Controller

To assist in the provision of a professional finance service, which provides timely and accurate information to the Corporate, Country Managers and the appropriate taxation authorities.

For Whom Responsible: 2 Staff

Key Accountabilities

• Maintain accounting records for the Middle East branches in accordance with the Company’s code of practice.
• Implement and maintain internal control procedures regarding all finance related matters within the UAE and KSA Offices. 
• Follow up with respective managers on the monthly results providing them with any assistance required in understanding the results.
• To provide timely information to the Tax advisors so that all compliance issues are addressed in a timely manner.
• To seek to minimise duplication of effort and achieve savings, at no risk to compromising the validity of the information produced.
• To undertake such continuous self-development as is appropriate to maintaining and improving the quality of the post-holder’s performance.
• To manage, train and motivate the team members directly reporting to you.

Duties

The following list of duties is indicative of the nature of the post. Priorities, time scales and standards will be set in agreement with the International Controller recognising the level of professional competence of the post-holder:

• Oversee day to day accounting processes including general ledger, accounts receivable / payable and payroll ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of transactions.
• Work closely with International Controller to develop standard accounting and business practices to support the business in the Middle East.
• Oversee and provide local guidance on corporate policies and processes such as authorization levels, purchase orders, expenses reporting etc.
• Responsible for timely and accurate monthly closing process.
• Generate monthly and annual internal/management financial statements.
• Provide interpretation and analysis regarding financial information including actual to budget variances to management.
• Maintain monthly revenue and expense forecasts and annual budgets.
• Prepare and update monthly project P&Ls for selected implementation projects.
• Maintain detailed schedules supporting the revenue recognition for actual and forecast revenues and cost of sales by customer and project.
• Ensure monthly balance sheet reconciliations are maintained and issues are cleared on a timely basis.
• Provide regular cash forecasts and manage the local cash flow.
• Review of all expense reports ensuring compliance with policy and correct supporting documents are provided as well as correct VAT and other tax related conditions are met.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and tax authorities.
• Act as key liaison with external accountants/auditors on accounting and tax matters and with external local attorneys where appropriate and under the direction of Corporate and Regional Finance.
• Ensure internal accounting systems reconcile with statutory accounting records maintained by third party service providers.
• Interface with outside payroll services regarding payroll and payroll tax matters.
• Prepare and file monthly and quarterly VAT and WHT returns.
• Oversee risk management as regards local issues.
• Respond to ad hoc management requests.
• Review, as appropriate, systems and procedures and make recommendations for their improvement to the International Controller.
• Provide support to other InterSystems branches as and when required.

Qualifications (specific to the job)

The post-holder must be flexible, adaptable and quick to learn new routines. Attention to detail is paramount, as is the ability to work to strict time-scales and meet deadlines. Previous experience with multi-currency systems is essential with 10 to 15 years experience in a similar role. Be able to communicate in verbal and written English and Arabic concerning all business issues is a prerequisite. Qualified Accountant with knowledge of US GAAP or International GAAP is a must. Proficient use of Microsoft Excel is mandatory.

 Communications

The post-holder communicates with:

- Daily - members of the finance department and internal InterSystems staff 

- Regularly – Advisors and outside bookkeepers

- Banks and other professional advisers 

 This job description is accurate as dated and will be reviewed as part of the annual appraisal process.