Regional Controller - MEAP

ACCA Careers; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

ACCA Careers is seeking a Regional Finance Controller to oversee MEAP, driving financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and reporting across multiple countries in the Middle East, Africa & Pakistan. You will guide area leadership, ensure compliance, and lead internal controls and process improvements to support Abbots strategic objectives.

The role requires a seasoned finance leader with ERP experience, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to manage cross-cultural teams in a dynamic

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in healthcare/retail.
• Proven multi-country operations management.
• Strong MEAP healthcare market knowledge.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.
• Experience with ERP and finance operations oversight.
• Distributor networks management and cross-cultural leadership.
• OFAC knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial direction and leadership for the MEAP affiliates.
• Meet all financial reporting requirements on schedule and provide insightful analysis for variances.
• Lead budgeting, planning, analysis, and reporting activities for MEAP.
• Manage monthly/quarterly financial close with accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain internal control environment in alignment with Abbott policies and regulations.
• Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote Abbott interests.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Planning & Analysis

Budgeting & Forecasting

Multi-country operations

Analytical thinking

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics

MBA / CMA / CFA / CPA

Arabic language is a plus

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Regional Finance Controller responsible for MEAP (Middle East, Africa & Pakistan) – Controlling & Business Support

• ACHIEVEMENT OF BUSINESS GOALS: Partner closely with Area Leadership, EMEA Finance Director and Country General Managers to deliver Division/Area/Region business goals, identifying opportunities, risks, and developing risk mitigations.
• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Lead the development of MEAP Financial Planning and Analysis strategy, policy, and procedures. Implement programs/initiatives with administrative excellence in accordance with the company’s strategic objectives. Monitor performance against Financial Plans /LBEs and ensure timely communication of Risks and Opportunities to Area.
• DECISION SUPPORT: Partner with Area Leadership and provide support in key decisions and ensure responsible investment decisions. Provide financial counsel analysis for proposed strategic initiatives.
• LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION: Work closely with ANI Division and Area Leadership to ensure proper financial guidance, processes, communication, and leadership is in place in MEAP.
• PROCESS IMPROVEMENT: Partner closely with EMEA Area leadership to improve processes and internal controls. Ensure that financial metrics/KPIs and discipline are in place to deliver Area goals as well as enhance the current processes. Develop and implement automation-driven productivity initiatives.
• ACCURACY OF BOOKS & RECORDS: Ensure integrity of financial books and records, establish, and maintain a robust and compliant internal control environment in the Region.
• INTERNAL CONTROL: Establish and ensure a robust and compliant internal control environment in the Region.
• TALENT DEVELOPMENT: Ensure proper staffing and development for the Finance function in MEAP.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Provide financial direction, guidance & leadership for the MEAP affiliates, creating and sustaining a healthy growing business to support the Region/Area financial goals.
• Meet all financial reporting requirements within the timelines agreed upon. Provide timely, accurate and insightful analysis related thereto which provides senior management necessary information with which to address variances and develop corrective actions.
• Lead the budgeting, planning, analysis, and reporting activities for MEAP.
• Manage accurately and timely the monthly/quarterly financial close.
• Internal control:
  • Own and foster financial disciplines in alignment with Abbott policies and procedures across MEAP.
  • Ensure that all ANI practices follow the local legal laws and regulations in each country, as well as with all Abbott audit requirements and applicable U.S. regulations (ex. OFAC).
  • Regular visits to key markets for assessment and trade visits.
  • Close follow up and monitoring of stocks at wholesaler’s/distributor level (all Tiers).
  • Close follow up and monitoring of DSO/Payments and credit risk (in partnership with ALOG).
  • Regular Balance sheet reviews and ensure proper documentation of all account reconciliations.
  • Regular assessment of business model and implementation of aligned changes.
  • Actively participate in all acceleration plans, in-licensing / divestiture, and other strategic alliance opportunities within MEAP.
  • Develops and fosters relationships with key internal and external business stakeholders to promote Abbott interests.

Experience Required

• 10+ years of leadership experience in healthcare/retail.
• Proven success managing multi-country operations and diverse business models.
• Strong understanding of MEAP healthcare markets and business environments.
• Effective leader with strong people management, coaching, and development skills. Strategic thinker with strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.
• Experience driving business transformation and change in complex markets. Strong compliance, governance, and regulatory awareness.
• Commercial and financial acumen, including ERP and finance operations oversight.
• Experience managing distributor networks and sourcing models. Entrepreneurial, cost-conscious, and skilled at leading cross-cultural teams. OFAC knowledge is a plus.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree (Accounting, Finance, Economics)
• MBA / CMA / CFA / CPA and similar post graduate education
• Arabic is a plus but not required