Finance Reporting Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

The Financial Reporting Manager is responsible for leading and ensuring the timely, accurate preparation of all financial and regulatory reports for the Gulf business (UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar), including statutory financial statements ( disclosures and other notes and Analysis for management Discussion) and regulatory filings, in compliance with IFRS and company policies. This role owns the end-to-end Regulatory financial close and reporting process, with oversight of IFRS 17 insurance contract reporting. The Reporting Manager oversees and coordinates the external financial reporting process - including collaboration with internal teams and engagement with external auditors and regulators - to ensure high-quality reporting and compliance with all relevant standards. The position requires strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and deep technical expertise in accounting and financial reporting (including IFRS 17). The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in maintaining the integrity of financial results, strengthening financial controls, and supporting our commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.

DESCRIPTION (Key Responsibilities):

• Financial Statements & Regulatory Returns: Lead the preparation and review of financial statements and regulatory returns on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission to management, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• External Audit & Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary liaison with external auditors and regulators for all financial reporting and IFRS 17 matters. Coordinate audit requests and reviews, facilitate smooth completion of audits, and address any issues or queries promptly. Ensure all regulatory and audit queries are responded to with comprehensive, accurate analysis and supporting data.
• IFRS 17 Oversight: Serve as the subject matter expert for IFRS 17 within the finance function, managing the integration of IFRS 17 into all reporting processes. Lead the ongoing development and refinement of IFRS 17 reconciliation processes (e.g. IFRS 4 to IFRS 17 reconciliations), reporting templates, and workflows, driving enhancements and efficiency improvements as needed. Ensure IFRS 17 accounting policies, accounting manuals, and documentation are updated and consistently applied.
• Stakeholder & Team Management: Lead and develop the financial reporting team, providing clear direction, performance management, and professional development. Liaise closely with cross-functional stakeholders - including Actuarial, IT, Operations, and regional finance teams - to coordinate data inputs, resolve issues, and meet reporting requirements.
• Governance & Controls: Implement and maintain strong internal controls and governance over financial reporting processes, including IFRS 17 reporting and closing activities. Ensure compliance with internal risk management frameworks and external regulatory requirements, and drive continuous improvements in controls and process efficiency (including automation to eliminate manual work).
• Financial Analysis & Business Insight: Analyse and interpret complex financial data (including IFRS 17 outputs such as insurance contract cohorts and results) to provide actionable insights. Develop and present variance analyses and key drivers for monthly and quarterly results to senior management, supporting effective decision-making and business understanding of financial performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Represent the Financial Reporting function in cross-departmental initiatives. Communicate financial and regulatory information to non-financial stakeholders in a clear, concise manner. Proactively engage with internal partners (e.g. CFO, Financial Controller, Business units, Actuarial, Risk) to ensure alignment on reporting requi