About this role
Role Overview:
The Head of Controlling is a senior finance leadership position responsible for the full controlling cycle across the Middle East, Africa, and India region. The role sits within the CFO's direct team and acts as the primary interface between Finance, Operations, and Senior Management on all matters of cost, budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance analysis.
The incumbent will take full ownership of the monthly closing process, accrual management, and management reporting for operational costs (Terminal, Transport, S&D), overhead, FTE, and D&D revenue translating financial data into actionable insight that supports strategic decision-making at regional and global level.
Role Reports to: CFO – Middle East, Africa & India
Candidate Profile
Education
- Bachelor's degree minimum in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration
- Professional qualification preferred: CPA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent
- MBA or advanced degree is an asset
Experience
- 8–12 years of progressive experience in Controlling, FP&A, or Finance Business Partnering
- Prior experience in the shipping, port, or logistics industry deep understanding of shipping operations (vessel cost structures, Terminal operations, Transport, S&D, D&D revenue mechanisms)
- Proven track record managing full budget and forecast cycles in a multinational environment
- Experience in a regional or multi-country controlling role; Middle East/Africa exposure strongly preferred
- Demonstrated people leadership experience, with the ability to develop and motivate a controlling team
Technical Skills
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability; Power BI or equivalent reporting tools a strong plus
- Solid understanding of IFRS and management accounting principles
Competencies
- Analytical rigour: Ability to handle large, complex datasets and extract the signal from the noise
- Business acumen: Connects financial analysis to operational and strategic reality
- Stakeholder influence: Confident communicator able to challenge peers and present to senior leadership
- Ownership mindset: Takes end-to-end accountability for deliverables; drives deadlines without being driven by them
- Leadership: Develops team capability; sets high standards; coaches and retains talent
- Adaptability: Operates effectively in a fast-paced, matrix environment across cultures and time zones
Languages
- English: full professional fluency (mandatory)