Role Purpose
The Financial Controller is responsible for ensuring that a robust, fit-for-purpose financial control and governance framework is in place, and that internal and external governance requirements are consistently met. This role supports the achievement of business objectives by strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of financial operations, ensuring reliable internal and external reporting, and maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
The role also leads the ongoing development of risk-based controls and governance practices, including the management of a robust risk management process at leadership team level. In addition, the Controller works across all levels of the organisation to build capability, improve value, and coach local Iraqi staff within the immediate team and more broadly across Finance.
This role requires full professional proficiency in Arabic for all interactions with Iraqi local authorities, regulators, and government bodies. The ability to communicate, negotiate, and represent the company in Arabic in these contexts is a mandatory requirement.
Strategic leadership
- Safeguard company assets and help prevent, detect, and respond to financial risk and fraud.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations and maintain a strong, risk-based financial control framework that is operating effectively.
- Provide financial insight, advice, and decision support to leadership to help achieve business objectives.
- Lead change initiatives that improve quality, performance, and cost efficiency
Skills and experience
- Fluent Arabic (written and spoken) is a mandatory requirement for this role, specifically for dealing with local Iraqi authorities, regulators, and government bodies. Must be able to represent the company confidently in Arabic in meetings, inspections, and formal correspondence with local authorities.
- Professional finance qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent.
- 15 years of relevant experience in an upstream environment, including previous controller experience.
- Experience in controlling, assurance, audit, and tax management in emerging markets or non-OECD countries.
- Cultural familiarity or experience working in Iraq or the wider Middle East.
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, risk management, internal control, international accounting standards, and statutory reporting.
- Experience managing regulatory reporting, external audits, tax compliance, and balance sheet control activities.
- Strong ERP and systems capability, with experience using financial data to produce clear, practical reports for non-finance stakeholders.
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders, peers, and external stakeholders, including joint venture or shareholder partners.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills, with the ability to balance support and challenge.
- Evidenced team leadership skills, demonstrated through managing a community of finance professionals and effectively developing local staff.
- A pragmatic, results-oriented approach with strong commercial awareness and a continuous improvement mindset.