Director of Accounting and Finance

Job description / Role

Major duties and responsibilities

Manage multiple day-to-day roles that include project delivery, client relationship management, team building, and business development.
Support and guide the planning, budgeting, quality management, and resource management of consulting (client) and internal projects.
Stay abreast of current business and economic developments relevant to the client’s business, and use current technology and tools to enhance the effectiveness of services provided.
Provide technical guidance on client assignments including preparation of reports, position papers, and manage the implementation and adoption of IFRS to ensure projects are delivered according to client specifications and within set timelines.
Lead projects which require specialist technical accounting advice and support on accounting for proposed and actual transactions.
Assist clients in preparing for and completing audits, and liaise with the auditor.
Contribute to reviews on completion of projects to identify lessons learned and enhance future quality and commercial planning.
Assist on financial statement conversion projects to and from IFRS.
Provide IFRS training to clients and personnel.
Continuously review project performance against preset objectives and milestones to ensure quality control throughout its life cycle while identifying and addressing key challenges and lessons learnt.
Ensure effective operation of projects by managing and facilitating flow of essential information and feedback among project stakeholders; regularly and effectively communicate project expectations and updates.
As a key member of the team, the role includes wider practice management responsibilities such as market and brand initiatives, including the development of new service offerings and competency development, including supporting the delivery of annual IFRS update training.
Build presence in the marketplace, network and build relationships, and identify opportunities for work from lead identification to the presentation of pitches and proposals.
Supervise, coach, and mentor junior staff.
Conduct performance reviews and contribute to performance feedback and training.

Education requirements

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or equivalent/relevant tertiary degree.
Professional accountancy or finance qualification (ICAEW-ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent).

Work experience requirements

Minimum 12+ years of relevant advisory or audit experience with a proven track record of outstanding performance (preferably in another Big 4).
Expert knowledge of IFRS (detailed knowledge and experience in newer accounting standards, namely IFRS 17, IFRS 9, and IFRS 15 is essential).
Working experience in relation to the following services and solutions:

• IFRS/IPSAS conversions and implementation of new accounting standards
• Drafting and designing accounting policies
• Technical accounting research and advice
• Consolidation and compilation support
• Financial statement close process support
• Audit remediation and readiness
• Benchmarking services and market analysis

Experience in the Middle East market is highly recommended.

Knowledge / technical skills

• Strong project management skills as the delivery role requires client management, project budgeting and finance management, coaching, and resource management on a portfolio of clients
• Strong technical skills and ability to research technical and emerging issues, including regulations, industry practices, and new technologies
• Government sector experience with cost accounting background
• Industry sector specialization (Oil & Gas, Financial Services, and/or public sector)
• Arabic speaker