Chief Financial Officer, Middle East

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Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. Our 6,000 people in more than 60 offices deliver communications strategies that give our clients the confidence to lead and act with certainty, earning the trust of their stakeholders. Our honors include the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for PR; Advertising Age’s 2019 A-List; the Holmes Report’s 2018 Global Digital Agency of the Year; and, five times, Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work. Since our founding in 1952, we have remained an independent, family‑run business. Edelman owns specialty companies Edelman Data & Intelligence (DxI) and United Entertainment Group (entertainment, sports, lifestyle).

The Role Chief Financial Officer, Middle East , reporting to the CFO, EMEA. The C‑FOO will be a trusted advisor and business partner to the CEOs and the leadership team across the region, bringing strategic thinking, influence and change‑making skills, and leading the finance team to high standards of financial reporting and integrity.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Part of the leadership team for the region, driving profitable growth strategy.

Lead the finance function, managing day‑to‑day finance and accounts operations, ensuring compliance with UAE and Saudi regulations.

Support the regional HQ, including securing Saudi Iqama if necessary, ensuring compliance of local roles and activities.

Build strong relationships with stakeholders, demonstrating fairness, transparency and high integrity.

Lead budgeting, rolling forecast, and market‑management reporting in accordance with regional and global processes.

Manage cash‑flow and working capital, targeting positive cash‑flow and maintaining debtors and procurement relationships.

Oversee cash management and collections, liquidity planning, banking relationships, and foreign‑exchange management.

Strengthen commercial financial literacy of consultants and support healthy client relationships through pricing, legal, and negotiations.

Identify contribution‑margin issues and propose solutions.

Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting that complies with US GAAP and local FRS, working with auditors and advisers.

Maintain accounting procedures, controls and clean balance sheets, guaranteeing accuracy of external and internal audits.

Manage tax matters, ensuring statutory compliance and responding to local audits.

Lead a finance team of 7‑8 staff with 2‑3 direct reports, motivating, coaching and training.

Knowledge and Skills

University degree in Accounting / Finance and / or professional qualification such as ACCA.

15+ years of relevant experience in client finance, project accounting, and financial planning and analysis, with at least 7 years of managerial / supervisory experience.

Deep understanding of financial performance drivers and the ability to influence profitability.

Strong business and financial insight communication skills.

Proven ability to build relationships with internal managers, consultants and external clients.

Capability in navigating a complex, multi‑market environment, setting up systems and pricing strategies.

Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.

Effective leadership and communication abilities.

Strong sense of compliance and integrity.

Business‑partnering skills to collaborate with teams.

Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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