Executive Director - Finance Operations

OVERVIEW                                                                                                          

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next- infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.

As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, , passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.

Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits to come? Then we want to hear from you!

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Executive Director – Finance Operations within the Financial Reporting, Controls & Transformation team in NEOM Central Finance will be responsible for overseeing the management of financial reporting and control function activities within the organization, including implementation of group accounting policies, financial close, consolidation and reporting, governance, financial controls, and overseeing the audit process. Detailed responsibilities are set out further below.

The Executive Director – Finance Operations will be reporting to the NEOM Financial Controller and their direct reports will be the following Directors/Heads: Accounting & Control, Revenue & Business Support, Tax, Accounts Payable and ESG & Special Projects.

Some of the KPIs for this role include timely closure of financial accounts and audit, compliance with accounting policies and standards reflected in accurate financial reporting, closure of audit findings (External, Internal Audit, GRC/Internal Controls).

Key stakeholders

Internal: CFO, Finance Leadership team, NEOM Internal Audit, NEOM GRC, other Departments across the business.

External: Regulatory & Governing bodies, Consultants/Advisors, Public Investment Fund, Ministry of Finance, External Auditor.

REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

• 15+ years of experience in overseeing the operations of a full-fledged accounting department
• Strong knowledge of all accounting principles, regulations and systems (e.g. SAP)
• Ability to produce financial accounts and manage the end-to-end audit process within agreed-upon deadlines
• Deep background in implementing and managing financial controls and policies
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with excellent communication and people skills
• Experience in recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating accounting department personnel

ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES

The Executive Director – Finance Operations’ responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Maintain and enhance Group accounting policies in line with accounting standards
• Keep abreast of emerging accounting standards; provide expert inputs and interpretations to central finance, sector, and regional teams
• Ensure Financial control standards are continuously improved and implemented across the Group
• Govern Group Financial close and reporting; responsible for Group consolidated financial reporting
• Oversee internal and external audits at the Group level
• Ensure compliance across all financial and tax-related reporting matters
• Drive Group-wide initiatives related to financial reporting, accounting, and controls
• Ensure the company’s financial statements are presented fairly and accurately in all material respect in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework
• Develop and execute the FRCT department’s strategic and annual plans in alignment with the sector and organization’s strategic objectives
• Manage and continuously monitor the performance of the FR&C department to ensure performance deviations are identified in a timely manner, and required resources and actions are implemented to meet performance targets
• Oversee and represent the department’s performance including direct and indirect reports, workforce requirements, recruitment, training & development in coordination with the HR department to ensure competent talent that enables the department to achieve its objectives
• Manage the development and implementation of departmental policies, systems, internal framework, processes, and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements and standards
• Attend periodic executive committee meetings and agree with key stakeholders on the company’s direction, scope, budget, and timeliness to ensure the achievement of the company’s high-level objectives
• Liaise and support Executive Director - NEOM Financial Controller in the designing and execution of initiatives and transformation programs in contemplation of aligning the company with its business strategy and vision

Leadership

• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and other communication materials tailored to stakeholder needs.
• Ensure that all stakeholder engagement activities comply with the relevant regulations and ethical standards.
• Utilize data analytics to drive strategies and decisions.  

 Culture and Values

• Embrace NEOM’s culture and Values https://www.neom.com/en-us/about
• Act with honesty and integrity by following best practices, and upholding the robust standards and expectations set out in NEOM’s Code of Conduct.
• Maintain fair, ethical and professional work practices in accordance with NEOM’s Values and Code of Conduct.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 15+ years of experience in a similar role with a large real estate, construction, sovereign wealth fund, or investments company
• Extensive knowledge of Financial Reporting in relevant industry sectors
• Extensive knowledge of Internal control design and application in relevant industry sectors
• Knowledge of Financial & Management Accounting
• Knowledge of regulatory & compliance ( in KSA)

Qualifications

• Post-graduation degree/diploma or equivalent in financial and management accounting and/or Finance
• Finance/Accounting certifications/qualifications (CPA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAP, ACCA, or similar)