Assistant Finance Manager

Qualifications & Experience

• Professional Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA).
• Experience:
• Around 5 years post-qualification, with at least 1 years in UAE Free Zone environments
• Proven experience in the FMCG, alcohol, beverage, or F&B industry, especially within a Free Zone context (import/export, regulated goods).
• Exposure to African tax regimes and cross-border financial operations.
• Software Expertise:
• Hands-on with Microsoft Dynamics, Tally (D365 Finance & Operations) for ERP and financial automation.
• Technical Skills:
• Strong command of African tax systems (imports, excise duties, withholding tax, VAT where applicable) and UAE taxation (VAT, corporate tax, customs duty in Free Zones)
• Proficient in financial reporting, specifically P&L statements, balance sheets, variance analysis, and management reporting.
• Advanced skills in Excel, with experience in automation tools (e.g., Power BI, Power Automate) to streamline reporting workflows.
• Education: Chartered Accountant

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual closings for both UAE and African entities—ensure IFRS compliance and alignment of P&L and Balance Sheet records.
• Prepare consolidated management reports, financial dashboards, and insights for executive decision-making.
• Implement and manage financial automation tools like Power BI or Dynamics reporting modules.

2. Taxation & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage VAT filings, customs duties, and tax submissions for UAE business (within Free Zone context)
• Coordinate with African entity for local tax filings, compliance with withholding taxes, excise duties, and double taxation agreements.

3. System Implementation & Automation

• Lead deployment and optimization of Microsoft Dynamics for accounting, inventory, and reporting automation.
• Drive integration with other systems (procurement, sales, distribution) to streamline data flows and reduce manual reconciliation.

4. P&L & Balance Sheet Oversight

• Monitor cost center performance, gross and net margin trends, and inventory valuation (especially relevant in alcohol distribution/retail).
• Conduct variance analysis and recommend corrective actions for improving profitability.

5. Audit & Compliance Management

• Coordinate and support internal and external audits for both entities, ensuring timely delivery of schedules and clean audit reports (e.g., no qualifications)
• Maintain strong internal controls, review policies, and ensure regulatory adherence across jurisdictions.

6. Cross-functional Collaboration & Strategy

• Partner with procurement, operations, logistics, and commercial teams on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives.
• Provide financial guidance on pricing strategies, import/export cost optimization, and channel effectiveness (wholesale vs. retail) in African markets.

Personal Attributes & Soft Skills

• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Self-motivated and entrepreneurial—capable of working independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting across multiple geographies and functions.
• Strong problem-solving and time-management skills, particularly under tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel between UAE and African locations as required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED10,000.00 - AED15,000.00 per month

Application Deadline: 17/12/2024
Expected Start Date: 31/12/2024