Accountant - I2P

Job description / Role

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A"rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group's entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

We are currently seeking an experienced finance professional to join our Finance Shared Service Center in the capacity of Accountant - I2P.

Overview of the role
The invoice processing lead will work with the FSSC I2P tower head and FSSC Head and will be accountable for all invoice processing and intercompany payment related to Finance & Accounts (Statutory, Management & Tax accounting) for all entities being served by FSSC.

He / She will establish, manage and maintain daily financial processes (Invoice processing, allocation of workload to staff, review of accounting irregularities, ageing on balances, MIS, Audits, Technical accounting matters, Reporting and reviews etc. as per time bound deliverables). The candidate will be responsible for providing inputs, advice and support to the team on technical and operational matters.

What you will do

Invoice processing
- Processing PO / Non PO based invoice for Local third party vendor for company codes assigned
- Ensuring VAT compliant invoices while processing local third party invoices, both PO and NPO based.
- Ensuring approvals are taken before processing manual posting and GL, CC and Tax codes are provided.
- Sending mail to unblock the entries which are in blocked status.
- Updating the payment printing file for urgent payment.
- Managing Ariba manager approval for all company codes assigned
- Managing queries received through email or call
- Ensure timely processing of supplier invoices
- Ensure timelines are met as per SLA
- Ensure periodic balance sheet substantiation and aged items over 90 days are tracked and reported
- Follow up with business unit to complete invoice verification
- Ensure to process payments for Principal vendors as per credit terms and standing instruction (eg: Trading Enterprises - Some Principal vendor payments by 25th of every month)
- Advance Payment Review
- Good Receipt IR Review
- Debit Balance Review
- Vendor Account Zero Balance
- Validation of Invoices scanned - as and when required by Validation team.

Internal and financial control compliance
- Ensure application of appropriate internal controls, compliance and financial processes at FSSC (Procurement, AP, systems etc.)
- Adopt best practices and process improvements within the Financial Reporting, Technical Accounting and Financial Controlling processes
- Review and reconciliation of BS accounts, GL Scrutiny

Technical Expertise
- Thorough knowledge of SAP Invoice processing accounting, tcodes, underlying transaction basis
- Work with IT demand manager to ensure reports are being automated and available on real time basis
- Ensure Daily targets are met for processing

Requirements

Required skills to be successful
- Experience with ERP (preferably SAP - FICO, BPC, BI etc.) and information systems, including planning, implementation and monitoring
- Experience preferably in Shared Service environment with Process mindset
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word/ Excel/ PowerPoint/MS Projects)
- Sound knowledge on Accounting principles and Standards, Compliances, VAT
- Sound knowledge of Regulatory compliances
- Working knowledge of SAP
- Excellent analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills

What equips you for the role
- Professional accounting qualification - BBA Finance, BCom, Inter CA, ACCA or equivalent
- Strong core finance technical skills and solid understanding of finance & Accounting Standards (IFRS), processes, infrastructure and systems (SAP FICO)
- Excellent Coordination and stakeholder management skills
- 5-7 years of well-rounded experience in the field of Accounts payable and have worked in finance

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.