Chief Financial Officer

Avana Companies; Muharraq; On-site; BHD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Bahrain is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to develop and execute its financial strategy. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in debt fund management and banking relations, overseeing financial planning and compliance. You will play a crucial role in driving the firm's mission to deliver exceptional value to clients and stakeholders while managing a high-performing finance team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in financial leadership roles.
• Expertise in debt fund management and capital markets.
• Proven track record of managing banking relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's financial strategy.
• Oversee debt fund management and performance optimization.
• Establish relationships with banks and institutional lenders.

Skills

Debt fund management

Banking relations

Financial operations

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Investor relations

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Fluent in English

Experience in Big 4 accounting firms

Education

MBA, CA, or CPA

Job description

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our leadership team. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with proven debt fund management, banking relations, and financial operations expertise. This role is critical in driving AVANA's mission to deliver exceptional value to our clients, investors, and stakeholders. The candidate will work very closely with CEO and will have the opportunity to take on a global role overseeing all offices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's financial strategy, ensuring alignment with AVANA's mission and goals.
• Oversee debt fund management, structuring, and performance optimization.
• Establish and nurture robust relationships with banks, credit unions, and institutional lenders to obtain competitive financing.
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes. Must have prior experience in creating and monitoring budgets across various business units.
• Ensure compliance with SEC regulations and learn the Saudi Central Bank's banking standards and financial reporting requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to develop and implement strategies for raising capital from various sources, including banks, lines of credit, and institutional investors in the Middle East and the USA.
• Establish and maintain appropriate fund structures that align with regulatory requirements and investor expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations related to fund operations.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity to support operational and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor and mitigate financial risks, including interest rate, credit, and regulatory exposures, and oversee tax strategy.
• Implement robust internal controls and oversee audit processes to ensure the security of company assets.
• Understand private credit and direct lending at their core to effectively negotiate or discuss lines of credit and warehouse lines.
• Mentor and develop the finance team to meet and exceed organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with the CEO and management team to drive long-term growth and profitability.
• Represent the company in investor meetings, board presentations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Develop and nurture strong relationships with current and potential investors, prioritizing transparency and trust.
• Oversee timely response to investor inquiries and manage communication regarding portfolio performance, strategy, and compliance updates.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Meet or exceed funding goals for Debt fund and Equity Capital jointly with the CEO
• Establish specific capital raising objectives, such as successfully closing targeted funding rounds within predetermined timelines and the annual establishment and maintenance of new investor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with lender covenants and maintain strong cash flow. Provide timely reporting to the warehouse lender, currently a bank in the USA.
• Increase investor satisfaction and retention rates to over 90% by enhancing online financial reporting.
• Zero significant non-compliance issues during regulatory audits or investor reviews.
• Satisfactory employee engagement and satisfaction score within the finance team. Conducting quarterly training sessions or development initiatives.
• Timely and accurate management reporting for internal and external stakeholders – shareholders, banks, investors and employees.

Qualifications

• MBA, CA, or CPA; must possess graduate-level education in finance and accounting.
• Fluent in GAAP and IFRS accounting standards.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in financial leadership roles.
• Expertise in debt fund management, capital markets, lending, and portfolio oversight.
• Proven track record of managing banking relationships and negotiating credit facilities.
• Proven track record in raising capital, including experience with debt financing, equity fundraising, and working with institutional investors.
• Hands-on experience setting up fund structures, including SPVs, trusts, and other investment vehicles.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance related to financial services, fund management, and corporate governance in different jurisdictions.
• Experience managing investor relations and leading due diligence processes with private equity firms, venture capitalists, and institutional investors.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills.
• Candidates must have fluency in English language.
• Candidates with previous experience in the Big 4 accounting firms in audit, tax, or advisory will be preferred.