Accounting Manager

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp in Saudi Arabia seeks an Accounting Manager to lead the accounting team, ensure accuracy of US GAAP financials, and uphold rigorous controls. You will drive monthly closes, support external audits, manage disbursements and working capital, and collaborate with finance leadership to enable sound business decisions.

The role requires professional accounting credentials, 5+ years of experience, SAP FI proficiency, advanced Excel, and strong leadership in a matrix

Qualifications

• Professional accounting certification (CA/CPA/ equivalent) and/or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in accounting/finance with 2+ years in people management.
• Experience with US GAAP, SOX, and ERP systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting team and ensure timely monthly close and accurate US GAAP reporting.
• Perform and review account analyses, reconciliations, and control testing (SOX/compliance).
• Support external audits and provide required financial statements and documentation.
• Oversee working capital management, collections, and disbursement controls.
• Collaborate with CFO and finance leadership to drive budgeting, forecasting, and process improvements.

Skills

CA/Chartered Accountant

MBA in Finance

5+ years accounting

People management

SAP FI

Excel (PivotTables/macros)

English fluency

Pharma industry experience

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Financial Accounting

MBA in Finance

Chartered Accountant certification

Tools

SAP FI

Microsoft Excel (PivotTables/macros)

Job description

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}

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 10/15/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.