JOB PURPOSE:
The Financial Reporting Manager is responsible for leading and ensuring the timely, accurate preparation of all financial and regulatory reports for the Gulf business (UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar), including statutory financial statements ( disclosures and other notes and Analysis for management Discussion) and regulatory filings, in compliance with IFRS and company policies. This role owns the end-to-end Regulatory financial close and reporting process, with oversight of IFRS 17 insurance contract reporting. The Reporting Manager oversees and coordinates the external financial reporting process – including collaboration with internal teams and engagement with external auditors and regulators – to ensure high-quality reporting and compliance with all relevant standards. The position requires strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and deep technical expertise in accounting and financial reporting (including IFRS 17). The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in maintaining the integrity of financial results, strengthening financial controls, and supporting our commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.

DESCRIPTION (Key Responsibilities):

• Financial Statements & Regulatory Returns: Lead the preparation and review of financial statements and regulatory returns on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission to management, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• External Audit & Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary liaison with external auditors and regulators for all financial reporting and IFRS 17 matters. Coordinate audit requests and reviews, facilitate smooth completion of audits, and address any issues or queries promptly. Ensure all regulatory and audit queries are responded to with comprehensive, accurate analysis and supporting data.
• IFRS 17 Oversight: Serve as the subject matter expert for IFRS 17 within the finance function, managing the integration of IFRS 17 into all reporting processes. Lead the ongoing development and refinement of IFRS 17 reconciliation processes (e.g. IFRS 4 to IFRS 17 reconciliations), reporting templates, and workflows, driving enhancements and efficiency improvements as needed. Ensure IFRS 17 accounting policies, accounting manuals, and documentation are updated and consistently applied.
• Stakeholder & Team Management: Lead and develop the financial reporting team, providing clear direction, performance management, and professional development. Liaise closely with cross-functional stakeholders – including Actuarial, IT, Operations, and regional finance teams – to coordinate data inputs, resolve issues, and meet reporting requirements.
• Governance & Controls: Implement and maintain strong internal controls and governance over financial reporting processes, including IFRS 17 reporting and closing activities. Ensure compliance with internal risk management frameworks and external regulatory requirements, and drive continuous improvements in controls and process efficiency (including automation to eliminate manual work).
• Financial Analysis & Business Insight: Analyse and interpret complex financial data (including IFRS 17 outputs such as insurance contract cohorts and results) to provide actionable insights. Develop and present variance analyses and key drivers for monthly and quarterly results to senior management, supporting effective decision-making and business understanding of financial performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Represent the Financial Reporting function in cross-departmental initiatives. Communicate financial and regulatory information to non-financial stakeholders in a clear, concise manner. Proactively engage with internal partners (e.g. CFO, Financial Controller, Business units, Actuarial, Risk) to ensure alignment on reporting requirements and financial controls.
• Process Improvement: Champion finance process improvements and automation initiatives (particularly related to IFRS 17 data and reporting processes) to increase efficiency, quality, and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Take on additional duties or projects related to financial reporting, closing, or controls as may be assigned from time to time.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal: Chief Financial Officer; Financial Controller; Accounting Manager; Actuarial Department; IT; Customer Service; Internal Audit; other Gulf & Regional Department Heads.
External: External Auditors; Regulators.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting (preferred) or Finance, Business Administration, 
• Minimum 5+ years of financial reporting experience, including several years within a multinational corporation (insurance/financial services industry preferred). Prior external audit experience (e.g. 2–5 years in a Big 4 firm) and/or demonstrated experience in a similar reporting/controllership role is strongly desirable.
• Fluent Arabic speaker (required). Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA, CA or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting frameworks (including comprehensive understanding of IFRS 17); familiarity with US GAAP is an advantage.
• Experience in risk assessment and implementation of internal control frameworks for financial reporting.
• Advanced knowledge of financial statement preparation, financial reporting processes, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with financial systems; experience with reporting and automation tools is a plus.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, manage, and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Business Acumen: Deep understanding of business and financial concepts; ability to see the broader context and implications of financial results.
• Highly organised, able to structure work and multi-task in order to meet multiple deadlines.
• Strong analytical thinking and high attention to detail; adept at identifying issues and ensuring accuracy.
• Motivated with a strong sense of responsibility; takes ownership of outcomes and delivers under pressure.
• Effective at time management and maintaining composure under tight deadlines.
• Innovative and open to change; proactively seeks opportunities to improve processes and challenge existing practices.
• Adaptable to evolving requirements and capable of adjusting plans to address new challenges or changes in priorities.