Associate Director – Financial Accounting & Controls

1. JOB PURPOSE

The Associate Director – Financial Accounting & Controls is responsible for leading the organization’s accounting operations and ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the company’s books. This role oversees the implementation and enforcement of robust financial control frameworks, manages the accounting closing process, and ensures compliance with internal policies and external regulations. Additionally, the role serves as a key liaison with internal departments and external stakeholders, including auditors and regulatory bodies, to support transparency, governance, and effective financial management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/ EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE/ TRAINING/ TECHNICAL SKILLS

Qualifications and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent is required.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS/GAAP and local statutory regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 7 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in retail industry is a must.
• Proven experience in managing audits and working with Big Four or similar firms.
• Hands-on experience in SAP.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage all operational accounting activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and period-end closing processes as per the deadline for monthly, quarterly, and yearly closing.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, fixed assets, leasing, bank reconciliations, and intercompany transactions, accruals, provisions, and adjustments.
• Ensure monthly preparation of GL accounts reconciliations, management reports, and board reporting packages.
• Identify development areas , implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure SOX or equivalent compliance as applicable.
• Annual review for the accounting policies and procedures manual and ensuring updating it to align with to the current operating model and evolving business needs and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze financial data including monthly trends, identifying variances, and assessing the company's financial health.
• Ensure compliance and adherence to accounting standards IFRS/GAAP/local accounting standards.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external and internal auditors and coordinate the annual audit process.
• Ensure timely resolution of external and internal audit findings and recommendations and maintain a strong relationship with the audit teams.
• Work closely with technology team to drive automation, digitization, and process improvements within the accounting function and lead ERP upgrades, system implementations, or process transitions.
• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing accounting team by fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Set clear goals and KPIs for team members and conduct regular performance reviews.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Internal Communication & Working Relations

• FP&A, Treasury, Financial Reporting, loss prevention, payroll & Legal Team.
• Supporting functions (Engineering, P&C, Technology, marketing).
• Operational teams (product, e-comm.)

1. External Communication & Working Relations

• External auditors
• Internal auditors
• External consultants
• Governmental authorities

KEY DIMENSIONS AND RELATED JOB RESULTS

Direct Reports

3

Indirect Reports

31

Budget Responsibility

N/A

VI. KEY COMPETENCIES

Competency :

• Behavioral Competencies
• Business Acumen
• Customer Service Orientation
• Achievement Orientation
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Problem solver
• Flexibility