Lead Financial Controller

About Misk Schools and the Lead Financial Controller Role

Misk Schools is seeking a Lead Financial Controller to join its team in Riyadh. This full-time position is critical for overseeing the organization's financial activities, ensuring accurate transaction recording, precise financial statement preparation, and strict compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The successful candidate will bring over 10 years of experience to drive efficiency and maintain the financial health of the institution.

Core Financial Management Responsibilities

The Lead Financial Controller will manage key financial operations and reporting cycles, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing monthly, annual, and consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, including timely submission of monthly reporting packages to management.
• Developing, presenting, monitoring, and reporting budgets with a strong analytical approach, encompassing variance analysis and reconciliations with actual figures.
• Performing reconciliations of subsidiary and general ledgers, prepayments, and accruals to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Overseeing month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Maintaining effective and secure filing systems in line with internal controls.

Compliance and Audit Oversight

A critical aspect of this role involves ensuring strict adherence to financial regulations and supporting comprehensive audit processes. Specific duties include:

• Ensuring compliance with and applying in-depth knowledge of IFRS across all financial activities.
• Ensuring compliance with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) laws regarding VAT, WHT, and ZATCA reporting.
• Managing internal controls and compliance, conducting regular audits, and supporting both internal and external audit preparations.
• Providing expert financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.

Process Enhancement and Team Collaboration

The Lead Financial Controller will also focus on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering team development. Key duties include:

• Innovating and optimizing financial systems and processes to enhance efficiency, ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions aligned with departmental objectives.
• Collaborating with the Director of Finance to establish and achieve personal performance objectives.
• Training and mentoring junior accountants, including reviewing their journal entries for accuracy.
• Working flexibly and collaboratively across departments, maintaining a stakeholder focus on all activities.
• Undertaking additional duties as required by the line manager.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

Candidates for this role should possess a strong background in financial control and reporting. Essential requirements include:

• Over 10 years of experience in financial oversight and control.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Proficiency in budget preparation, monitoring, and variance analysis.
• Experience with KSA laws regarding VAT, WHT, and ZATCA reporting.
• Ability to manage internal controls, support audits, and optimize financial processes.
• Strong analytical skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Adherence to Misk Schools' culture, ethics, and policies.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The post holder will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and follow the school’s safeguarding policies and the staff code of conduct. They will directly support the designated safeguarding lead as a priority to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students at the school.