Finance & Accounts Associate

Job Title: Finance & Accounts Associate

Department: Finance

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Location: Pakistan

Direct Reports: N/A

About j. awan & partners

At j. awan & partners, we believe in "challenging the status quo every day", delivering seamless excellence to our customers across the world. We challenge the status quo by making tailor-made solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients' business interests and delivering our solutions to their needs with effective simplicity. We understand that time is precious and as such our tailor-made solutions are simple to understand, simple to embed and simple to use.

We are a fast-growing international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Consultancy with our headquarters in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). We also have our own Technology company creating bespoke cutting edge RegTech solutions. Our business presence covers multiple jurisdictions with offices in the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar and now in South Africa. We provide Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment and Technology services (the "Services") to a large number of clients including global, regional and local financial services institutions, governments and other industry partners. As part of our global expansion, we are offering an exciting opportunity to join our fast-growing international team based in Pakistan. This role presents a unique opportunity to be part of our Group Finance function, supporting the firm's internal financial operations across a fast-growing international organisation.

Mission

To support the integrity and accuracy of j. awan & partners' internal financial records, transactions, and reporting across the Group's operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this experienced role ensures timely and accurate bookkeeping, month-end close, reconciliations, and compliance with applicable accounting standards, enabling the CFO and senior finance leadership to make well-informed decisions and maintain strong internal controls across the Group. Working closely with the Group Management Accountant, the role takes ownership of leading the transactional work, working papers, and schedules that underpin the production of the Group Management Accounts.

Key Accountabilities

Financial Accounting & Bookkeeping

• Function as the primary finance officer responsible for j. awan & partners' internal accounting books across the Pakistan office and assigned Group entities.
• Maintain and record the Group's internal accounting books and general ledgers, ensuring accuracy and completeness at all times.
• Prepare intercompany invoices and internal billing statements with proper supporting documentation, ensuring timely processing and accurate recording.
• Process and review supplier invoices and payment vouchers; maintain the Group's accounts payable ledger with accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain and reconcile the Group's Fixed Asset Register, ensuring accurate depreciation, additions, and disposal records across all offices.
• Review vouchers and book petty cash expenses.
• Success indicator: accurate and up-to-date ledgers, no discrepancies in financial records.

Month-End Closing & Reporting

• Process and review internal accruals, prepayments, provisions, and all balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules as part of the Group's monthly close cycle.
• Manage the internal monthly book close; prepare trial balances and assist in the preparation of income statements and balance sheets for CFO review.
• Deliver accurate, complete financial information and reporting packs to the Chief Financial Officer and the wider Group Finance team within agreed deadlines.
• Success indicator: all financial statements delivered on schedule with zero reconciliation errors with full supporting information.

Reconciliation & Audit Support

• Review and reconcile the Group's internal bank accounts and corporate credit card statements on a monthly basis, resolving discrepancies promptly. Support the Group's internal and external audit requirements, preparing ledgers, reconciliation schedules, and supporting documentation to an audit-ready standard. Ensure data integrity for external and internal audits.
• Success indicator: timely and audit-ready reconciliations, positive audit feedback and proactive approach.

Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Assist in preparation and submission of regulatory reports and VAT returns where applicable.
• Ensure adherence to IFRS standards and applicable accounting regulations.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality in handling the Group's sensitive internal financial data and business information.
• Success indicator: compliance with local and international accounting standards.

Internal Finance Support & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate effectively with internal finance colleagues, department heads, and external parties such as auditors and tax advisors to resolve accounting queries and ensure smooth financial operations.
• Provide regular, accurate updates on the Group's internal financial position and outstanding deliverables to the CFO and senior finance leadership.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues across all j. awan & partners offices and business units, supporting a collaborative and well-controlled internal finance environment.
• Success indicator: positive feedback from the CFO and internal stakeholders; finance queries resolved promptly and internal reporting delivered consistently on time.

Core Competencies

• Integrity: Demonstrates honesty and ethical conduct in all transactions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of outcomes and deliverables.
• Resourcefulness: Solves financial and operational problems efficiently.
• Team Orientation: Collaborates effectively with peers, internal teams, and senior leadership across a multi-office international organisation.
• Drive for Excellence: Strives for accuracy and continuous improvement.

Role-Specific Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of IFRS, VAT, and bookkeeping best practices.
• Analytical Acumen: Interprets complex financial data accurately.
• Executional Rigor: Delivers consistent, high-quality outputs under deadlines.
• Communication: Presents financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Confidentiality: Exercises the highest level of discretion when handling the Group's sensitive internal financial data and business information.

Skills and Knowledge

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/ERP systems (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, SAP, or equivalent); confident in using systems to drive efficiency and data integrity.
• Solid working knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting principles, with proven experience applying these in an internal finance environment.
• Working knowledge of sales tax, VAT, and statutory filing obligations, including familiarity with tax regulations; awareness of UAE and UK requirements is advantageous.
• Proven experience supporting internal and external audit processes, including preparation of supporting schedules and responding to auditor queries.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills; able to manage multiple internal deadlines simultaneously and escalate issues appropriately to the CFO.

Education & Experience

Education : ACCA, CIMA, or CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification required, or actively working towards completion. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; Master's degree is advantageous.

Experience : Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience in an internal finance role, ideally within a professional services, consultancy, or multi-entity organisation. Candidates with experience supporting a CFO or Group Finance function are strongly preferred.

Certifications : Professional accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA/CA) required. Big Four or top-tier professional services experience is an advantage. Experience working within a multi-entity, internationally operating organisation is highly desirable.

Culture & Values Alignment

• Embody a growth mindset and appetite for continuous learning.
• Demonstrate agility and accountability in a fast-paced, high-growth international environment.
• Uphold professional ethics and confidentiality standards.
• Collaborate seamlessly across departments and geographies.
• Align with j. awan & partners' core values of excellence, integrity, and innovation.

Rewards & Growth

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• End-of-service benefits as per local laws.
• Opportunities for career growth within a multinational environment.
• Learning and professional development opportunities.
• Direct exposure to Tier 1 international clients across multiple jurisdictions — a rare opportunity at this level that will accelerate your career and broaden your global finance experience.
• Thorough onboarding and continuous training designed to fast-track your integration into a thriving, high-performance international team and culture — you will be set up to succeed from day one.
• A transparent, performance-linked incentive scheme that directly rewards your contribution — the more value you add, the more you earn. We believe in recognising and rewarding talent openly and fairly.