Director, Financial & Commercial Operations Leader, Middle East

Description

About Alvarez & Marsal

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm with over 11,000 entrepreneurial, action and results-oriented professionals in over 40 countries. We take a hands-on approach to solving our clients' problems and assisting them in reaching their potential. Our culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M's core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are why our people love working at A&M.

The Team

Today, with a significant ambition to build on the successes in the Middle East market, A&M is looking to hire a commercially minded finance business partner for Middle Eastern and Central Asian operations. The successful candidate is part of the EMEA and global financial team and will form part of a network of EMEA and a wider global team of financial professionals. The specific focus will be to oversee financial operations, working alongside business unit and country leaders acting as a strategic advisor and partner to the organisation.

The role will support the EMEA CFO and COO and will be based in Riyadh or Dubai. The successful candidate will work closely with established Strategic Business Units (SBUs) and the local Country leaders to align their plans with day-to-day operations. The role reports into the EMEA CFO and Country Leaders.

Specifically, to be successful, the candidate will need to partner with the Country heads and SBU Heads to define, refine and implement the growth strategy for the region. Having local experience is therefore crucial. The role acts as a bridge between the finance function, management and other areas of business. The successful candidate will provide insight that allows business unit leaders to challenge, coach and motivate their teams. Lastly, the candidate will be focused on supporting the growth in the region while maintaining firmwide working practices.

How you will contribute

Financial Control and Reporting:

• Provide financial information, tools, analysis and insight to Managing Directors, executive leadership and regional and global operations, challenging their thinking, helping them make more informed decisions and driving business strategy.
• Provide real-time support and analysis, to be a trusted advisor and to add value that will assist in decision-making.
• Deliver analysis and insight on business opportunities
• Track financial progress, pricing, pipeline, billing, cashflow, and reporting exceptions.
• Provide consolidated financial reports, analysis, and ad-hoc reviews for leadership.
• Optimize return on engagements and overall investment.

Strategic Planning and Business Oversight:

• Present financial performance, full-year forecasts and budget variances, including understanding financial opportunities and risk
• Challenge current ways of working driving efficiencies and cost savings wherever possible
• Deal with and working through issues of conflict and operational challenges with project teams and other stakeholders
• Understand the cost drivers of the business and providing insight to non-finance members
• Create, validate, and monitor business plans for Country, Practice, SBU, and MD.
• Ensure annual budgeting, financial agendas, and year-end processes are efficient.
• Support business planning and budget reviews, increase usage of financial systems (Agresso, Salesforce and Prime)

Senior Meeting Administration:

• Coordinate and prepare leadership meeting support materials.
• Organize and create materials for team meetings and off-sites.

Qualifications

• Middle East experience is essential.
• Minimum 5 years post-qualified with ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification.
• Experience in financial reporting and consolidating multiple financial sources.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and MS Outlook.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Arabic language skills is an advantage.
• Prior experience within a similar Professional Services organization.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Previous experience in Workday (HR) and/or Salesforce(CRM systems) is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a challenging, and fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter; “Let’s Get it Done” attitude - willing to pitch in where needed.

Your journey at A&M

We recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we prioritize an employee experience that fosters each person’s unique professional and personal development. Our robust performance development process promotes continuous learning, rewards your contributions, and fosters a culture of meritocracy. With top-notch training and on-the-job learning opportunities, you can acquire new skills and advance your career.

We prioritize your well-being, providing benefits and resources to support you on your personal journey. Our people consistently highlight the growth opportunities, our unique, entrepreneurial culture, and the fun we have together as their favorite aspects of working at A&M. The possibilities are endless for high-performing and passionate professionals

Inclusive Diversity

A&M’s entrepreneurial culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who can positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M’s core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are the main reasons our people love working at A&M. Inclusive Diversity means we embrace diversity, and we foster inclusiveness, encouraging everyone to bring their whole self to work each day. It runs through how we recruit, develop employees, conduct business, support clients, and partner with vendors. It is the A&M way.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is Alvarez & Marsal’s practice to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, family medical history, genetic information or other protected medical condition, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by and in accordance with applicable laws. .

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per A&M policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that A&M will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.