Financial Controller - MENA

About the role
Reporting to the Global Head of Financial Control and managing a team of approximately 4-5 direct reports, this role is crucial in ensuring that all Financial Control, FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis), and Tax Operations activities within the MENA region are carried out in alignment with the company’s policies and applicable legislation. As a Financial Controller, your team will provide support to the MENA COO and the Regional Office Managing Partner as necessary.

Overview of the Function
The Global Finance function is dedicated to establishing strong financial control across our global operations, functioning as a trusted commercial advisor while influencing strategic decisions and fostering long-term profitable growth for the company. We aim to achieve our vision through collaboration among all team members, fostering an inclusive Global Finance culture.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• Month end close and reporting

  • Manage the month end process to ensure timely and accurate closure.
  • Review ledger entries pre-close to verify completeness and accuracy.
  • Prepare reporting and analysis for stakeholders including COO, Managing Partner, and Partners, and address any queries.
  • Ensure completion and review of all balance sheet reconciliations per the accounts responsibility matrix, including bank reconciliations and accounts payable in collaboration with colleagues in Bratislava.

• Year end close and reporting

  • Oversee the year end close process to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
  • Address requests from internal and external auditors and ensure resolution of relevant control or audit findings.

• Local GAAP accounting

  • Ensure completeness and accuracy of local GAAP accounting.

• Budgeting and Forecasting

  • Supervise the annual budget process, with accountability for preparing the overheads budget.
  • Work closely with the Practice Group Performance team for Practice Group budgets and the Global FP&A team for Business Services budgets.
  • Manage full year re-forecasts as required by Global Finance.

• Partners, Partner Taxes and Partnership Accounting

  • Review partner drawings and distribution payments, including distribution statements.
  • Address ad hoc partner queries and provide new partner finance induction.
  • Liaise with partners, the Global Tax Team, and external tax advisors regarding partner tax returns.
  • Support partners in responding to any tax audit inquiries.

• Cash, Banking and Bank relationships

  • Manage relationships with local banks on behalf of the company.
  • Approve bank payments and review cash flow liquidity forecasts (13-week and rolling 12-month).
  • Collaborate with the Global Treasury team to ensure adequate funds are available to meet regional requirements.

• Other Finance tasks

  • Review monthly payroll and calculate associated payroll balances in compliance with local regulations.
  • Manage local audits including Bahrain, Abu Dhabi ICV, UAE, and KSA.
  • Oversee the local billing team in conjunction with Global Matter Support colleagues, including implementing necessary eBilling solutions.
  • Handle regional intercompany accounting and approve expenses and payments.

• Taxes

  • Liaise with external advisors on corporate tax/Zakat matters.
  • Ensure timely review and submission of VAT returns.
  • Collaborate with Global tax colleagues on developing regional transfer pricing policies and associated recharges.
  • Comply with tax regulations and design processes for any updates in tax policies.

• Risk management and compliance

  • Ensure compliance with global management accounts policies.
  • Own and monitor cost and expense policies for effective implementation.
  • Design and implement adequate controls across finance processes.
  • Ensure completion of all relevant license renewals, AML returns, and statutory returns as required by local laws.

• Innovation and continuous improvement

  • Stay updated on technology advancements and Global Finance processes.
  • Foster a continuous improvement mindset, driving automation and efficiency improvements.
  • Identify and implement additional automation initiatives.
  • Serve as the local Subject Matter Expert for firmwide strategic projects.

• Other stakeholders

  • Negotiate and renew contracts with company suppliers in collaboration with budget owners, including Office Managers and functional heads (e.g., printers, mobile phones, reception, cleaning services, energy).
  • Manage premises-related issues with landlords in collaboration with facilities services colleagues.
  • Coordinate with external providers for health and safety matters.

Key requirements
Essential

• Qualified accountant with extensive experience in statutory and regulatory frameworks across the MENA region (UAE, KSA, Bahrain).
• Proven experience in effectively managing and developing teams.
• Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels, with a track record of building effective relationships with external stakeholders.
• Business fluent in English.

Desirable

• Experience in the Professional Services or Legal industry.
• Familiarity with Global Shared Services from a customer perspective.
• Basic understanding of Legal and Finance Systems, particularly the Intapp suite and Elite 3e.