Financial Controller - Financial Accounting

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.

As part of an overall restructure and modernisation of the Atkins Middle East finance function a new position has been created to lead the Financial Accounting function within the ME Shared Services. This is an exciting opportunity to fulfil a critical role in the overall Middle East finance department.

The primary responsibility of the role is to provide line management and technical leadership to the Financial Accounting team within the newly created Shared Services function (SSF). The SSF will be the backbone of all Middle East financial support and will include Project Accounting, Financial Accounting, Accounts Payable/Receivable and Payroll. The Financial Controller will report to the Head of ME Shared Services and will lead the Financial Accounting team consisting of 3 fully qualified accountants and 5 support staff/trainees. It is expected that the Financial Controller will become the defacto number two to the Head of ME Shared Services and will therefore assist with the overall requirement of the shared services function.

Other responsibilities will include:
- Ensure accuracy and efficiency of all standard procedures;
- Manage team to ensure strict deadlines are met;
- Provide technical expertise to the Financial Accounting team during the production of annual statutory accounts & tax compliance for ME companies
- Continuously assess team performance and suggest process improvements on an ongoing basis;
- Manage team against agreed KPI’s;
- Develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders to ensure their requirements are met;
- Ad-hoc support to relevant business improvement projects;
- Key person to support the Head of SFF with the management of external and internal audits;
- Support to Head of ME SSF with Ad-hoc support in both financial accounting improvement and wider business support during the Quarterly Business Review process and month board meetings.

Requirements

- Qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA or other recognized Western Accounting qualification;
- Minimum 3 years post qualified experience within a Finance environment with a bias towards technical accounting;
- Experience in the production of statutory accounts under IFRS standard;
- Proven track record of developing and running high performing teams;
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel;
- High standard of (numerical) presentation skills;
- Working knowledge of other Microsoft office tools;
- Experience of interacting with multiple businesses and finance functions;
- Experience of working within a multi-cultural environment.

Desirable
- Working knowledge of JD Edwards, Hyperion and other finance specific IT systems and databases;
- Experience in big four or MNC Group Finance environment;
- Exposure to various countries tax and statutory requirements within Middle East
- Share service environment experience within a large MNC.

Behavioral Competencies
- Initiative – Able to work independently with minimum supervision, make suggestions on best practice and improving current processes and procedures.
- Problem solving – Can think independently of 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 others towards the same goals and objectives
- Communication skills – effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
- Time Management – able to prioritize, plan ahead and achieve objectives within strict deadlines
- Influencing - Confident liaising and influencing at all levels within a business.
- Culturally aware - able to work with a diverse team. Able to bring his or her colleagues with them.
- Capable of intelligent debate - questioning his or her colleagues without being abrasive – able to communicate complexity clearly.

Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary for the right candidate
- Accommodation allowance
- Transportation allowance
- Annual leave allowance
- Medical and life insurance cover
- Company gratuity scheme
- Discretionary bonus scheme

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).