Finance Manager / Senior Finance Manager - AI & Tech Company

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence and technology, is expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia and is seeking a highly motivated Finance Manager / Senior Finance Manager to oversee the local finance function. This pivotal role will encompass a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including accounting, statutory reporting, audit, tax compliance, and finance governance, ensuring adherence to both international and Saudi regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will assume a hands-on controllership position, taking full ownership of the Saudi financial operations while collaborating closely with Group Finance, Shared Service Centres, external auditors, tax advisors, and business stakeholders. The role demands precision, strategic thinking, and the ability to deliver accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Close & Reporting: Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring compliance with IFRS and Saudi statutory requirements. Oversee accounting data, balance-sheet reconciliations, intercompany transactions, consolidation schedules, and significant journal entries.
• Statutory & Regulatory Compliance: Act as the primary finance liaison for external auditors, managing audit planning, documentation, issue resolution, and the closure of findings. Coordinate Saudi tax and regulatory compliance, including VAT, withholding tax, Zakat, and corporate income tax, as applicable.
• Financial Controls & Governance: Maintain and enhance local financial controls, including reconciliations, approval controls, segregation of duties, and documentation. Identify control gaps and implement practical remediation plans to mitigate risks.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Partner with Group Finance, Shared Service Centres, and IT teams to drive finance system enhancements, process automation, and transformation initiatives. Support treasury and cash management activities, including bank reconciliations, cash movements, and liquidity reporting.
• Strategic Advisory: Provide clear financial analysis and recommendations to leadership on significant accounting, compliance, and regulatory matters. Offer guidance to business teams on Saudi accounting, statutory, and tax-related issues.
• Team Leadership & Coordination: Supervise local accounting resources and/or coordinate finance activities delivered through Shared Service Centres or external providers, ensuring seamless execution of financial operations.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 8 years in accounting, financial reporting, audit, controllership, or a similar finance function. Candidates for the Senior Finance Manager role should demonstrate broader ownership, leadership, and experience in managing complex accounting, audit, and regulatory matters.
• Local Expertise: Must be a Saudi national with hands-on experience in Saudi statutory accounting, audit, tax, and regulatory requirements. Previous roles as Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Chief Accountant, or similar are highly desirable.
• Professional Qualifications: Big Four or reputable audit-firm experience is strongly preferred. Knowledge of IFRS and Saudi statutory reporting requirements is essential. SOCPA membership or a relevant Saudi professional accounting qualification is a strong plus. International qualifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent are advantageous.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with SAP or another major ERP system. Familiarity with finance system implementation, migration, automation, or process improvement is a valuable asset.
• Language & Soft Skills: Fluent English is mandatory; professional Arabic proficiency is highly advantageous. The role requires strong ownership, professional judgment, analytical problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to operate independently with a high degree of confidence and accountability is critical.