Chief Financial Officer Jobs in the Middle East

Chief Financial Officer Job Description – Summary

Typical Roles & Responsibilities

The Chief Financial Officer is the most senior finance professional within an organisation, typically at Board level. The role is likely to exist in a very large, probably global business, where a number of Finance Directors report to the Chief Financial Officer. In particular, the title is often used in companies based outside the UK, or in multinational UK-based companies.

The role involves ultimate responsibility for the financial management of the company, overseeing all the various departments within the finance function of the business. In particular this is likely to include:

This includes teams responsible for:

        - financial reporting
        - financial strategy
        - planning, budgeting and forecasting
        - management reporting
        - statutory & regulatory reporting
        - cash management
        - taxation (VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE)
        - payroll operations
        - treasury and investment functions
        - financial risk management

    • Ensuring that all external and internal financial reporting deadlines are met and that reporting is of the highest standard.     • Overseeing the accuracy and effectiveness of management reporting systems.
    • Negotiating the company’s funding requirements and, if relevant, being involved in capital markets activities and in mergers and acquisitions, share issues, flotations etc.
    • Liaising with and assisting the external audit team.
    • Ultimate line responsibility for management and appraisal of all staff within the finance teams (including overseeing the systems for objective setting, performance review etc.)
    • Attending Board meetings, liaising with investors, shareholders and other stakeholders as appropriate.
    • Providing expert guidance to management and other departments of the organisation in respect of the financial implications of proposed policies, and the efficient use of financial resources.
    • Keeping abreast of all developments in the regulatory environment, accounting standards, etc. which may impact on the business and recommending appropriate action to the Board.

Typical Lines of Reporting for a Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer is likely to be an executive of Board level and to report directly to the Chief Operating Officer or Chief Executive.

Typically a number of Finance Directors (representing the various departments or division of the organisation) will report to the Chief Financial Officer).

Typical Qualifications for a Chief Financial Officer

For a role of this seniority, graduate or MBA level education, followed by a professional accountancy qualification and several years executive experience are required. Experience at Finance Director level will be particularly relevant.

The post may be suitable for a partner in a “Big 4” firm of accountants, seeking to move into industry.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and presentation skills, able to deal professionally with people at all levels. The right candidate will have proven management ability, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen.

International travel is likely to be involved and language skills are valuable.

Career Progression for a Chief Financial Officer

The role of Chief Financial Officer may be the pinnacle of an executive’s career, or may lead on to a post as Chief Operation Officer or Chief Executive Officer.