utilize Six Sigma methodologies to oversee complex operational issues and implement effective solutions.

Process Automation:

• Strategically lead the identification and implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) opportunities.
• Oversee the deployment and integration of automation solutions, ensuring they align with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with IT and relevant departments to ensure seamless integration of automation into existing systems.

Performance Management:

• Develop and oversee the monitoring of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve the performance of finance shared services.
• Prepare and present performance reports to senior management, providing strategic insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Implement and monitor performance improvement plans, ensuring progress against established goals.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor a team of finance excellence professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure successful project execution across all focus areas.
• Promote professional development and training within the team to build capability and expertise.

Knowledge, skills & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in finance, at least 5 years in a finance excellence or related role, and 2 years of managing a team of professionals.
• Proven experience in a shared service environment is highly desirable.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification is required.
• Strong expertise in process re-engineering, improvement, and automation (RPA).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage SOPs and drive service excellence.
• Extensive experience in KPI monitoring, reporting, and performance improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to enhance finance operations.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.
• Skilled in driving organizational change and managing resistance.
• Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders.
• Committed to achieving goals and continuously improving performance.

Availability:

• Preference will be given to candidates available immediately or a maximum 30 days after accepting the offer.