Finance Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

The Finance Manager oversees and directs all financial activities, ensuring effective financial planning, management, and compliance across the organization. This role supports decision-making processes by providing accurate financial insights and leads the finance team to drive performance and achieve strategic goals.

Financial Oversight and Reporting:

• Manage all financial activities, including ledger maintenance, cost and revenue allocation, and the consolidation of financial statements.
• Prepare and consolidate financial statements, including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements, to accurately reflect the company's financial health and projections.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and the integrity of period-end closing processes in compliance with International Accounting Standards and local regulations.
• Provide comprehensive financial analysis and insights to support business planning and performance improvement.

Compliance and Strategic Management:

• Serve as the main point of contact with banks, financial institutions, external auditors, and other financial partners.
• Ensure that financial practices and processes adhere to statutory and regulatory requirements, implementing internal controls and risk management strategies as needed.
• Monitor and manage cash flow, optimizing liquidity to support operational needs and future investments.
• Oversee payroll processing in collaboration with HR to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal and financial standards.
• Develop and maintain robust financial policies and procedures that support the company's strategic goals.

Issue Resolution and Risk Management:

• Review and oversee accounts receivable and payable processes, ensuring discrepancies are resolved and transactions are executed in line with business requirements and financial controls.
• Address complex financial and legal challenges, including negotiations with key partners and suppliers and handling major financial settlements or disputes.
• Engage with government bodies as needed to support the resolution of overdue accounts, ensuring all necessary documentation is provided.
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate potential financial risks.

Performance and Investment Analysis:

• Analyze financial performance, including investment returns, brand and store profitability, and cost structures, to drive continuous improvement.
• Review and ensure the accuracy of financial entries, cost center allocations, and documentation of transactions.
• Provide actionable financial insights and recommendations to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.

Operational and Team Management:

• Monitor and optimize financial processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and operational efficiency.
• Lead, manage, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous professional growth.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to finance team members to strengthen technical and professional skills.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure financial alignment with company-wide initiatives and operational goals.
• Encourage and support teamwork within the finance department, creating an environment that promotes innovation and problem-solving.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration (MBA), or equivalent is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, CPA, or CMA are preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in financial management or accounting roles, with a proven track record of leadership and financial oversight.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Previous exposure to both B2B and B2C operations, ideally in the food service, retail, or FMCG sectors.
• Thorough understanding of financial regulations and reporting requirements in Kuwait.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

1- Familiarity with financial software (Oracle / 365), accounting systems, and advanced Excel skills.

2- Knowledge of ERP systems are often crucial.

3- Leadership: Inspiring and guiding team members to achieve their best.

4 -Team Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment where team members work together effectively to achieve common goals.

5- Decision-Making: Making informed and timely decisions.

6- Conflict Resolution: Addressing and resolving conflicts effectively.

7- Performance Management: Setting goals, providing feedback, and evaluating performance.