Role summary/purpose of job
Reporting to the Global Head of Financial Control and with c.4-5 direct reports, your team is responsible for ensuring that all relevant Financial Control, FP&A and Tax Operations activities in the MENA region are carried out and managed in compliance with the Firm’s policies and relevant legislation. This Financial Controller role and the Finance Support team will support the MENA COO and Regional Office Managing Partner as required.
Overview of the Function
The Global Finance function ensures robust financial control across our global operations, whilst partnering with the firm as a valued commercial advisor, influencing strategic decision making and driving long term profitable growth for the firm.
We achieve our vision with all our people working collaboratively with a shared culture and identifying themselves as part of one inclusive Global Finance team.
Key responsibilities and deliverables
Month end close and reporting
Responsible for the month end process to ensure a timely and accurate close
Review of ledger prior to close to ensure complete and accurate postings.
Reporting and analysis for relevant stakeholders i.e COO, Managing Partner and Partners. Responding to queries.
Ensuring all balance sheet reconciliations are completed and reviewed according to accounts responsibility matrix, including collaboration with colleagues in Bratislava on bank reconciliations and accounts payable.
Year end close and reporting
Responsible for the year end process to ensure a timely and accurate close
Responding the requests of external and internal auditors. Accountable for remediation of any relevant control/audit findings.
Local GAAP accounting
Responsible for the completeness and accuracy of local GAAP accounting.
Budgeting and Forecasting
Oversight of the annual budget process. Accountable for preparation of the overheads budget. Working closely with Practice Group Performance team who are accountable for the Practice Group budgets and with the Global FP&A team who are accountable for the Business Services budgets.
Oversight of full year re-forecasts as requested by Global Finance.
Partners, Partner Taxes and Partnership Accounting
Reviewing partner drawings and distribution payments. Reviewing distribution statements.
Responding to ad hoc partner queries
New partner finance induction
Liaison with partners, the Global Tax Team, external tax advisor in relation to partner tax returns
Supporting partners with responding to any tax audit queries
Cash, Banking and Bank relationships
Lead relationships for Freshfields with local banks
Approving bank payments
Review of 13 week cash flow liquidity forecast and 12 month rolling cashflow
Liaison with the Global Treasury team to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet regional needs.
Other Finance tasks
Reviewing monthly payroll.
Calculation of associated payroll balances, such as gratuity/DEWS provisions / payments as required by local regulations.
Management of local audits (Bahrain, Abu Dhabi ICV, UAE and KSA).
Overview of local billing team alongside Global Matter Support colleagues, including implementation of required eBilling solutions.
Responsible for regional intercompany accounting
Approving expenses and payments.
Taxes
Liaison with the external advisors in relation to corporate tax/Zakat.
Responsible for review of VAT returns and ensuring timely submission.
Responsible, alongside colleagues in Global tax, for development of regional transfer pricing policy and associated recharges
Compliance with other tax regulations and development of processes for changes in tax regulations as relevant
Risk management and compliance
Ensure compliance with global management accounts policies
Own the cost and expense policies and monitor correct implementation
Ensure adequate controls are designed, implemented and operating effectively across relevant finance processes
Ensure all relevant license renewals, AML returns, and other statutory and…