Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A”rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.
Al-Futtaim Group Finance team is currently seeking a finance professional to join their team in the capacity of Finance Manager.
JOB PURPOSE This role will perform key Strategic, Controlling & Value generating function in EIT and Schools and will work closely with stakeholders to drive financial and commercial excellence. Group EIT is one of the largest Functional P&Ls at AFG Corporate Division (Annual spend of AED 300 M+). Schools also have a great focus on cost control and performance improvement. He/she will manage, challenge and maintain financial processes & outcomes (Opex & Capex budgets, Cost allocations, MIS, Management Reporting and reviews). The candidate will be responsible for providing financial inputs, advice and support to stakeholders.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES EIT - Budgets, MIS & Cost Allocation

• Annual EIT budget preparation and submission
• Monthly Financial analysis, MIS preparation (including forecasts) and review with stakeholders. Provide key observations / recommendations to Management. Consolidate and provide meaningful variance analysis and reporting (i.e. actual vs. prior year; actual vs. budgets, with reasoning etc.)
• Deliver value added MIS with forward looking strategic insight which helps stakeholders to take corrective action and maximize value
• Provide direction and assistance to other organizational units within EIT regarding accounting and budgeting policies and procedures, cost allocations and efficient control and utilization of financial resources
• Ensure MIS reporting issues (if any, due to GL classification, FS grouping, cost allocation etc.) are fixed at source in SAP
• Prepare EIT cost allocation budgets, liaising with divisions for sign-off, carrying out true-ups

Business case, Project Feasibility and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)

• Preparing feasibility analysis for EIT transformation projects – ensure financial value generation to customers through effective cost optimization, scoping & sizing, appropriate phasing and resourcing (manpower, license, hardware, network costs etc.)
• Review of EIT AFEs (Approval for Expenditure)
• Monthly review of Project costs, Variance to budgets and reporting
• Provide ad hoc analysis and reports (as needed)

Schools and AFEF

• Review budgets prepared by School’s finance teams
• Review MIS reports and variance analysis prepared by Schools finance team
• Review cash flow requirement of the Schools closely
• Annual budget preparation of AFEF and submission
• Monthly MIS preparation of MIS and submission

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:

• Professional Accounting qualification (CA/CPA) with proven expertise in Financial and Management accounting & Reporting
• Strong core finance technical skills (deep understanding of Balance Sheet, Cash flow statements and P&L) and clear understanding of Finance & Accounting Standards (IFRS), Controls & processes
• Robust Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) experience with exposure to senior management

Minimum Experience:

• 8- 12 years of well-rounded experience in the field of Finance & Accounting (work experience with one of the big 4 audit firms will be added advantage)
• Experience with ERP (SAP – FICO, BPC, BI etc.) and information systems, including planning, implementation and monitoring
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel/ PowerPoint/Word)

Job-Specific Skills:

• Sound knowledge on Accounting principles and Standards, Compliances, UAE VAT
• Strong analytical skills (linking results to drivers), ability to think strategically and influence business decisions using appropriate, fact-based financial information
• Working knowledge of SAP and Presentation skills
• Planning and Execution expertise, Strong process orientation
• Excellent analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and oral communications skills at all levels (junior to senior leadership)

Behavioral Competencies:

• Role model of AFG Group values – Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence
• Passion for Financial & Commercial excellence, Self-driven initiative taker
• Leadership in stakeholder management, Strategic thinker
• Highly organised with strong attention to details
• Ability to develop strong partnerships and a collaborative, teaming environment within and across functions
• Strong and effective Executive communication skills, demonstrated strong inter-personal & influencing skills
• Team player and adaptable to changing environment, with good interpersonal skills
• High standards of personal integrity, Ability to deal with high pressure deadlines

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