ob Description

Position Details

Position Title: AVP – Accounting & Controls
Department: Group Finance
Reports To: Group Financial Controller
Location: UAE (Group Role)
Grade: AVP

Job Purpose

The AVP – Accounting & Controls is responsible for leading the accounting operations, financial controls, governance, and compliance framework across the Group. The role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, robust balance sheet management, strong internal controls, compliance with IFRS and regulatory requirements, and continuous process improvement.

The incumbent will partner with business, finance, technology, treasury, tax, procurement, and external auditors to enhance financial governance, strengthen control environments, and support strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Review and monitor General Ledger integrity, balance sheet reconciliations, and accounting entries.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, local regulatory requirements, and Group accounting policies.
• Oversee accounting treatment for complex and non-routine transactions.
• Support preparation of statutory, management, and Board reporting.

2. Financial Controls & Governance

• Design, implement, and continuously improve financial controls across the Group.
• Monitor compliance with Delegation of Authority (DoA), accounting policies, and SOPs.
• Ensure a strong control environment over financial reporting processes.
• Lead periodic control assessments and remediation plans.
• Review control deficiencies and drive corrective actions.

3. Balance Sheet & Reconciliation Management

• Oversee reconciliation of all key balance sheet and suspense accounts.
• Monitor ageing items and ensure timely resolution of outstanding balances.
• Review provisions, accruals, and write-off recommendations.
• Ensure reconciliation risks are identified, escalated, and addressed promptly. [UOPSP026_F...UAE Rev 1 | PDF]

4. Audit & Compliance

• Act as the primary finance contact for external and internal audits.
• Coordinate audit requests and ensure timely closure of audit observations.
• Maintain audit-ready financial records and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, statutory, and corporate governance requirements. [GFP008_Acc...AE and KSA | PDF]

5. Systems, Process Improvement & Automation

• Drive finance transformation initiatives and process automation.
• Partner with Technology teams for ERP enhancements and finance systems optimization.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of finance operations.
• Lead implementation of finance-related projects impacting accounting and controls. [JD - AVP f...fa Shabbir | Word]

6. Risk Management

• Identify financial reporting and operational risks.
• Develop mitigation plans and monitor implementation.
• Support operational risk assessments and control testing.
• Ensure finance processes operate within approved risk appetite and governance standards.

7. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, coach, and develop Accounting & Controls teams.
• Establish clear performance objectives and accountability measures.
• Liaise with Business Finance, Treasury, Tax, Procurement, Risk, Compliance, and Technology functions.
• Present key financial control matters to senior management and executive stakeholders.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Month-end close completed within agreed timelines.
• Balance sheet reconciliation completion rate.
• Ageing/open item reduction targets achieved.
• Number and severity of audit findings.
• Control compliance and remediation closure rate.
• Accuracy of financial reporting.
• Process automation and efficiency improvements delivered.
• Team engagement and capability development.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
• Professional qualification preferred (CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA).

Experience

• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in Accounting, Financial Reporting, Controllership, or Audit.
• Experience in large multinational, banking, fintech, payments, or regulated environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, internal controls, and financial governance.
• Experience managing audit relationships and finance transformation initiatives.

Competencies

Technical

• Financial Reporting (IFRS)
• Controllership & Governance
• Internal Controls
• Balance Sheet Reconciliations
• ERP Systems (Oracle/SAP/Dynamics)
• Audit & Compliance
• Process Automation

Leadership

• Strategic Thinking
• Stakeholder Management
• Team Leadership
• Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Change Management
• Executive Communication

This version is suitable for a senior finance controllership function and would align well with Network International's Finance governance structure and reporting expectations.