Finance Manager - Shipping

Job description / Role

Oversee the Finance and Accounting functions of the Shipping Group, ensuring effective financial planning, risk management, and fiscal discipline while supporting decision-making and strategic business partnering. Ideally, you will have substantial experience in shipping finance, including structured and project financing, and expertise in negotiating with banks for vessel acquisitions.

Client Details

This global commodity trading company, operating in Dubai, is known for its commitment to quality and high standards in delivering products worldwide. With a vision to be a trusted industry partner, the company focuses on expanding into new markets and providing top-tier trade and logistics solutions, while maintaining strong relationships with key players.

Description

* Lead the team in setting the vision, scope, objectives, and KPIs for Finance and Accounting functions, ensuring effective execution and adherence to these goals.
* Contribute to the development of the organization's strategy and business plans, and oversee the implementation of key initiatives to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder commitments.
* Assist top management and shareholders with strategic decision-making on growth and investment opportunities by conducting necessary due diligence.
* Oversee the preparation of the company budget, track performance against it, and provide reports and recommendations to top management to meet targets, control expenditures, and forecast cash flow and profitability. Equip other department heads with tools for effective resource management aligned with strategic goals.
* Identify and assess financial risks faced by the organization, and develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
* Foster strong stakeholder relationships through timely and thorough reporting, maintaining transparency and adhering to corporate governance standards.
* Develop and enforce robust internal controls, policies, guidelines, and best practices within the Finance and Accounts departments, ensuring proper segregation of duties and workflows.
* Create financial models for scenario planning, forecasting, sensitivity analysis, cash flow management, and fund management.
* Design the company's capital structure, continually seek to lower the cost of capital, and explore alternative financing options.
* Develop effective funding strategies for short, medium, and long-term needs, manage cash flow, and implement hedging and risk management processes to ensure efficient financial operations.
* Supervise the periodic closing of accounts, preparation of financial statements, approve them, and present to top management and stakeholders.
* Establish management information systems to meet organizational needs for budgets, forecasts, financial plans, statutory requirements, cash flow projections, and business forecasts.
* Coordinate and facilitate internal and external audits, and provide recommendations to top management based on audit findings.
* Ensure implementation of auditor recommendations to address gaps and drive improvements.
* Ensure compliance with financial regulations, such as Tax and VAT, in all operational countries.
* Ensure timely payments to suppliers and service providers as per contract terms, and resolve any disputes promptly.
* Ensure accurate and timely invoicing of customers, prompt collection of payments, and strive to minimize bad debts.
* Implement and prepare monthly profitability reports by voyage and vessel, compare them to budget analyses, and monitor and forecast cash flow for each voyage and vessel.
* Hire, develop, and motivate Finance and IT staff to achieve both individual and departmental objectives.
* Perform any other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Job Offer

A competitive compensation package that includes bonuses, health insurance, flight tickets, and visa. Additionally, the candidate will have opportunities for professional growth and development, along with the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Education:
* A professional qualification such as Chartered Accountancy, MBA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent.

Experience:
* At least 10 years of relevant experience in a shipping company, covering all Finance, Accounting, and IT functions, including a minimum of 5 years in a managerial role.

Technical Skills:
* Strong expertise in financial modeling, scenario planning, financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
* In-depth knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
* Advanced proficiency in English, both written and spoken; Arabic is a plus.
* High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.

About the Company

Michael Page is one of the world's leading professional recruitment consultancies, specializing in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions with clients around the world.

The Group has operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In the Middle East we focus on the areas of:

Finance & Accounting Banking & Financial Services Procurement Property & Construction Engineering & Supply Chain Oil & Gas Technical and Engineering Human Resources Sales Marketing Technology Secretarial Executive Search Legal

The Group operates through 161 offices in 33 countries and employs over 5,000 employees worldwide.