Summary
Gulf Air Group is seeking a Regional Finance Manager based at its head office in Bahrain to oversee finance and accounting across assigned outstations. The role leads regional finance teams and oversees financial controls, accounting, budgeting, cash management, receivables, compliance, and reporting. It also provides business support to station management and coordinates with internal teams, banks, regulators, and other stakeholders. Applicants need at least six years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field; a master’s degree is preferred, and a professional accounting qualification is an advantage.
The posting
As published on gulfairgroup.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
JOB PURPOSE
The Regional Finance Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the financial operations of Gulf Air outstations within the assigned region, ensuring high standards of financial control, accounting compliance, asset protection, and cost efficiency. The role provides strategic leadership and business support to outstation finance teams, drives the effective implementation of corporate financial policies, systems, and procedures, and ensures timely identification, resolution, and escalation of financial and control issues. In partnership with the VP – Financial Control (GFG), the Regional Finance Manager contributes to the development and execution of regional financial strategies, enhances financial performance, strengthens governance and controls, and supports the achievement of the Company’s overall business objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The duties and responsibilities listed below are indicative and not exhaustive and may be amended in line with operational, regulatory, business, or organizational requirements.
Financial Management and Accounting Operations
Lead, direct, and oversee the finance and accounting activities of assigned online and offline outstations to ensure high accounting standards, effective asset protection, cost efficiency, and compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
Ensure the effectiveness of internal controls and the integrity of accounting processes, financial records, and reporting across all assigned stations.
Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of financial records, including general ledger accounts, bank reconciliations, payroll records, fixed assets, invoices, expense claims, revenue documents, and supporting financial documentation.
Review and recommend enhancements to financial policies, procedures, and operating practices to improve efficiency, standardization, and governance.
Ensure timely and accurate processing of supplier payments, employee reimbursements, payroll activities, and financial transactions in accordance with approved policies and delegated authorities.
Monitor station disbursement and sales collection bank accounts, ensuring timely reconciliations, optimal cash management, and effective control of company funds.
Oversee revenue accounting activities, including the review of sales, refunds, collections, remittances, commissions, and revenue-related reports, ensuring proper accounting treatment and timely reporting.
Ensure the timely repatriation of funds and coordinate with banks, regulatory authorities, and Head Office Treasury on matters relating to cash transfers and foreign exchange restrictions.
Monitor petty cash administration and financial controls to ensure compliance with established policies and the appropriate utilization of Company resources.
Review contracts and financial commitments with third parties to safeguard Company interests and ensure timely renewals and compliance with contractual obligations.
Adherence to any management directives and instructions regarding the addition of any new and supplementary responsibilities.
Budgeting and Financial Performance Management
Lead and coordinate the preparation, review, and consolidation of annual operating and capital budgets for the assigned region.
Provide financial guidance and support to station management and department heads during budget preparation and forecasting activities.
Monitor financial performance against approved budgets, analyze variances, and recommend corrective actions to improve efficiency and financial results.
Evaluate expenditure trends, reporting outcomes, and operational costs to identify opportunities for cost optimization and enhanced financial performance.
Credit Control and Receivables Management
Oversee the management and recovery of receivables across the region, ensuring timely collection of outstanding balances and minimization of credit risk.
Review receivable ageing reports, overdue debt positions, ADMs, unmatched credits, and write-off cases, ensuring appropriate follow-up actions are undertaken.
Monitor customer account reconciliations and ensure stations maintain accurate debtor records and supporting documentation.
Ensure compliance with corporate credit control policies, including management of bank guarantees, credit exposure, debt recovery initiatives, and reporting requirements.
Support the resolution of financial queries from agents, GSAs, BSPs, government entities, and other stakeholders relating to financial matters.
Compliance, Governance and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with local laws, taxation requirements, labour regulations, exchange control requirements, and statutory reporting obligations across all assigned locations.
Monitor VAT, tax, social security, and other statutory obligations to ensure timely submissions and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Liaise with Internal Audit and external auditors, ensuring timely implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions.
Identify, assess, and escalate significant accounting, financial control, compliance, and business risks to the VP – Financial Control (GFG), recommending appropriate mitigation measures.
Ensure all legal and contractual financial obligations are fulfilled in accordance with regulatory and corporate requirements.
Business Support and Stakeholder Management
Provide strategic financial guidance and business partnering support to station management and operational departments to support informed decision-making.
Liaise with Head Office departments including Treasury, Commercial, Revenue Accounting, Credit Control, Taxation, Internal Audit, and Legal on matters affecting regional outstations.
Support the financial planning, establishment, transition, and closure of outstations and other regional business initiatives.
Maintain effective relationships with banks, regulatory authorities, service providers, agents, GSAs, and other external stakeholders to support operational and financial objectives.
Assist in the implementation of new financial systems, policies, procedures, and corporate initiatives across the region.
People Leadership and Development
Lead, coach, and support Finance Managers and Financial Controllers across the region, ensuring consistent application of finance policies and best practices.
Monitor the performance, development, and effectiveness of regional finance teams, ensuring adherence to professional and operational standards.
Support recruitment, onboarding, training, succession planning, and knowledge transfer activities within the regional finance function.
Conduct regular station visits to review financial performance, compliance, controls, and resource effectiveness.
Establish performance objectives, monitor KPIs, and complete all performance management requirements for direct reports in accordance with Company policies
Conduct any task as assigned by the Management in the related field.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a or an equivalent major in the related field, a Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CMA, or CA) is an added advantage.
EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 6 years of experience in the related field.
JOB SPECIFIC SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
Strong knowledge of financial accounting, budgeting, financial controls, treasury management, credit control, and financial reporting.
Excellent understanding of IFRS, corporate governance principles, and internal control frameworks.
Ability to analyze complex financial information, identify risks, and develop practical business solutions.
Strong leadership, people management, coaching, and performance management skills.
Proven ability to lead geographically dispersed finance teams and manage multiple outstations effectively.
Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills with internal and external parties.
Strong planning, organizational, and project management capabilities.