Finance Manager (Middle East)

WCT Berhad; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 488,000 - 733,000; Full time

Job summary

WCT Berhad is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee the full spectrum of financial operations for the Middle East region. The role focuses on governance, planning, and partnering with senior leadership to drive regional performance.

The position requires strong IFRS knowledge, GCC regulatory experience, and leadership across finance teams. The incumbent will base in the Middle East, guiding cross-border finance initiatives and ensuring timely, accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics or a related discipline (mandatory).
• CA, CPA, ACCA, CMA, or CFA professional qualification preferred.
• Finance Manager with 6–8 years of progressive finance experience; 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience in GCC markets and multi-country exposure is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead IFRS-based financial reporting: monthly, quarterly, and annual statements.
• Ensure compliance with GCC VAT, Zakat, UAE Corporate Tax, and related regulations.

Skills

IFRS knowledge

GCC regulations

ERP systems

Financial modelling

Leadership

Stakeholder management

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics

CA/CPA/ACCA/CMA/CFA

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of financial operations, reporting, and control functions across the Middle East region. The incumbent will ensure robust financial governance in compliance with local regulatory frameworks (IFRS, VAT/tax legislation across GCC jurisdictions), drive strategic financial planning, and serve as a trusted business partner to senior leadership. The Finance Manager designation applies to candidates with extended leadership scope and regional stakeholder accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS and group reporting standards.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with local GCC accounting and tax regulations (VAT in UAE/KSA, Zakat, UAE Corporate Income Tax).
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, GL maintenance, and period-end close activities.
• Coordinate with external auditors and manage the audited financial statements process end-to-end.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Drive the annual budgeting cycle and rolling forecast processes across all business units in the region.
• Conduct variance analysis (actuals vs. budget vs. prior year) and provide insightful commentary to senior management.
• Develop financial models to support strategic initiatives, capex proposals, and business cases.

3. Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Monitor daily cash positions and prepare short- and medium-term cash flow forecasts.
• Manage banking relationships, credit facilities, and optimise working capital across the region.
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable cycles to ensure timely collections and payment runs.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Taxation

• Ensure full compliance with GCC VAT regulations, including timely filing of VAT returns and liaison with the Federal Tax Authority (UAE) or ZATCA (KSA) as applicable.
• Stay current with evolving regional tax legislation (e.g., UAE Corporate Tax) and implement necessary process changes.
• Liaise with legal and compliance teams on entity statutory requirements, licensing, and corporate secretarial matters.

5. Business Partnering & Strategic Support

• Act as a strategic finance business partner to commercial, operations, and procurement functions.
• Provide financial insights and profitability analysis to support pricing decisions, contract negotiations, and market expansion plans.
• Present financial performance reviews and risk assessments to the CFO and Board.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of finance professionals across the region.
• Set performance objectives, conduct appraisals, and build succession pipelines within the finance function.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

7. Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive the adoption and optimisation of ERP systems
• Identify process automation opportunities and lead finance digitalisation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, SOPs, and the internal controls framework.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline (mandatory).
• Professional qualification: CA, CPA, ACCA, CMA, or CFA

Experience

• Finance Manager: Minimum 6–8 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Prior experience in the GCC market is an added advantage; multi-country exposure across the region is a strong advantage.
• Industry experience in one or more of the following is preferred: construction and property development
• Willing to be base at outside from Klang Valley, ie Middle East

Technical Skills

• Deep knowledge of IFRS and GCC-specific financial regulations (VAT, Zakat, UAE Corporate Tax).
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems
• Strong Excel and financial modelling skills;
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High analytical acumen with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong ethical standards and a commitment to financial integrity.
• Fluency in English is required; Arabic language skills are a distinct advantage.