Regional Finance Controller - Middle East

Job Overview:

KitchenPark is seeking an awesome and experienced Finance Controller for our GCC region.  This role is for a hands-on accounting expert, who will be an integral part of our Middle East Finance team and will partner with various team leads in our quest to expand into the market.  This is a critical role in our Middle East operations, responsible for shaping our accounting, compliance & controls, reporting, and working with headquarters to align global practices. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee month-end closing activities including the preparation and review of journal entries, accruals, fixed assets tracking and depreciation and balance sheet reconciliations and review
• Ensure compliance with local statutory requirements, US GAAP, and IFRS throughout entire region
• Serve as point person on audits and coordinate the preparation of all regulatory/statutory reporting
• Own the elimination and consolidation process and preparation of financial statements and other management reporting and analysis for the the Middle East region
• Maintain the Chart of Accounts and create a standardized structure across all legal entities and set of books
• Develop and maintain strong internal control/company policies, and communicate to employees and help enforce
• Research technical accounting issues for compliance
• Look at ways to automate and integrate various finance, invoicing and payroll applications and assess/design future reporting and consolidation needs
• Work closely with Facilities/Operations and Real Estate Acquisition/Development team and assist in developing consistent collection and payment processes
• Prepare the monthly management reporting package, including month over month and year over year analytical review, variance analysis of actual vs. forecast and budget, and cash-flow management. 
• Assist in full-year budgeting process and monthly/quarterly re-forecasts
• Perform special projects as necessary and ad-hoc reporting
• Provide support to local M&A activity and lead the conversation on best practices for consolidating and integrating acquired business units
• Take a leading role in the recruitment and development of the accounting department in line with the growth of the regional business. 
• Set a strong ethical structure for the way that the business approaches its reporting, compliance, and dealings with customers and vendors. 

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of public or private accounting experience (with consultancy experience) 
• Strong understanding of local GAAP, IFRS,  and experience with reviewing or implementing internal controls. Understanding of differences between local and US GAAP would be considered favourably.
• Strong interest in working in a fast-growing start-up environment and flexible, team-oriented attitude to take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task and problem solve
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and working knowledge of financial and ERP systems
• Fluency in both written and verbal English. Arabic would be an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA or equivalent professional designation preferred
• Big 4 experience 
• Bachelor’s in Accounting