Head of Finance

Company Overview:

Our Client is a powerful digital platform designed to elevate employee and client loyalty, well-being, and productivity by offering exclusive access to discounts, rewards, and e-gift cards from over 1,200 local and international merchants at more than 4,500 stores. They collaborate with corporations, merchants, and partners to create innovative customer loyalty solutions and drive business growth.

Job Scope:

The Head of Finance is a key strategic leader within our clients organization, responsible for overseeing the financial planning, analysis, and budgeting functions that are critical to driving business growth. This role requires an individual who can develop and implement financial strategies that align with the company's broader goals and vision. The Head of Finance will guide financial decision-making, ensure financial compliance, and lead a team of finance professionals. In partnership with the CEO, they will ensure that the company's financial objectives align with its strategic priorities, driving profitability and reinforcing the organizations competitive position in the rewards and discounts industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and Implement Financial Strategies: Lead the creation of comprehensive financial strategies that align with the organizations business objectives and long-term vision. Work closely with the CEO and executive team to ensure that the financial direction supports the company's overall growth initiatives, scalability, and market expansion.
  
• Financial Planning & Forecasting: Oversee all budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling processes. Ensure that financial plans are realistic, aligned with business goals, and adaptable to changes in market conditions. Use advanced financial modeling techniques to provide data-driven insights that support strategic decision-making and help optimize the company's financial performance.
  
• Scenario Analysis & Decision Support: Provide in-depth financial analysis and scenario modeling to guide key business decisions, particularly around expansion opportunities, capital investments, and strategic initiatives. Analyze the financial impact of different business scenarios and advise senior leadership on the most profitable and sustainable options.
  
• Financial Reporting & Compliance: Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, reports, and disclosures, ensuring full compliance with local accounting standards, international financial reporting standards (IFRS), and regulatory requirements. This includes monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles. Work with auditors to ensure that reports meet all necessary compliance and governance standards.
  
• Internal Controls & Risk Management: Establish and oversee robust internal controls and risk management processes to safeguard the company's assets and ensure the integrity of financial operations. Work with senior leadership to identify potential financial risks -- whether operational, market-related, or regulatory -- and develop proactive mitigation strategies to minimize their impact.
  
• Audit & Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies. Manage annual audits and ensure compliance with tax regulations, corporate governance standards, and industry-specific financial regulations. Ensure timely resolution of any compliance or audit-related issues.
  
• Team Leadership & Development: Manage and mentor a diverse team of finance professionals, including accountants, analysts, and other finance staff. Foster a high-performance culture by establishing clear performance objectives, offering constructive feedback, and supporting continuous development through training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.
  
• Cash Flow & Liquidity Management: Oversee cash flow management to ensure the company maintains optimal liquidity levels for day-to-day operations and strategic investments. Develop financial strategies to manage working capital efficiently, reduce financial risk, and ensure the business has the necessary liquidity to seize growth opportunities.
  
• Relationship Management with Financial Institutions: Build and maintain strong relationships with key financial institutions, investors, and stakeholders. Negotiate favorable terms for credit facilities, loans, and investment opportunities that support the company's financial needs while optimizing capital structure and cost of capital.
  
• Cost Optimization & Efficiency Initiatives: Identify and lead cost-reduction initiatives across the organization. Work with cross-functional departments to implement strategies that streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of service delivery. Provide guidance on balancing cost control with investment in key growth areas.
  
• Financial Risk Mitigation: Continuously assess financial risks, including those related to currency fluctuations, interest rates, liquidity, and market conditions. Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect the organization from financial volatility and ensure sustainable profitability.
  
• Investment & Growth Strategy: Evaluate potential investment opportunities, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to ensure they align with the company's long-term strategy and financial health. Provide strategic financial input to support business expansion and new revenue streams in the rewards and discounts industry.
  
  Qualifications:

• Educational Background: A Bachelors or Masters degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required. Professional certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) are highly preferred.
  
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing teams in complex, dynamic environments. Previous experience in the rewards, loyalty programs, or discounts industry is highly advantageous.
  
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of financial regulations, compliance standards, and risk management principles, with a particular emphasis on the rewards and customer engagement sector. Proven experience in managing finances in an industry with high transaction volumes and customer data sensitivity is a plus.
  
• Financial Expertise: Extensive experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Advanced proficiency in financial management software, with expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other financial tools used for data analysis and decision support.
  
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and inspire a diverse team of finance professionals, providing clear direction, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities.
  
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization and engage with external stakeholders, including investors, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
  
  Key Competencies:

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Ability to develop and implement financial strategies that drive the company's growth and profitability, while also aligning with the broader organizational vision. Strong strategic thinking skills that enable the translation of financial data into actionable business strategies.
  
• Business Acumen: Deep understanding of the rewards and customer engagement industry, with the ability to analyze market trends and financial drivers that impact the company's competitive positioning. Understands the economic factors that drive customer behavior and merchant partner engagement.
  
• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Expertise in performing detailed financial analysis, evaluating business opportunities, and identifying financial risks. Capable of making data-driven decisions that support the company's strategic objectives and ensure financial sustainability in a competitive marketplace.
  
• Ethics & Integrity: A commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in all financial dealings. Ensures that all financial activities and decisions comply with legal and regulatory standards, maintaining transparency and integrity throughout the organization.
  
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Skilled in developing and nurturing a high-performing finance team. Provides clear guidance, regular feedback, and opportunities for professional development. Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with the company's goals.