Description

The Finance will support all project finance and commercial activities including budget management, assisting with procurement and contract management. They will work to protect the financial viability and integrity of all projects commercial activities. They will also serve as a bridge to the head office.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide dedicated financial and commercial support to the Project Director, Chief of Staff, Heads of Department and Regional Finance Manager.
• Provide regular and ongoing updates on the financial performance of the project.
• Offer strategic insight to help ensure the profitability of the project to agreed margins.
• Work with the Project Team to ensure financial and compliance requirements for the project.
• Attend client and supplier meetings to assist with any commercial issues that may arise.
• Assist with any other ad hoc commercial tasks as required.

Budget and Financial Management

• Responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the project’s master budget
• Provide forecasts on future commitments as well as explanations for budget variances.
• Develop project budgets for approval by different stakeholders.
• Provide reports as required.
• Review the budget on a regular basis with the Project Director and others.
• Cross-check and review the budget with the Finance Manager prior to review with the client.
• Liaise with clients on invoicing and payment matters to ensure timely settlement.
• Manage the HOD budgets with HOD team and department administrators ensuring budget is kept current.
• Manage the project finance and administration support team.
• Assist the Finance Department with support for client invoice preparation as required.
• Ensure a register of all Project assets is maintained.
• Ensure a register of all intellectual property rights is maintained.
• Cashflow forecasting
• Work with the finance team to ensure project suppliers and contractors are paid accurately and on time.

Contracting

• Ensure the project’s standard contract terms are in place for all purchases.
• Work with the Finance Manager to agree non-standard terms if required.
• Ensure that each major contract (in accordance with the Project procurement policy) has Executive approval prior to finalization.
• Help manage the major contracts against the delivery as issues arise.
• Ensure all contract documentation is filed including the signed contract, confidentiality agreements, insurance certificates and other requirements.

Procurement

• Create a procurement policy and framework that should be followed for all project procurement and the finalisation of vendor selection.
• Ensure the project’s procurement policy is followed by the project team at all times.
• Keep a schedule of all procurement packages – upcoming and already let.
• Review major procurement packages and recommend to the project leadership for approval.
• Assist in validating the commercial capabilities of potential suppliers and contractors.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and vendors to help ensure adherence to event plans and budget.

Other

• Work with the project leadership to define the roles of other finance and administration staff on the project team.
• Work with the Finance Manager to refine the finance and contract administration systems.
• Make sure that insurance, legal, health and safety obligations are followed.

Desirable Qualifications & Capabilities

• 8-10 years Experience in managing significant and complex events projects and their budgets in Saudi Arabia.
• Qualified accountant.
• Events Industry experience/Advertising Industry/Similar industry.
• Experience in contract review, negotiations and subsequent management.
• A team player but able to work on their own where required – needs initiative and self-drive
• A collaborative spirit.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Flexibility, especially hours worked.
• High proficiency in MS Excel and MS Office.