Accounting Manager

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Riyadh; Sur place; SAR 350 000 - 550 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme seeks an Accounting Manager to lead the Saudi Arabia accounting team, ensuring accurate, timely financial reporting in line with US GAAP and internal controls. You will collaborate with regional finance leadership, manage audits, and drive process improvements.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in accounting/finance, 2+ years of people management, and SAP FI experience with advanced Excel skills. Fluency in English is required; Arabic is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ relevant experience in accounting/finance.
• 2+ years as people manager.
• Professional certification (Chartered accountant) or pursuing
• Experience with SAP FI and advanced Excel skills would be advantageous.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is an asset.
• Big 4 experience desirable.

Responsabilités

• Lead and oversee accounting team for Saudi Arabia; ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial records.
• Support SOX compliance and internal controls; coordinate with audits.
• Analyze operating expenses by cost center; report to regional and US teams.
• Manage disbursements, budgets, and monthly accruals; monitor working capital.
• Collaborate with Compliance and other finance functions; support FP&A activities.
• Implement and maintain accounting policies and SAP-based processes.

Connaissances

Project management

Matrix organization

Leadership

English fluency

Arabic knowledge (advantage)

Big 4 experience desirable

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Financial analysis

Formation

Chartered accountant

Master’s degree in financial accounting

MBA in Finance

Outils

SAP (FI)

Microsoft Excel (PivotTables & macros)

Description du poste

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Accounting Manager leads and oversees the accounting team of Saudi Arabia and function, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial records and reporting. The role is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining effective accounting processes and controls for the collection, analysis, verification, and reporting of financial information. In addition, the Accounting Manager collaborates closely with the broader finance leadership team to support sound financial decision‑making, compliance, and the achievement of organizational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions and perform monthly closing activities to report US GAAP financials to Regional Management in Europe and the consolidation team in the United States.
• Perform and/or review periodic account analyses and reconciliations to ensure compliance with internal policies, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, and internal control standards.
• Support external auditors during the annual statutory audit, including preparation of financial statements, supporting documentation, and assistance throughout the audit process.
• Conduct detailed analysis of operating expenses by cost center and division to support financial analysis.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders, including shared service centers, internal audit, Group consolidation team, payroll, tax, and treasury.
• Assist the Chief Financial Officer in leading and managing the accounting team.
• Undertake ad hoc tasks and projects as required.

Working Capital Management

• Ensure adequate working capital levels are maintained.
• Monitor and follow up on collections and outstanding customer claims.

Disbursement Functions

• Review disbursement transactions to ensure compliance with financial controls and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) requirements.
• Oversee audit processing of employee expense reimbursements and American Express activity monitoring.
• Manage monthly expense budgets versus actuals, including sponsorship activities and related financial compliance approvals.
• Oversee the monthly accrual process.
• Coordinate with the Shared Service Center for payment processing, including follow-up and timely resolution of issues.
• Identify and resolve disbursement-related issues in a timely manner.

Compliance Tracking and Monitoring

• Collaborate with the Compliance Committee to monitor outliers in marketing activities using internal tools.
• Review items of interest to ensure adequate supporting documentation and appropriate remediation.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the Financial Planning team in headcount and cost center expense analysis.
• Lead the financial business module and Purchase-to-Pay SAP implementation project.
• Achieve financial objectives by forecasting requirements, preparing annual budgets, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and implementing corrective actions.
• Confirm financial status by monitoring revenues and expenses, and coordinating the collection, consolidation, and evaluation of financial data, including the preparation of special reports.
• Maintain accounting controls by establishing a chart of accounts and defining accounting policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to other departments by interpreting accounting policies and recommending operational improvements.
• Ensure financial security through the implementation of internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations by staying informed of current and proposed legislation and recommending necessary updates to procedures.
• Safeguard organizational value by maintaining strict confidentiality of financial information.
• Contribute to the achievement of organizational objectives by delivering required results as needed.

Skills and Competencies

• Professionally certified or chartered accountant/Holding master’s degree in financial accounting from a recognized international institute, or currently pursuing such certification; an MBA in Finance with relevant experience is also desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in an accounting or finance function along with at least 2 years of experience as people manager.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry is preferred but not mandatory.
• Strong project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience working within a matrix organization.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• Previous experience with a Big 4 firm is highly desirable.
• Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and a proactive approach.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably SAP (FI), and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (including PivotTables and macros).
• High attention to detail and willingness to engage with complex data.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and support a team in challenging situations.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Preferred Saudi National

Required Skills:

Accounting Applications, Accounting Applications, Accounting Management, Adaptability, Ad Hoc Reporting, Budget Analysis, Budget Management, Budget Variance Analysis, Chart of Accounts (COA), Compliance Reporting, Credit Management, Credit Risk Assessment, Expense Tracking, External Audit, Financial Accounting Controls, Financial Analysis, Financial Compliance, Financial Controlling, Financial Data Reporting, Financial Forecasting, Financial Oversight, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Financial Transactions, Internal Financial Control, Managerial Accounting {+ 8 more}