Financial Reporting Lead (IFRS Expert)

Financial Reporting Lead – International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Summary

To lead and oversee the University’s financial reporting function and team, ensuring the preparation and delivery of accurate, timely, and IFRS-compliant financial information. The role is responsible for group reporting, including the preparation of separate and consolidated financial statements, and provides technical leadership on complex accounting matters. The position supports effective monthly and year-end close and audit processes, while driving continuous improvement across financial reporting processes, controls, and systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee annual and periodic financial closing processes for KAUST.
• Prepare KAUST's separate and consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS.
• Lead group consolidation activities, including intercompany eliminations and consolidation adjustments.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audit activities, including preparation of audit schedules, responding to audit queries, and addressing audit findings.
• Lead, mentor, and develop financial reporting team members, supporting capability building, knowledge transfer, and succession planning.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on complex accounting matters within the Finance Division and to other stakeholders.
• Oversee control accounts’ reconciliations and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Review and enhance the financial reporting process, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, automation, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with internal control frameworks, accounting policies, procedures, processes, and other governance requirements.
• Support ERP (SAP) reporting and consolidation enhancements, system improvements, and reporting automation initiatives.
• Prepare management reports, financial analyses, and ad hoc reporting for senior management and key stakeholders.
• Perform other finance and reporting-related duties as required.

Personal Requirements

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to deliver accurate outputs under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environment.
• Strong ownership mindset with the ability to independently manage priorities and deliver results.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage effectively with senior management, auditors, and external parties.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Solid hands-on experience in group reporting, subsidiaries oversight, and consolidated financial statements.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, governance frameworks, and financial reporting best practices.
• Proven leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to guide and develop team members.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and financial interpretation skills.
• Excellent planning, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgement and support informed decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree of Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related degree.
• Full or partial completion of a recognized professional accountancy qualification (CPA, CMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent) is required.

Experience

• Minimum 6-8 years of progressive experience in financial accounting and reporting in a complex organization.
• Proven experience in group financial reporting and preparation of consolidated financial statements.
• Strong experience in month-end and year-end cl