Lead, Financial Controller

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead, Financial Controller to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for overseeing all financial activities, ensuring the accurate recording of transactions, and the preparation of financial statements in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Your expertise will be critical in managing budgets, conducting variance analysis, and providing strategic financial insights that drive operational efficiency and organizational growth. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial management, compliance, and process optimization, with a proven ability to collaborate across departments and mentor junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting and Compliance: Prepare and present monthly, annual, and consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, including monthly reporting packages and submissions to management within stipulated timelines. Ensure strict adherence to IFRS across all financial activities to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance.
• Budget Management and Analysis: Develop, monitor, and report budgets with a data-driven approach, conducting detailed variance analysis and reconciliations with actual financial performance. Provide actionable insights to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making.
• Reconciliations and Controls: Perform meticulous reconciliations of subsidiary and general ledgers, prepayments, and accruals to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal and external standards. Strengthen internal controls and conduct regular audits to mitigate risks and enhance operational integrity.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regulations, including Value-Added Tax (VAT), Withholding Tax (WHT), and Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) reporting requirements. Support audit preparations for both internal and external audits to uphold organizational credibility.
• Process Optimization: Innovate and streamline financial systems and processes to enhance efficiency, ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions that align with departmental and organizational objectives. Maintain secure and effective filing systems in accordance with internal controls.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Work closely with the Director of Finance to establish and achieve performance objectives. Mentor and train junior accountants, reviewing their journal entries for accuracy and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Collaborate effectively across departments to maintain a strong stakeholder focus.
• Safeguarding and Ethics: Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding by promoting the welfare of children and young people in alignment with Misk Schools' policies. Act as a key supporter to the designated safeguarding lead, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of all students within the organization.
• Additional Duties: Undertake any other responsibilities as assigned by the line manager to support the financial and operational objectives of the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience is required, with a strong emphasis on financial management, compliance, and reporting. Proficiency in financial accounting statements, accountancy standards, Zakat, and tax regulations is essential. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and advanced accounting software is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of IFRS, financial accounting, and tax regulations, including VAT, WHT, and ZATCA reporting. Familiarity with ERP systems and accounting software to streamline financial operations.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Exceptional ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide strategic recommendations to enhance financial performance and compliance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English, with the ability to articulate complex financial information clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
• Time Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high levels of accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Proven experience in training and mentoring junior team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This role operates within a collaborative and dynamic work environment, requiring flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the organization. The Lead, Financial Controller will play a critical role in driving financial excellence, ensuring compliance, and supporting the strategic goals of Misk Schools while upholding the highest standards of ethics and safeguarding.