Finance Director - Automotive

Job description / Role

Who we are?
World Automotive Group owns and operates business in the Middle East as well as in North America. The portfolio of our products spans from digital and AI driven solutions to physical operations in the automotive service and parts sector. We pride ourselves with entrepreneurial spirit and innovations that are always built with the automotive market in our minds.

What are we looking for?

To ensure that the companys financial goals and objectives are achieved by ensuring that all accounting and control procedures are in place in accordance with company policy and local requirements and regulations. Analyze financial information, prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within the organization. You will further assist the Executive Management for expanding the Company’s various entities and brands. Also assist by growing and expanding the Company through the addition of new clients and reactivation of previous client relationships. You will further be required to assist the Executive Management by providing consulting services and advice in various competencies such as:

• Strategy Development and Implementation
• Feasibility Studies
• Business Re-engineering
• Change Management
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Discreet Divestitures
• Business Valuations
• Transformation
• Investment Opportunities
• Creating a dashboard and Analytics for each business
• Feasibility Studies

What we want from you?
You possess business leadership, Microsoft Office application literacy, cross-cultural work environments exposure, critical problem analysis/resolution skills. Knowledge and experience in the automotive industry regarding imports, exports, maintenance, financing, insurance, Quick Service, parts, consulting, software, etc. processes and is equally versed in IFRS for automotive. Preferably knowledge and previous experience of automotive related software applications such as Kerridge, Garageplug and SAP. Knowledge of online e-Commerce would be an advantage as well as industry knowledge of the insurance and banking sectors.
• To ensure all the Group policies and procedures are implemented properly, communicated to all staff, monitored regularly, adhered too in all instances and rolled out to any new employee.
• To implement financial controls in the businesses which prevent misuse and misappropriation of funds or assets and inefficient cost control.
• Serve as a key member of the senior management team to develop operational and strategic business plans, forecasts and feasibility studies.
• Preparation of reports daily, weekly and monthly which include but are not limited to revenue analysis, debtors analysis, monthly management accounts.
• Preparation of annual budgets per business unit with quarterly updated rolling forecasts.
• Preparation and presentation of monthly Business Review Pack (BUR).
• Submission of a monthly Financial Director’s report summarizing the performance of the businesses under your control, which includes a P&L, variance analysis against budget and forecast, balance sheet and cash flow, focus areas for the next month, control weaknesses and corrective actions.
• Management and control of all treasury related transactions within the Automotive companies.
• Daily cash flow monitoring and management which includes the management of payables.
• Monthly balance sheet reconciliations review and authorize.
• Preparation of accounts must be in line with IFRS.
• Overseeing and control of the purchasing department ensuring the right item is purchased at the most competitive price.
• Monitor supplier/customer agreements regarding respective revenue and cost associated with them.
• Use industry experience and initiative to identify areas for cost cutting and/or revenue improvement.
• Ensure all businesses and assets under your control are at all times properly insured through a reputable insurance company, claims are processed timely with appropriate.
• Risk management of assets, currency, credit and liquidity.
• Manage and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Strive to build a team culture by working together with the respective business and department heads in support of their strategies to achieve the business plan.
• Oversee the payroll preparation of the Automotive companies.
• Serve as advisor to key management regarding strategic projects and operational requirements.
• Provide leadership to your finance team members and strive to be industry leading in terms of accuracy, quality, timings, execution and delivery.
• Developing and monitoring KPI’s and KPA’s for the BUSINESS.
• Foster a performance driven environment with quarterly staff performance reviews, identifying training needs and mentoring/coaching staff.
• Be familiar with the labour law and HR practices in the business and industry.
• Develop relevant pricing models and application which are customized to the business.
• Act as a strategic partner with the Executive team on all critical strategic issues which are both financial and non-financial.
• Act for the Executive manager in his/her absence as the clear number two.
• Financial Modeling
• Pricing on key products and services.
• Creating reporting dashboards for each business with variance analysis, KPI’s and CRF’s.
• A business partner with ownership for key financial results including P&L and cash Flow

Requirements

What we want you to bring?
• An energetic, motivated individual with aspirations of obtaining international financial management experience
• Postgraduate degree in accounting, finance or related would be an advantage
• Able to show some entrepreneurial initiatives
• Comfortable in communicating up to Chairman level
• 5 years+ automotive industry related experience, preferably with some direct dealership or automotive consulting experience.
• Middle East Experience preferred
• Strong Leadership skills and can work independently with little supervision.
• Entrepreneurial and creative in respect to business models, new initiatives and finding solutions to bot industry and market challenges.
• Insights and experience in online e-Commerce a major advantage.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills at all levels.
• Deep understanding of Automotive Dealership/distributorship operations including OEM requirements and DMS reporting and dealer statements.
• Experience with M&A
• Experience in start ups
• Experience in raising funding and IPO’s

Language skills
• English – proficiency in spoken and written English
• Arabic – preferred

About the Company

World Automotive Group owns and operates business in the Middle East as well as in North America. The portfolio of our products spans from digital and AI driven solutions to physical operations in the automotive service and parts sector. Brands such as AutoData, Vicimus, Expressfit, Fasttrack Chill Out QS and Gulfcars are the brands under which our different products strive. We pride ourselves with entrepreneurial spirit and innovations that are always built with the automotive market in our minds.