Regional Financial Controller Regional Office (Middle East)

What You ll Do

• Act as the key contact for external auditors and Group Finance.
• Deliver best practice finance and accounting support across the region.
• Lead shared services teams to hit SLA targets in accounting, purchasing, and receivables.
• Adapt financial policies and systems to meet business needs.

Lead with Strategy & Collaboration

• Oversee financial reporting deliverables for the region.
• Improve the financial close process and reduce reliance on manual systems.
• Strengthen internal controls and mitigate risks.
• Work cross-functionally with HR, IT, and other teams to align finance with business goals.
• Provide commercial and accounting input on contracts and transactions.

Ensure Operational Excellence

• Review and approve monthly, quarterly, and year-end accounts for schools.
• Oversee and prepare audit-ready accounts, ensuring clean outcomes.
• Monitor balance sheet movements and variances with clear documentation.
• Deliver accurate and timely reporting packs.
• Support the integration of new schools and acquisitions.
• Lead compliance with IFRS and group accounting standards.

Strengthen Financial Control & Systems

• Standardise and align reporting with Group Finance.
• Champion process improvements and efficiency in month-end closing.
• Drive system improvements through the Finance Systems Design Reference Group (DRG).
• Ensure robust internal controls across all schools and regional finance.
• Support due diligence and seamless integration of acquisitions.
• Provide tax compliance and reporting support in collaboration with Group Tax.

Develop & Lead Talent

• Manage, coach, and develop the regional finance and shared services teams.
• Recruit and retain top talent, building a motivated and engaged workforce.
• Support succession planning and career growth through regular feedback and development plans.
• Act as a mentor across the wider business, sharing expertise and guidance.