Finance Business Partner
Job Description
UAE national_Finance Business Partner | Al Futtaim Automotive | Finance
Overview of the role:
As a member of Finance team – to support the branch operations (Sales and After sales) – on (a) decision support for budgeting / forecasting / MIS and KPI achievement (b) ensure compliance with company policies and procedures with major emphasis on – cash control, sales accounting and approvals credit controls & approvals, stock controls, audit report follow-up and (c) day to day internal controls review and improvement.
What you will do:
Financial Performance Review & Commercial Support to Branch Management
• Perform regular Branch level (Sales & Aftersales) Financial reviews and variance analysis with Branch Management (DP) for all responsible branches and thus ensuring that branch performance is in line with relevant budgets/Forecasts
• Support Branch Management (DP) in review of KPI trends (Sales & Aftersales), suggest improvement plans and prepare reports/analysis for monthly Branch reviews to be held with Director Retail & BUFM.
• Regularly monitor and control Branch indirect costs (Facility Maintenance, casual labours, utilities, data processing, stationery, cafeteria etc)
• Supporting Branch Management in synergising process and costs between sales, aftersales and other brands within the same site
• Check and ensure that all Branch POs are created, and GRs completed within the relevant months and adequate provisions are booked before close of month to reflect right profitability.
• Validating CAPEX cost requirements at branches and ensuring that these are within budgeted levels
Forecast and Budget Support:
• Support branch management by validating Weekly Forecasts (Sales & Aftersales) submitted to HO
• Supporting FM & GM with Preparation of site wise Quarterly Forecasts, Annual Budgets and upload into SAP
Sales Accounting and cash control:
• Oversee via the Branch Accountants and Accounts Assistants to ensure all documentation is complete as per company procedures for all Finance / Cash / Credit / Inter and Intra company deals for Sales & Aftersales.
• Ensure through branch Finance team the release of VCC, Sale letter & Gate passes (Sales & Aftersales) are in line with company procedures.
• Validation through test checks of Sales document pack /LPO and credit approval or clear funds/ registration copy and delivery to ensure process compliance.
• Ensure that refunds are processed by branch within the sub-delegated authority with proper documentation and those beyond Branch authority are processed through Central Finance (AFSS).
• Check and validate all agreed check list before confirming passport release of branch staff.
• Reviewing all petty cash payments, test checking daily collections and deposits to ensure compliance
• Liaise with Central Finance (AFSS) and other departments to ensure that all intercompany transactions, upsell recoveries, Pricing differences etc are regularly reconciled and kept on track
Stock, Insurance & WIP controls:
• Ensure Stock controllers adhere to standard documentation and procedures about stock movements and best practices followed on stock management of on-site stocks including Demo/display/Damaged stock.
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage is in place for dealership stock, cash, assets and other components at all times.
• Review periodical physical inventory (Units and Parts) and reconciliation to ensure physical stocks match with the system stocks.
• Participate in and support the smooth conduct of Annual stock counts (Units and Parts)
• Monitoring of aftersales WIPs at branches regularly and ensure timely closing of job cards to ensure revenue recognition as per IFRS
Credit Control & AR Collections:
• Facilitate through Branch Finance team, timely submission of Finance deal packs and provide support and follow up with AFF for early collection of bank debts.
• Review with Sales team (sales & aftersales) on overdue and collection on regular basis and provide status report to Branch Management and BUFM
Policy, Procedures and Internal Audit recommendations:
• Ensuring that all Finance SOPs are adhered to by the branch and adequate advice is provided in compliance matters (INDs, DNIs export sales etc.)
• Continuous review of existing policy and procedures and recommend improvements to strengthen internal control.
• Facilitate Group internal audit review of branch operations and ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations
Leadership:
• To lead and supervise the finance team of all responsible Branches (Sales & Aftersales)
• Provide appropriate trainings to the Branch Finance team from time to time
Ad hoc tasks & Projects:
• To carry out Ad Hoc tasks/reports as defined by the BUFM / Branch Management / GM or any other member of Senior Management.
• Involve into Projects representing various business areas as and when required.
Skills
Required Skills to be successful:
• Degree in Accountancy or ACCA, qualified Accountant with the minimum 3years of experience in FP&A & Financial Accounting
• Ability to manage own workload, considering needs of stakeholders, timelines, and deadlines
• Must be a team player, supporting others, drawing on support from others & sharing in successes & challenges
• Experience of working on SAP & on data analytics platform Tableau , Alteryx, Power BI etc. is highly desirable
About the Team:
The role will report to the Senior Financial Controller and you will be managing a team of Branch Accountants / Assistant Branch Accountants / Accounts Assistants / Cashiers & will be working in a dynamic and busy environment.
What equips you for the role:
Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:
Chartered Accountant (or similar qualification)
Minimum Experience:
4/5 years’ experience in Automotive dealership or retail environment
Job-Specific Skills: Analytical, process oriented, good communication skills, exposure to ERP
Behavioral Competencies: Should be able to plan and prioritize tasks, persuasive skills, Kaizan attitude, Self-starter; and a strong team player.
