Finance Associate (Bede)

Zain Bahrain; Manama; On-site; BHD 9,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Zain Bahrain's subsidiary fintech arm, Bede, seeks a Finance Associate to support daily financial operations, reporting, budgeting, and compliance within a fast-paced, Shariah-compliant environment.

You will collaborate with internal teams, regulators, auditors and banking partners to maintain accurate records in Oracle ERP and ensure adherence to IFRS and CBB standards.

A 0–2 year track record in finance operations with IFRS exposure is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a relevant field.
• ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CFA qualifications preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience in finance operations with IFRS/CBB knowledge.
• Familiarity with Shariah principles is a plus.
• Experience with Oracle ERP is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate accounting records in the ERP system and support AP/AR, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and GL activities.
• Verify supplier invoices for accuracy and compliance; follow up on payments and discrepancies.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders for transaction approvals and month-end closing; prepare prepayments, accruals, and schedules.
• Assist budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and management reporting; support audits.

Skills

IFRS knowledge

Shariah principles understanding

Analytical skills

Excel skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

ACCA/CPA/CMA/CFA preferred

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Zain is the pioneer of mobile telecommunications in the Middle East. We began life in 1983 in Kuwait as the region’s first mobile operator, and since the initiation of our expansion strategy in 2003, we have expanded rapidly. Read more here: https://zain.com/en/about-us/overview

About the Role

This role will be part of Zain Bahrain's Subsidiary Fintech Company - "Bede"

Bede, the fintech arm of Zain Bahrain, is a dynamic startup revolutionizing personal finance through Bahrain’s first Shariah-compliant Islamic financing app. Licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, Bede is committed to creating an inclusive platform that offers practical solutions tailored to real customer needs.

With a focus on customer centricity, strategic partnerships, and digital innovation, Bede aims to guide individuals toward growth and success by leveling the playing field for all.Bede

The Finance Associate will support the day-to-day financial operations of the company, contributing to the overall finance function across reporting, compliance, budgeting, and process improvement initiatives.

Working closely with internal departments, external vendors, regulators, auditors, and banking partners, the role will help ensure accurate financial management and compliance with applicable financial regulations and internal policies.

The role supports sound financial processes and efficient operations within a fast-paced and evolving fintech environment, ensuring compliance with IFRS, Shariah standards, and applicable CBB regulatory requirements.

What We Need From You

Finance Operations

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records within the ERP system.
• Support daily finance operations including accounts payable, receivable, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger activities.
• Verify supplier invoices for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Track and follow up on supplier payments to ensure timely settlement and resolution of discrepancies.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure proper documentation and approval of transactions.
• Finalise month-end and quarter/year-end closing activities to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare monthly schedules for prepayments, advances, payables to suppliers, and accruals.
• Contribute to the improvement and documentation of finance processes and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, Shariah standards, and applicable CBB regulatory requirements.
• Provide support to internal and external auditors by preparing required documentation, schedules, and explanations.

Reporting, Forecasting & Budgeting

• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets and forecasts in coordination with relevant departments.
• Support the development and updating of financial forecasts based on actual performance and business assumptions.
• Assist with budget vs. actual variance analysis and support the preparation of explanations for significant deviations.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to collect inputs and validate assumptions for budgeting and forecasting.
• Prepare periodic financial presentations for management and board meetings.
• Assist with management reporting and ad-hoc financial analysis as required.

Cross-Functional Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support cross-functional initiatives by providing timely financial information and operational assistance when required.
• Assist with ad-hoc finance tasks and special projects as assigned.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control within the finance function.
• Perform any other tasks as requested.

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a relevant field.
• Professional qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CFA are preferred.
• 0-2 years of experience in finance operations, with good knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Understanding of financial reporting frameworks including IFRS and CBB regulations.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements including Shariah principles within a regulated financial environment is an advantage.
• Prior exposure in a Big 4 audit firm or a multinational financial institution is preferred.
• Experience with Oracle or equivalent enterprise ERP system is preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Sound knowledge of accounting principles and financial operations
• Understanding of IFRS, Shariah standards, and CBB regulations
• Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably Oracle
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Ability to analyse financial data and support management reporting
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively across departments
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office applications

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and those who may require reasonable accommodations to perform their duties. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace and to ensuring that all employees are supported to succeed.