Senior Financial Controller Job Opening in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Role Overview:

As the Senior Financial Controller for Sri Lanka operations, you will oversee a diverse portfolio that includes new and used cars, agricultural tractors, aftersales, lubricants, and manufacturing across six legal entities. You will manage a broad dealer network of over 300 outlets throughout Sri Lanka. Reporting to the General Manager of Finance, you will play a key role in strategic planning, performance management, and financial control for the automotive division.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with the Managing Director and country leadership to drive financial performance, focusing on Global Used Cars P&L, profitability, working capital, and cash flow improvements. Develop and present insightful reports and KPIs for key stakeholders.
• Transformation Support: Drive and support multi-dimensional transformation programs. Identify and escalate risks and opportunities in a timely manner.
• Operational Support: Aid operational teams in executing turnaround initiatives and managing financial performance.
• Financial Ownership: Oversee all financial aspects of Sri Lanka operations, including financial closing, audits, balance sheet management, and resolution of internal audit findings.
• Market Insight: Translate market dynamics into financial implications to optimize P&L and cash flow.
• Reporting Management: Handle financial reporting, including monthly reports, budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial plans, and statutory reports.
• Tax and Treasury Oversight: Manage taxation affairs, liaise with external tax advisors, oversee cash flow, treasury controls, hedging, and foreign currency management.
• Audit and Compliance: Manage relationships with external auditors, ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Oversee banking and borrowing arrangements.
• Investor and Creditor Relations: Manage interactions with investors and creditors.
• Operational Financial Functions: Supervise Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Tax, Treasury, Payroll, and both Financial and Management Accounting functions.
• Financial Analysis: Review and analyze monthly financial statements, manage dispersion across operations, and implement governance and process controls. Develop and maintain divisional reports and dashboards.
• Process Optimization: Use data analysis to improve financial processes and performance. Support in the analysis of tactical spends and margins, and develop KPIs.
• Decision Support: Enhance financial decision-making and visibility regarding inventory, demand, and supply. Actively participate in business and operations reviews, challenging business cases from profitability and cash flow perspectives.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data on costs, income, and expenses. Provide prompt ad-hoc data and analysis for MD and GM.
• Strategic Planning: Engage with brand teams to prepare forecasts, annual budgets, and strategic plans.

Skills for Success:

• Automotive Industry Experience: Proven track record in the automotive sector.
• Senior Financial Controller Experience: At least 5 years in a senior financial controller role.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.
• Professional Certification: Certified Accountant (CPA, CMA, ACCA).
  Team Structure:
• Reporting Line: Directly report to the General Manager of Finance.
  Qualifications and Experience:
• Educational Background: Qualified Accountant or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
• Experience: Minimum of 12-15 years in relevant financial roles.
• Core Competencies: Strong numeracy, analytical skills, and commercial awareness.
• Demonstrated leadership, team-building, and positive management skills.
• Additional Qualities: Self-directed with strong interpersonal skills. Previous experience in a similar role within a leading organization is preferred.