Regional Accounts Payable Manager

Job description / Role

As a provider of multi-disciplined technical services to the built environment, Atkins is committed to design excellence in the delivery of first class solutions which combine innovation, imagination and best practice.

We operate at the forefront of the transport, property and infrastructure sectors and are one of the world's leading Engineering consultants. Using a flexible and multi-disciplinary approach, we provide an independent service in key areas: consulting and project management.

A position has arisen to take overall responsibility of the centralised Middle East AP team. The regional AP manager will report to the Head of Finance and will lead a team of 7 staff. The role will be focused on improving the processes, controls, and efficiency of the AP function.

Responsibilities
- Line management of the Accounts Payable team consisting of 7 staff;
- Ensure team are working to set KPIs and SLAs;
- Build strong relationships with local bank representatives;
- Produce weekly/ monthly team performance reports;
- Produce weekly/ monthly management reports;
- Review and recommend changes to regional AP policy;
- Weekly forecasting of all payments in ME region;
- Ensure continuous control review and testing;
- Ensure on-going communication with the ME business regarding AP policy and procedure;
- Query resolution;
- Management of online banking systems

Requirements

Essential
- Outstanding communication skills in written and spoken English;
- Minimum of 5 years experience within finance, 3 year within an AP role;
- Clear experience in a team leader role;
- High standard of (numerical) presentation skills;
- Experience working within a large corporate entity;
- Demonstrable ability to prioritize, plan ahead, and achieve objectives within set timescales;
- Experience of working with GCC

Desirable
- Introductory level professional bookkeeping/accounting qualification;
- Working knowledge of JD Edwards or other transactional finance systems;
- Knowledge of GCC withholding tax legislation;
- Exposure to payroll activities;
- Arabic speaking is desirable but not essential.

Behavioural Competencies
- Initiative Able to work independently with minimum supervision, make suggestions on best practice and improving current processes and procedures;
- Problem solving Can suggest creative solutions to problems;
- Strong management and interpersonal skills able to develop productive internal working relationships with colleagues at all levels;
- Analytical Able to analyse large volumes of data and clearly communicate findings;
- Teamwork willingly cooperate with the others to the overall benefit of the organisation;
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills;
- Able to prioritize, plan ahead and achieve objectives within strict deadlines.

About the Company

Atkins is one of the leading providers of professional, technology based consultancy and support services to the industry, commerce and governments in all of the worlds major economies. With over 17,000 staff operating in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the Americas, Atkins has a broad range of skills and resources and provides Clients with a comprehensive service throughout the entire life cycle of the projects in the built environment.

We aim to be the international first choice supplier of technical and integrated services. Shaped by our customers' needs, our vision is to:

• focus on quality
• seek world class design and excellence
• strive to add value
• be flexible to the evolving needs of a changing society

Atkins first carried out design and supervision commissions in the Gulf area in 1967. From its regional head office in Dubai, U.A.E. Atkins Middle East now employs over 2000 staff located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Oman (Muscat ), Qatar (Doha) Bahrain (Manama), Kuwait (Kuwait City) and India (Bangalore).