Chief Financial Strategist

Job Title: Chief Financial Strategist

The ideal candidate will lead the financial direction of our organization, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and providing strategic insights to drive business growth.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our team. As a key member of our leadership group, you will be responsible for developing and executing our financial strategy, overseeing budgeting and forecasting, and ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy that aligns with our organization's growth objectives and enhances shareholder value.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for all subsidiaries and regulated entities within our organization.
• Provide strategic financial insights to the Executive Committee, supporting business expansion, M&A opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure a strong financial governance framework, reinforcing internal controls and risk management practices.

Financial Management and Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports, ensuring compliance with IFRS and other applicable financial regulations.
• Manage financial consolidation across all group entities, ensuring seamless reporting and analysis.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital, ensuring financial stability and sustainability.
• Implement financial systems and ERP solutions to optimize financial management and enhance reporting capabilities.

Regulatory Reporting Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory reporting requirements set by relevant authorities, such as the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Central Bank of the UAE.
• Oversee statutory and regulatory filings for all entities, ensuring timely submissions and adherence to compliance frameworks.
• Collaborate with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and legal advisors to ensure financial transparency and governance.
• Develop and maintain a robust risk management framework, ensuring financial risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated effectively.

Tax Compliance & Regulatory Filings:

• Oversee compliance with all applicable tax regulations across the GCC, including Value-Added Tax (VAT), Corporate Income Tax, and Withholding Taxes.
• Ensure proper tax structuring and optimization to enhance efficiency and mitigate tax liabilities while maintaining full compliance with local and international tax laws.
• Liaise with tax advisors and regulatory authorities to stay updated on tax law changes and implement best practices accordingly.
• Lead the preparation and submission of tax returns and reports, ensuring accuracy and timely compliance.

Operational Efficiency & Process Optimization:

• Lead finance process automation and digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency.
• Identify and implement cost control measures to optimize expenses and improve profitability.
• Work closely with business unit heads to align financial processes with operational needs and strategic priorities.

Investment & Expansion Initiatives:

• Support the Executive Committee in evaluating M&A opportunities, investment strategies, and expansion projects.
• Develop financial models for new investments and provide recommendations based on financial viability and risk assessment.
• Manage relationships with banks, investors, and financial institutions to secure funding for strategic initiatives.

Governance & Stakeholder Management:

• Act as a key advisor to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and regulatory bodies on financial and strategic matters.
• Ensure clear communication with investors, auditors, banks, and key financial stakeholders.
• Oversee the establishment of policies and procedures for corporate governance and financial best practices.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and mentor Finance teams across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to excel.
• Foster a culture of financial discipline, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Strengthen collaboration between Finance, Operations, Compliance, and IT teams to ensure seamless business execution.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting, economics, or a related field, along with professional certifications like CPA, ACCA, CFA, or CMA. They will have at least 12-15 years of experience in financial leadership, with at least 5 years as a CFO or Finance Director in the insurance or financial services industry. Strong expertise in tax compliance, IFRS reporting, and financial governance is essential. The ability to drive business growth, optimize financial performance, and mitigate risks will be highly valued.'],

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