We are looking for an experienced leader to join the Group as VP, Accounting. This position is responsible for building out a first-class Shared Services function overseeing the delivery of shared services including order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, fixed assets, IFRS 16 and reporting throughout the Group across GCC, Europe, the Americas and Asia. This role will report to the Group CFO and work closely with Finance divisions and executive stakeholders across the Group. The role will help the Group to drive efficiency and scalability to support the rapid growth of the business.

Strategic Leadership:

• Work closely with the CFO and executive team to develop and execute strategies that supports the company’s Group Strategic goals.
• Lead the Accounting team to develop and manage a comprehensive roadmap of strategic initiatives, using a systematic approach to balance immediate requirements with our long-term strategic vision.
• Define the end-state for a best-in-class service organization.
• Exceptional conceptual and analytic problem-solving capabilities to support both operational and strategic decision making.

Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement strategies to streamline the overall Accounting and Shared Services Center function maximize efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards and is accountable for its successful implementation per the timelines outlined within the plan.
• Accountable for the successful implementation of the Accounting and Shared Service Strategy per the timelines outlined within the plan.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with proof points of being a hands-on executor.
• Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures to enhance internal controls and streamline financial operations.
• Build and lead a high-performing accounting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Collaborate with Finance, tax, legal and Internal Audit team to mitigate financial, legal risks and compliance risks.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the organization. Encourage feedback from both customers and employees, and use insights gained to optimize processes, workflows, and service delivery mechanisms.

Reporting & Consolidation

• Oversee month-end close processes and provide accurate and timely reporting.
• Manage the accounting team to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and year end Group consolidation.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies compliant with policies and procedures and IFRS.
• Collaborate with external auditors during the annual audit process.

Shared Services

• Oversee the Shared Service Centre with its operations for order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, fixed assets, IFRS 16 and reporting.
• Design and implement efficient and effective policies, systems, and controls to drive and enhance process compliance with internal controls and IFRS accounting standards.
• Drive process improvements and automation to enhance financial operations efficiency.
• Ensure best-in-class use of technology, including AI and RPA to drive process efficiencies through automation and provide insights, analysis, and recommendations on process optimization based on best practice.
• Establish clear metrics and monitoring processes effectively measure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that drive efficiencies and ensure compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal and external customers.
• Implement cost-control measures to optimize profitability and financial efficiency and foster an environment of continues end-to-end process improvements across the organisation.

• Internationally recognized professional qualification such as ICAEW, CPA and/or CMA or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Top Business school MBA level education preferred.
• Demonstrated success within audit of a Big 4 practice and held a senior role leading a large Accounting/Shared Services organization (minimum of 7 years).
• Experience with Shared Services with in-depth process knowledge covering key SSC and Finance themes is essential.
• Hands on experience in setting up a Finance Shared Service organization.
• Experience working in a high growth area within a transformative environment.
• Experience working in Retail, Distribution or Consumer industries preferred.
• In-depth experience in operations automation and data driven projects (Big data, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning etc.).
• Good understanding of ERP systems (e.g. ORACLE, SAP etc.) with and end-to-end thinking mentality is a must.
• Proven track record of managing many projects simultaneously, managing and driving cost efficiencies, and ensuring projects achieve schedules.
• Ability to build a network and develop strong working relationships.