Financial Analyst

Roles and responsibilities

The Financial Analyst/Controller is responsible for driving financial planning, reporting, and controlling activities, ensuring accuracy and integrity in financial processes. This role requires expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and controlling, as well as strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including the following areas:

• Controlling: Allocate, coordinate, and verify the correctness of cost booking. Analyze the actual cost in comparison with the forecast/budget. Continuously record and monitor planned, committed, and incurred costs and highlight budget constraints in a timely manner.
• Planning and forecasting: Prepare Budget/Forecast in collaboration with Sales/Business Segment/Project personnel. Ensure precise preparation of revenue, cost and cash flow alignment, adhering to accurate accounting guidelines and the underlying project plan.
• Closing/Reporting: Coordinate with various departments for relevant reports and check their authenticity. Conduct closing activities at the end of the month to ensure proper reporting of business and project results in line with the budget/forecast. Analyze actual postings on a monthly basis to ensure proper booking in line with the accounting guidelines/regulations.
• Audits: Liaise with internal and external auditors, summarize tasks, follow up, and ensure continuous compliance with audit requirements.
• Risk and Internal Control: Liaise with the Global RIC Officer to ensure the controls are implemented and monitor their status periodically.
  

What do I need to qualify for the role?

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce; Master’s degree is desirable.
• Professional certification in Finance & Accounting (e.g., CPA, CA, CA Inter, ACCA) is highly desirable.
• At least 7 years of experience in financial controlling, reporting, commercial functions, and project controlling, preferably in an industrial project business environment.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting regulations, such as IFRS/IAS.
• Proficient in controlling and reporting tools such as SAP, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong ability to work independently and maintain accuracy while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Assertive, collaborative team player with a global perspective and a strong focus on building relationships.

Desired candidate profile

1. Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Financial Statements: Preparation of key financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and equity statements.
• Management Reporting: Preparing regular management reports, including financial performance analysis, variance analysis, and profitability analysis, to assist senior leadership in decision-making.
• Analysis and Forecasting: Analyzing financial trends, forecasting future financial outcomes, and identifying key areas for financial improvements.
• Cost Management: Analyzing operational costs and looking for ways to reduce expenses while maintaining financial health and profitability.

2. Budgeting and Forecasting

• Budget Preparation: Developing, managing, and updating annual budgets, collaborating with various departments to ensure budget alignment with organizational goals.
• Variance Analysis: Comparing actual financial performance against budgets and forecasts, and providing explanations for any variances.
• Financial Forecasting: Producing financial forecasts for revenue, expenses, and cash flows, which helps management make informed decisions.
• Capital Budgeting: Evaluating potential capital expenditures and investments, and advising on financing options for major projects.

3. Accounting Operations and General Ledger Management

• General Ledger (GL) Management: Overseeing the general ledger to ensure proper recording of transactions, balancing accounts, and ensuring accuracy in financial reporting.
• Month-End and Year-End Closures: Managing the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded accurately and on time.
• Reconciliations: Conducting regular reconciliations of accounts (bank accounts, balance sheet accounts, etc.) to ensure consistency between financial records and actual transactions.
• Accounting Standards Compliance: Ensuring financial reports are compliant with relevant accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS) and regulatory requirements.

4. Internal Controls and Compliance

• Internal Controls: Designing, implementing, and monitoring internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting.
• Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Ensuring that financial operations comply with local, national, and international tax laws, accounting regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Audit Management: Coordinating with internal and external auditors, ensuring timely completion of audits, and addressing any audit findings or recommendations.
• Tax Compliance: Overseeing the preparation of corporate tax returns and ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations.

5. Cash Flow and Working Capital Management

• Cash Flow Management: Monitoring and managing the organization’s cash flow to ensure there is sufficient liquidity to meet operational and financial obligations.
• Working Capital Optimization: Managing working capital to maintain an efficient level of current assets and liabilities, such as inventory, receivables, and payables.
• Treasury Management: Overseeing treasury operations, including managing cash balances, financing arrangements, and banking relationships.
• Debt Management: Managing the company’s debt portfolio and ensuring proper use of credit and loan facilities.

6. Financial Systems and Technology

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) for financial management, accounting, and reporting.
• Financial Software: Proficiency in financial and accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or other financial management tools used to process transactions and generate reports.
• Automation of Processes: Implementing and overseeing the automation of financial processes, such as invoicing, reconciliation, and reporting, to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of errors.

7. Financial Strategy and Business Partnership

• Strategic Planning: Collaborating with senior leadership on long-term financial planning and aligning financial strategies with overall business goals.
• Financial Decision Support: Providing financial insights and recommendations to support key business decisions, such as pricing, investments, and resource allocation.