Financial Reporting Lead (IFRS Expert)

Position Overview

We are seeking a seasoned and highly motivated Financial Reporting Lead (IFRS Expert) to spearhead the financial reporting function for our organization. This pivotal role will be responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership in group reporting, oversee complex accounting matters, and drive continuous improvement in financial reporting processes, controls, and systems. This position plays a critical role in supporting the monthly and year-end close processes, facilitating internal and external audits, and mentoring a high-performing finance team.

Key Responsibilities

The Financial Reporting Lead will be accountable for the following core responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting Leadership: Lead the preparation and delivery of the organization’s separate and consolidated financial statements in strict compliance with IFRS, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Group Consolidation Oversight: Direct group consolidation activities, including intercompany eliminations, consolidation adjustments, and the resolution of complex accounting issues to ensure the integrity of financial data across subsidiaries and entities.
• Audit Coordination and Support: Facilitate seamless internal and external audit processes by preparing audit schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and addressing findings in a timely and professional manner. Collaborate closely with auditors to ensure alignment with best practices and regulatory expectations.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing financial reporting team, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth. Support capability building, knowledge transfer, and succession planning to ensure long-term team resilience and performance.
• Technical Accounting Leadership: Provide expert guidance on complex accounting matters, including IFRS interpretations, accounting policy development, and the resolution of technical accounting challenges. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management and stakeholders on financial reporting matters.
• Process Improvement and Controls: Review, enhance, and streamline financial reporting processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, automation, and internal controls. Identify opportunities for system improvements, particularly within the ERP (SAP) environment, to enhance reporting capabilities and reduce manual intervention.
• Reconciliation Management: Oversee the reconciliation of control accounts and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items to maintain the integrity of financial records and support audit readiness.
• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare and present management reports, financial analyses, and ad hoc reporting to senior leadership and key stakeholders. Communicate complex financial information in a clear, concise, and actionable manner to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Governance and Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to internal control frameworks, accounting policies, procedures, and governance requirements. Champion a culture of compliance and accountability across the finance function.

Personal Attributes and Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following personal qualities and professional competencies:

• Integrity and Professionalism: Exhibit a high level of ethical standards, professionalism, and accountability in all aspects of the role.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain an unwavering commitment to accuracy and precision, delivering high-quality outputs under tight deadlines in a complex and fast-paced environment.
• Ownership and Initiative: Operate with a strong sense of ownership, proactively managing priorities and driving results with minimal supervision.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, auditors, and cross-functional teams. Communicate effectively with confidence and diplomacy.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, exercising sound professional judgment and critical thinking to support informed decision-making.
• Leadership and Coaching: Inspire and develop team members through strong leadership, mentorship, and coaching, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and experience requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Full or partial completion of a recognized professional accountancy qualification (e.g., CPA, CMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent) is required.
• Experience: Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in financial accounting and reporting within a complex organization. Proven expertise in group financial reporting, including the preparation of consolidated financial statements, is essential. Strong experience in month-end and year-end close processes, audit coordination, and ERP accounting systems (preferably SAP) is highly desirable. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is required.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), internal controls, governance frameworks, and financial reporting best practices. Experience leading or supervising a finance team is a significant advantage.