Finance Director, Leading Global Professional Sports Tournament - Middle East based role

Background:

Our client, a leading professional racket sports tournament backed by the official federation as well as a sovereign sports investment vehicle, is looking to add a Finance Director to be based in the Middle East.

Reporting to the CEO, The Finance Director is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the organization and leading the finance department, ensuring strategic financial planning, regular reporting internally and externally, and optimizing the finances of the business.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the UK market, including direct interactions with HMRC, as the company maintains a UK-based entity. While prior experience in the sports industry is not a requirement, it would be considered advantageous.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement financial strategies and best practices to support the company’s objectives.
• Oversee the preparation of financial statements, reports, performance analysis and forecasts to ensure accurate financial planning.
• Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure the company's liquidity and working capital requirements are met.
• Recommend strategies for maximizing cash reserves and minimizing any financing costs.
• Issue and collect payments to vendors, employees, and stakeholders while ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Liaise with external auditors, financial institutions, and key stakeholders (event promoters, service providers, etc.).
• Manage and nurture relationships with financial stakeholders, including banks, vendors, and investors.
• Develop and manage comprehensive budgets and financial plans, built on an understanding of the firm's strategic objectives and the inputs of management.
• Collaborate with department heads to create detailed budget forecasts, ensuring that all commercial performances, pipelines, and associated cost centres are accurately represented.
• Analyse variances from the budget and provide insights to the executive team.
• Identify, assess, and manage financial risks, proactively implementing strategies to mitigate potential challenges and seize opportunities.
• Supervise accounting functions, payroll, and financial controls.
• Provide financial guidance and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements.
• Build and lead a high-performing finance team by recruiting, training, and developing finance professionals.

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of proven experience as a Finance Director, Financial Controller, or a similar role, preferably in a sports organization or related industry (or a demonstrated understanding of the industry if not).
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
• Strong knowledge of financial management, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in ERP/ financial software (Odoo preferred).
• Business fluency in English is mandatory. Candidates with business fluency in Spanish will be viewed favourably.