Regional Financial Controller

About the role

Elevate MENA is looking for a Regional Financial Controller based in Riyadh, KSA. The role leads financial control, reporting and day-to-day finance operations across the MENA region, reporting to the Regional Finance Director and managing a team of three. It covers the integrity of financial information, a disciplined month-end close, effective controls and compliance across all MENA entities, and supports the Regional Finance Director with forecasts, cash flow visibility and analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly and year-end close across MENA entities, with accurate results, proper cut-offs and timely reporting to regional and Group stakeholders.
• Prepare and review management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, cash flow reports and supporting schedules, with commentary on material movements, risks and actions.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts, master data and intercompany balances, and ensure Group accounting policies and IFRS are applied consistently.
• Lead regional statutory audits and coordinate the completion of financial statements and other external reporting.
• Work with the Finance Business Partner on project reporting issues, revenue recognition, contract arrangements and margins, and assess accounting, tax and entity implications of new contracts, bids and cross-border activity.
• Maintain short- and medium-term cash flow forecasts and support funding and liquidity decisions.
• Review accounts receivable, collections, billing and accounts payable, with a focus on reducing unbilled revenue and overdue receivables.
• Oversee payments, bank reconciliations, bank mandates and treasury controls, including cross-border and intercompany transactions.
• Ensure compliance with accounting, tax and regulatory requirements, and maintain controls over purchasing, supplier onboarding, expenses, payroll inputs, payments and balance sheet accounts.
• Own the use and development of NetSuite across the MENA finance function, automate finance processes and document key processes and controls.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of three, and build relationships with regional leadership, business units, Group Finance, HR, Operations, banks, auditors and advisers.

Required profile

• Qualified accountant with at least ten years of relevant finance experience.
• Significant financial controllership experience in a multi-entity, multi-currency environment in the Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Essential experience in a project-based services business; sports, entertainment, events, sponsorship, marketing, media or agency experience is highly desirable.
• Arabic is advantageous but not essential.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of IFRS, statutory and management reporting, audit, tax compliance, treasury and working capital management.
• Practical experience using automation or AI tools to improve finance processes and analysis is beneficial.