Assistant Manager - Finance - The First Group

Overview:
Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, The First Group is a dynamic, integrated global property developer with a fast-growing portfolio of upscale hotels, residential properties, F&B brands and real estate asset management services. Since our launch in 2005, we have carved a highly successful niche offering unrivalled property investment opportunities in high-growth markets to clients from more than 70 countries worldwide.
We were among the first developers to identify the tremendous potential in providing private investors the opportunity to purchase hotel guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments in our collection of upscale properties located in highly popular locations across Dubai. We back up our success with a list of International Property awards along with strategic partnerships with companies such as Wyndham Hotel group, Millennium Hotels, Emirates Airlines and Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts.
To successful candidates, we offer a diverse progressive corporate working environment with clear growth potential along with award winning sales & marketing tools, a state of the art showroom featuring Dubai's only virtual helicopter tour and endorsements from a number of international sporting celebrities.

We are looking for a motivated Assistant Finance Manager - FP&A to support the Director of FP&A with financial planning, analysis, and reporting responsibilities. The ideal candidate will assist in month-end closing and cost analysis, budgeting, forecasting while also collaborating with stakeholders across departments. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to strategic planning and drive continuous improvements in financial processes.
Responsibilities:

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

Assist the Director of FP&A in the preparation and consolidation of budgets and forecasts.
Provide support in variance analysis by comparing actual vs. budgeted performance and highlighting key drivers of discrepancies.
Prepare financial models and conduct scenario analysis to support strategic business decisions.
Develop and maintain dashboards and KPIs to monitor financial performance across departments.
Participate in long-term planning initiatives to align financial strategies with organizational goals.

Month-End Closing & Reporting:

Assist Director of FP&A and the rest of the team with month-end close requirements, strategic planning and any other tasks as required.
Assist team members with operational queries and escalate issues to senior leadership when necessary.
Collaborate with the finance team on month-end close activities by ensuring all relevant data is accurately posted and reconciled.
Prepare and submit monthly cost center summaries and project payment reports.
Review and analyze cost bookings to ensure alignment with the general ledger and financial policies.
Assist in the preparation of audit schedules and year-end financial reports.
Reconcile intercompany transactions and ensure proper categorization of monthly payments.

Financial Operations & Support:

Oversee the preparation of client refund payment summaries and other payment-related reports.
Review and approve journal entries, such as employee-related payments, commission accruals, and project cost transfers.
Monitor funding, offsetting transactions, and loan payments for various entities.
Support vendor management tasks, including the creation of vendor accounts and verification of payment vouchers.
Coordinate with the accounts team for payroll processing and other executive payments.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:

Act as a liaison between finance, accounts payable, and project teams to facilitate smooth financial operations.
Assist in intercompany reconciliation for main business and asset management teams.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve system integration issues or discrepancies.
Provide ad-hoc analysis and reports to senior management as required.

Process Improvement & System Oversight:

Work with the Director of FP&A to identify process improvements and drive automation initiatives where applicable.
Monitor PowerApps and ERP systems (e.g., Dynamics 365) to ensure seamless financial transactions and approvals.
Manage the preparation of project cost transfer reports and reconciliation for key entities (e.g., CIEL, Dolphin).

Desired Skill & Expertise:
Qualifications & Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (CPA/ACCA or equivalent certification preferred).
3+ years of relevant experience in FP&A, financial reporting, or general accounting roles.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in budgeting and forecasting.
Proficient in ERP systems (e.g., AX Dynamics) and financial reporting tools.
Advanced Excel skills (including data modeling and pivot tables).
Familiarity with month-end close processes, cost analysis, and intercompany reconciliation.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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