Group Financial Controller

We are looking for a Group Financial Controller with exceptional accounting and analytical skills to add value and improve our operations by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to the accounting function.Reporting directly to the Group CFO, the role will be responsible for the following:

Job Responsibilities

Consolidation and Financial Reporting

• Lead the consolidation process for the group, ensuring accurate and timely consolidation of financial statements for multiple entities and business units.
• Coordinate with regional finance teams to gather and validate financial data, eliminating discrepancies and ensuring consistency across reporting entities.
• Perform inter-company reconciliations and eliminations to eliminate duplicate transactions and achieve a single, accurate view of group financial performance.
• Prepare consolidated financial statements and management reports for presentation to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Lead the preparation and analysis of monthly financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and key performance indicators (KPIs)

General Ledger (GL) Management and Month-End Close

• Oversee the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring adherence to established timelines and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and accruals to verify completeness and accuracy of GL transactions.
• Implement best practices for GL management, including chart of accounts maintenance, cost center allocations, and accounting policies documentation.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement

• Evaluate existing financial systems, processes, and controls related to consolidation and GL management, identifying areas for improvement.
• Drive initiatives to enhance automation, standardization, and efficiency in consolidation, reporting, and GL operations.
• Partner with IT to implement system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations to support evolving business needs.
• Provide training and support to finance staff on system usage, reporting requirements, and best practices for consolidation and GL activities.

Tax Compliance and Strategy

• Oversee all aspects of tax compliance for the group, including income tax, VAT/GST, and other indirect taxes across multiple jurisdictions (with a specific focus on the UAE and US)
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of tax returns, including coordination with external tax advisors and authorities to meet regulatory requirements

Financial Leadership and Team Management

• Provide leadership and guidance to the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Mentor and develop finance staff, providing training and opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
• Collaborate with other departments and senior management to support strategic initiatives, optimize financial performance, and drive business growth.
  

Preferred Qualifications / skills

·Chartered Accountant with 10+ years of post qualification experience

·Experience within the Shipping sector (chartering or recycling of vessels) will be looked upon favorably

·Experienced financial controller with a keen attention to detail that prides themselves on taking ownership of the Group financials

·Extensive experience in leading on financial consolidation and reporting

·Proficiency in financial reporting tools and software, including ERP systems, BI tools (e.g., Power BI), and Microsoft Excel are a significant advantage

·Proven ability to manage month-end and year-end close processes in a multi-entity, cross currency environment, meeting tight deadlines and ensuring accuracy.

·Track record of preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRS and leading the external audit process

·Demonstrated experience of leading a finance team, ability to work to deadlines and communicate well with the ExCom