Regional Finance Manager

The Regional Finance Manager is responsible for managing and optimising the financial operations across Central Asia and Eastern Europe, ensuring compliance with local laws, regulations, and international standards. This role includes financial planning, reporting, compliance management, and strategic decision-making to support the organisation’s growth and sustainability in the region. The incumbent must have an in-depth understanding of local codes, tax laws, and financial practices across the assigned countries to effectively mitigate risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management & Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation and submission of accurate and timely financial reports in compliance with both local codes and international standards (IFRS).
• Ensure compliance with country-specific tax laws, financial regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for internal and external stakeholders, addressing regional nuances.

2. Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Lead the regional budgeting process, incorporating the complexities of multi-country operations.
• Develop detailed financial forecasts, aligning with the unique economic and regulatory environments of Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
• Perform variance analysis to provide insights and recommend corrective actions.

3. Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to local financial regulations, including tax codes, audit requirements, and statutory filings.
• Mitigate financial risks by implementing robust internal controls tailored to regional legal frameworks.
• Liaise with local regulatory authorities to stay updated on changes in financial laws and practices.

4. Cash Flow & Treasury Management:

• Manage cash flow across the region to maintain liquidity and operational efficiency.
• Address multi-currency challenges and mitigate currency exchange risks in line with regional practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional banks and financial institutions.

5. Operational Excellence:

• Implement efficient financial systems and processes to standardise operations across multiple countries.
• Leverage ERP systems and financial software to automate and streamline regional finance functions.
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, adhering to local guidelines.

6. Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a geographically dispersed finance team, ensuring a high level of competency in local financial practices.
• Set clear goals, monitor progress, and provide ongoing feedback to foster team growth.
• Encourage cross-border collaboration to promote knowledge-sharing of best practices.

7. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with regional leadership to align financial strategies with organisational goals.
• Act as the key liaison for financial matters with external stakeholders, including auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies.
• Provide financial insights to support business development initiatives across the region.

Performance Indicators:

• Compliance with regional tax laws and statutory requirements.
• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Achievement of regional budgeting and cash flow targets.
• Team satisfaction and performance metrics.

Key Challenges:

• Navigating complex and diverse regulatory frameworks across multiple countries.
• Managing financial operations in a dynamic geopolitical environment.
• Harmonising financial practices while respecting regional differences.

Formal Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field (master’s degree is an advantage).
• Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, CMA, or equivalent is essential.

Experience:

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in financial management, with at least 3 years in a regional role.
• Proven track record of managing financial operations in Central Asia and/or Eastern Europe.
• In-depth knowledge of local tax regulations, accounting standards, and compliance requirements.

Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and financial software.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Power BI skills for reporting and analysis.
• Strong understanding of IFRS and country-specific financial codes in the region.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexibility to travel within the region as required.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek, or other regional languages is highly desirable.