Senior Director, Accounting & Controlling

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary Senior Director, Accounting & Controlling to lead and transform the global accounting function within a dynamic, technology-driven organization based in Saudi Arabia. This pivotal leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the future of finance operations by driving innovation, automation, and scalability across multiple regions. As a key member of the Finance leadership team, you will play a critical role in strategic decision-making while collaborating closely with business stakeholders to deliver high-impact results. This position is ideal for a forward-thinking finance leader who thrives in complexity, embraces change, and is passionate about building a modern, efficient, and future-ready finance organization.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Director, Accounting & Controlling will be responsible for overseeing the entire accounting ecosystem, ensuring operational excellence, and maintaining robust financial controls. Your core accountabilities will include:

• Global Accounting Leadership: Lead the end-to-end accounting function, including month-end close, financial reporting, internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance, ensuring adherence to applicable accounting standards and audit readiness.
• Operating Model Transformation: Design, implement, and scale a global accounting operating model that optimizes people, processes, systems, and international entities, encompassing payroll and treasury operations.
• Technical Accounting Expertise: Provide authoritative guidance on complex accounting areas such as revenue recognition, commissions, equity, payroll, intercompany transactions, foreign exchange, and policy interpretation to support business growth while mitigating risk.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with commercial and operational teams to develop practical accounting solutions that align with business objectives and ensure appropriate risk management.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Build and lead a high-performing, distributed accounting team by fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, and professional growth, empowering team members to excel in their roles.
• Finance Transformation & Innovation: Drive continuous improvement by identifying automation opportunities, implementing AI-enabled tools, and optimizing workflows to enhance efficiency, scalability, and accuracy across the organization.
• Control Environment Enhancement: Strengthen the internal control framework with a long-term focus on SOX readiness and support critical strategic initiatives such as fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, and IPO preparation.
• Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, payroll providers, and other strategic partners to ensure seamless collaboration and compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you will bring the following qualifications and experience:

• Proven Leadership: Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience leading Accounting, Controlling, or Finance operations teams, with a track record of success in complex, multi-entity, global environments.
• Technical Accounting Proficiency: Strong background in technical accounting, particularly in revenue transactions, commissions, equity, payroll, intercompany structures, and financial policies, ideally within high-growth software, SaaS, or technology companies with recurring revenue models.
• Team Development: Demonstrated ability to lead through influence while remaining hands-on, with a proven track record of building and developing high-performing teams in distributed or remote-first organizations.
• Professional Credentials: Professional accounting qualification such as CPA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent is highly preferred. Experience with IFRS reporting and exposure to audits, fundraising, M&A, or IPO readiness is advantageous.
• Global Operations Expertise: In-depth understanding of global payroll, treasury operations, and multi-jurisdiction financial processes, with the ability to navigate diverse regulatory and operational landscapes.
• Innovation & Technology: A strong interest in automation, AI, and modern finance technologies, with a proven ability to leverage systems and process optimization to drive efficiency and scalability.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with NetSuite or similar ERP platforms is preferred, combined with strong systems thinking and adaptability to evolving technological landscapes.
• Strategic Mindset: A proactive, solution-oriented approach with the ability to navigate ambiguity, balance risk, and act as a trusted strategic business partner to senior leadership.
• Cultural Fit: Comfortable working in a globally distributed environment, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and geographies.

Why This Role Matters

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a finance professional who is eager to drive meaningful change, shape the future of finance operations, and contribute to the organization’s growth and success. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation, technical excellence, and team leadership, we invite you to apply and become a key architect of our finance transformation journey.