About WhiteCrow

We are global talent research, insight, and sourcing specialists with offices in the UK, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Dubai, and India. Our international reach has helped us to understand and penetrate specialist markets at a global level. In addition to this, our service is also extended to complement our client’s in-house talent acquisition teams.

About our client

Since its inception in 2000, our client has emerged as a prominent and fast-growing retail group serving markets across the Middle East. The organization partners with world-class fashion and lifestyle brands, delivering globally inspired products and experiences to discerning consumers throughout the GCC. Guided by a vision to become a leading regional gateway for international retailers, the company has successfully built a broad portfolio across diverse consumer categories. Its collaborative approach with global brand partners, combined with extensive market expertise and a customer-first mindset, has enabled sustained growth and ongoing expansion across the region. Today, our client remains well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the dynamic Middle Eastern retail market.

About the role

• The Senior Manager – R2R oversees the financial reporting, management reporting and regulatory reporting processes.
• The role is responsible for process efficiency, reporting accuracy and cross-functional collaboration.
• It supports the Director – Record to Report in creating value within the Finance sub-function through continuous improvement and optimisation of existing processes.
• The role also leads the team to foster customer centricity and service excellence, aligned with the shared vision.

As a Senior Manager Financial Reporting (Real Estate), you will be responsible for...

Strategic Planning & Financial Governance

• Supporting the financial reporting strategy and aligning it with corporate financial goals.
• Ensuring compliance with IFRS, US GAAP, and local regulatory standards.
• Supporting financial risk management initiatives to mitigate process risks.
• Guiding the team in adhering to reporting processes, guidelines, and protocols, while delivering against agreed SLAs.
• Tracking relevant KPIs, identifying operational gaps, and guiding the team in achieving its objectives.
• Supporting special projects and initiatives that deliver continuous value to Finance and align with business goals.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Leading the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial regulations and policies.
• Overseeing the preparation of financial statements and management reports that provide insights into financial performance.
• Ensuring reporting processes align with business goals and regulatory requirements.
• Managing the consolidation process.
• Reviewing and approving financial statement footnotes and disclosures.

Management Reporting

• Developing and maintaining management reports and dashboards.
• Analyzing financial results and providing insights to senior management.
• Preparing variance analyses comparing actual results with budgets and forecasts.
• Collaborating with the FP&A team to align financial reporting with planning and analysis.

Regulatory Reporting

• Ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Monitoring changes in reporting standards and implementing necessary updates.
• Liaising with external auditors during the audit process.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborating with Finance teams to ensure financial data is accurate and up to date.
• Acting as the primary escalation point for critical issues and coordinating with IT and other stakeholders to ensure timely resolution.
• Managing a team of Assistant Managers, Senior Associates, and Associates within reporting.
• Building strong working relationships with Finance, Internal Audit, Business Operations, and other internal stakeholders.
• Providing regular updates and escalating issues to senior management in a timely manner.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensuring reporting processes comply with GAAP/IFRS and internal policies.
• Implementing and maintaining internal controls related to financial reporting.
• Monitoring compliance procedures, identifying control gaps, and driving corrective actions.
• Monitoring adherence to risk assessment frameworks and checklists across operations, systems, and processes.
• Reviewing risk assessment outcomes and implementing appropriate controls to address identified vulnerabilities.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Identifying and implementing reporting process improvements, including automation tools and reporting systems.
• Developing best practices that improve accuracy and reduce manual effort.
• Standardizing R2R processes across subsidiaries while maintaining necessary flexibility.
• Assessing reporting workflows and driving initiatives to reduce cycle times and improve accuracy.
• Identifying opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to implement process improvements effectively.

People Management

• Leading the team and ensuring individual objectives and priorities align with Finance and overall business objectives.
• Providing day-to-day supervision and support to direct reports in achieving operational goals.
• Monitoring team upskilling and continuous development in line with Finance capability requirements and service priorities.
• Fostering a customer-centric and service-oriented culture that encourages innovation and high performance.

What you already have...

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Professional certification such as CA, CPA or ACCA is required.

Experience

• At least 7 years of experience in financial reporting, general ledger, financial close processes or a similar area.
• Strong expertise in financial controls, compliance and governance frameworks.
• A proven track record in stakeholder management and service excellence.
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong understanding of Finance functions and processes.
• Real estate or related-sector experience is preferred.
• Experience in finance shared services is preferred.
• Middle East regional experience is preferred.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle Fusion and FCCS.
• Familiarity with tools and technologies such as ARCS and AI-driven analytics.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP/IFRS and financial reporting requirements.
• Behavioural Competencies
• Strategic orientation
• Customer focus
• Intrapreneurial thinking
• Talent focus and employee centricity
• Process excellence and execution focus
• Innovation
• Team leadership