Finance Director

At AKQA, we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and experiences that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients. As a Finance Director you will provide comprehensive financial support to the MENA MD, and report into the Regional Finance Director. Part of the position is being the primary point of contact in the Finance team and building strong relationships with internal stakeholders that ensure our success serving clients. They are great problem solvers, and will proactively identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, and overall financial performance of the business. In this position you will be self-starting and deadline-driven in order to deliver the highest quality of AKQA work in line with our core values of Innovation, Service, Quality and Thought. Located next to good transport links in the heart of Dubai Media City, you will work in a meritocratic culture surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their fields. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow within a creative and technically advanced team, with access to ongoing personal and professional development. At AKQA, we’re committed to your career growth, as well as your work/life balance. ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Actively contribute to improving profitability and efficiency of the business.
• Organise the team to maintain and adhere to monthly close schedules to meet AKQA and WPP reporting deadlines.
• Produce timely and accurate financial and operational reporting information by which the business can be managed effectively.
• Maintain relationships with corporate finance staff in London and WPP teams.
• Ownership of annual budgeting and quarterly re-forecasting for AKQA MENA offices (Dubai, Saudi, and Egypt), overall and including department budgets and reporting,
• Managing cash flow.
• Ensure compliance with diverse tax regulations across MENA regions mainly VAT, Withholding and Corporate taxes.
• Proactively seek to improve reporting, metrics and presentation.
• Educate non-financial staff to help improve the financial performance of the business.
• Support the completion of audited statutory annual accounts in a timely and professional manner to the highest level.
• Ensure compliance with SOX and other WPP policies/procedures.
• Work with the other international finance teams to develop the strategy and long-term plan for the finance function.
• Plan and develop all aspects of financial and operational policy, process, and procedures to ensure maximum efficiency, accuracy, reliability, and innovative development.
• Support the International HQ Finance and Operations teams with ad hoc requirements.
• Line management including regular review meetings, performance managements, career development and conducting performance reviews.

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA/CPA/CA).
• Preferably with media/advertising background.
• Significant accounting and finance hands-on expertise.
• Budgeting and forecasting experience.
• Cash management.
• Ability to build strong relationships with peers and external customer staff, and the ability to achieve results under potentially difficult circumstances.
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills including the ability to inspire and guide financial teams.
• A strong sense of commercial awareness.
• Strong MS Excel Skills.

Explore our extensive range of benefits  here. AKQA is an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe that diversity is vital to AKQA’s ability to provide our clients with the best recommendations and are committed to fostering a varied and inclusive work environment. Your race, colour, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or veteran status have no bearing on our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. #J-18808-Ljbffr