Accounting Manager

ABOUT US

Universal Fine Chemicals SPC (a subsidiary of ZL Group) – is a global leader in the manufacturing of high-performance polymer products. Our state-of-the-art facility within the strategic Sohar Port is a critical hub for innovation and production, serving key international markets. We are committed to operational excellence, safety, and sustainability. Join us to play a pivotal role in driving our mission forward.

MAIN PURPOSE OF POSITION الغرض من المسمى الوظيفي:

• Ensure the financial compliance and operational efficiency of the organization by leading financial
  reporting, overseeing financial planning and analysis, managing core accounting operations, and
  strengthening internal controls and process improvements.
• Lead and oversee the financial close process of PE and UFC, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and
  compliance with IFRS, local regulations, and requirements from Head Office (Muscat) and Group
  Management (Canada).
• Own the process of external financial reporting and internal managerial reporting.
• Manage and review day-to-day accounting operations, including Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts
  Receivable (AR), General Ledger (GL), and Fixed Assets.
• Ensure a robust internal control environment, identifying and implementing process improvements
  and compliance measures.
• Conduct detailed cost analysis, margin review, and variance analysis to support operational and
  strategic decision-making

DUTIES المهام الوظيفية:

• Financial Compliance & Reporting:
  
  • Ensure full compliance with IFRS, local statutory requirements, and internal financial policies.
  • Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial statements for PE and UFC entities.
  • Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory bodies for audits, filings, and inspections.
  • Liaise with Head Office (Muscat) and Group Management (Canada) to align reporting standards and
  timelines
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):
  
  • Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.
  • Analyze financial trends, variances, and performance indicators to support strategic decisions.
  • Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management for cost optimization and
  revenue enhancement.
• Accounting Operations Oversight:
  
  • Supervise daily accounting functions including:
  • Accounts Payable (AP): Ensure timely and accurate vendor payments and reconciliations.
  • Accounts Receivable (AR): Monitor collections, credit control, and customer account reconciliations.
  • General Ledger (GL): Maintain accurate and up-to-date ledger entries and journal postings.
  • Fixed Assets: Oversee asset capitalization, depreciation, and physical verification.
• Financial Close & Consolidation:
  
  • Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities for PE and UFC.
  • Ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of financial data consolidation and intercompany
  reconciliations.
  
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve discrepancies and streamline closing processes.


• Internal Controls & Process Improvement:
  
  • Design, implement, and monitor internal control systems to safeguard company assets and ensure
  data integrity.
  
  • Identify process inefficiencies and lead initiatives for automation and workflow optimization.
  • Conduct periodic risk assessments and recommend corrective actions.
• Costing, Margin & Variance Analysis:
  
  • Perform detailed cost analysis to evaluate product/service profitability and cost drivers.
  • Review gross margins and conduct variance analysis against budget and forecast.
  • Support pricing strategies, procurement decisions, and operational planning with financial insights.
• Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:
  
  • Lead and mentor the finance and accounts team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous
  improvement.
  
  • Collaborate with department heads to align financial goals with operational objectives.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for financial matters with internal and external stakeholders.

KEY CONTACTS جهات الاتصال الرئيسية:

• Internal: CFO, Plant Operations, Procurement, HR, and Shared Services.
• External: External Auditors, Tax Authorities (Oman), Banks and Financial Institutions, Regulatory Bodies.

CHALLENGES/ PROBLEM SOLVING التحديات / حل المشكلات:

• Regulatory Complexity – Navigate evolving Omani tax and financial reporting requirements while aligning with international group standards.
• Operational Pressures – Balance financial control with the fast-paced demands of a manufacturing environment.
• Data Accuracy – Maintain high standards of precision in financial records despite high transaction volumes.
• Regulatory Compliance Pressure – Ensure consistent adherence to evolving Omani financial, tax (especially VAT), and labor regulations while meeting internal audit and reporting standards.
• Cross-Location Coordination – Maintain accurate and timely financial data flow between the Sohar plant and the Head Office in Muscat despite operational and communication gaps.
• Month-End Close Tight Deadlines – Deliver clean, reconciled financial statements under tight timelines while managing a small local finance team and supporting audit readiness.
• Inventory & Cost Accuracy in Manufacturing – Resolve discrepancies between physical inventory counts and book records in a dynamic polymer production environment, ensuring accurate cost of goods sold and margin reporting.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES المهارات والكفاءات:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS, Omani accounting standards, and tax regulations (especially VAT).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• High proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and Microsoft Office (especially advanced Excel).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to interact effectively across cultures and organizational levels.
• Integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical financial practices.
• Ability to work independently in a remote plant setting with minimal supervision.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE: المؤهلات و الخبرات:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, ACCA (Mandatory), or equivalent certification preferred.
  
• Minimum 6–8 years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a managerial role, preferably in
  manufacturing, chemicals, or polymer industries.
• Proven experience in financial reporting, tax compliance, and audit coordination in Oman.
• Familiarity with multinational reporting structures and intercompany accounting practices.
• Experience managing a small finance team in an industrial or plant-based environment.
• Working knowledge of Omani labor, commercial, and tax laws.

WHY JOIN UNIVERSAL FINE CHEMICALS SPC (a subsidiary of ZL Group)?

Universal Fine Chemicals SPC, you’ll be part of a collaborative team that values precision, accountability, and innovation. We offer a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to a company that’s shaping the future of chemical and polymer manufacturing across the world.