Head - Finance - Global Sports Marketing Agency

A global sports marketing company is looking for a Head of Finance to be based out of their Dubai office. The person will be responsible for overseeing all finance operations and be part of the local leadership team for an expanding Middle East, South Asia region. The person will be expected to have considerable experience in the Middle East market, be ready to roll up their sleeves and operate with a lean team. The responsibilities include:

Financial Planning & Analysis:

- Develop and implement financial plans, budgets, and forecasts aligned with the firm's strategic objectives.

- Conduct thorough financial analysis to identify areas for improvement and optimize financial performance. Provide insights and recommendations to senior management based on analysis.

- Prepare & ensure timely submission of all required presentations, financial reporting & deliverables

Stakeholder management:

- Work closely with internal stakeholders (local commercial departments & regional finance team)

- Manage relationships with external stakeholders (external consultants, tax agent, auditor, banks)

Financial strategy & modelling:

- Develop and execute the financial strategy aligned with growth objectives

- Build robust financial models to support any new business / M&A planning, scenario analysis, and investment decisions.

Finance Operations:

- Oversee all financial reporting, accounting processes, and compliance matters in accordance with regulatory requirements.

- Oversee all month-end and year-end closing processes alongside in-house finance manager and external consultants.

- Oversee all processes relating to new company set up within the region from tax, structuring aspects etc. Taking help from external consultants where required & being the key liaison person driving such processes.

Treasury management:

- Manage cash flow, liquidity, and financial risk by monitoring and forecasting cash flows and investments.

- Maintain relationships with banks to ensure access to appropriate financing options.

Risk Management:

- Assess and mitigate financial risks through effective policies and controls.

- Align and comply with legal and group finance policy requirements.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline business & finance processes/reporting & improve efficiencies through better utilisation of automated systems

Qualifications:

- Degree or professional qualification in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline

- 10-12 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a similar services based industry including Media, Sports, Entertainment etc.

- Must have strong technical knowledge on finance & accounting matters

- Must have considerable experience and strong understanding on the financial operations, structuring, tax regulations & compliance in the Middle East, South Asia region (India, UAE & Saudi Arabia)

- Strong excel skills, financial modelling experience is needed

- Knowledge of Arabic will be a plus

Report to - CFO