Chief Financial Officer - Iraq

Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Strategy & LeadershipDevelop and execute the company’s financial strategy in alignment with overall business objectives.Provide strategic financial guidance to the GM/CEO and senior management.Establish financial objectives, policies, procedures, and internal controls.Lead the Finance function and ensure effective organizational structure and talent development.Support long-term business planning and strategic decision-making.Financial Planning & Performance ManagementLead the annual budgeting and business planning process.Develop and monitor financial forecasts and rolling forecasts.Analyze actual performance against budget, forecast, and prior-year results.Provide management with clear financial insights, business performance analysis, and recommendations.Establish and monitor financial KPIs across the organization.Identify financial risks, opportunities, and areas for performance improvement.Commercial FinancePartner closely with Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to drive profitable growth.Evaluate pricing strategies, promotions, discounts, and trade spending.Monitor customer and channel profitability.Analyze product, brand, category, and channel profitability.Support commercial teams in evaluating new customers, products, markets, and business opportunities.Provide financial analysis for promotional campaigns and assess their return on investment.Monitor Gross-to-Net sales and ensure appropriate control over commercial deductions.Challenge commercial assumptions and ensure decisions are supported by sound financial analysis.Working Capital & Cash Flow ManagementLead working capital optimization across the business.Monitor cash flow, liquidity, receivables, payables, and inventory levels.Improve cash conversion cycle and optimize cash utilization.Establish appropriate credit control policies and customer credit limits.Monitor overdue receivables and ensure effective collection processes.Work closely with Supply Chain and Procurement to optimize inventory and payment terms.Inventory & Supply Chain FinanceMonitor inventory valuation, stock levels, and slow-moving and obsolete inventory.Partner with Supply Chain to improve inventory turnover and reduce working capital requirements.Analyze supply chain costs, logistics costs, and procurement savings.Ensure accurate product costing and margin analysis.Support decisions related to sourcing, distribution, warehousing, and logistics.Financial Reporting & ComplianceEnsure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.Oversee financial statements and management reporting.Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax regulations, and local laws.Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and other financial institutions.Ensure effective financial controls and appropriate governance across the organization.Cost Management & ProfitabilityDevelop and implement cost-control initiatives without compromising business growth.Monitor operating expenses and identify cost optimization opportunities.Analyze gross margin, contribution margin, EBITDA, and overall profitability.Drive financial discipline across departments.Ensure business decisions consider both revenue growth and profitability.Risk Management & Internal ControlsIdentify and manage financial and business risks.Maintain a strong internal control environment.Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and financial authorization processes.Establish risk mitigation plans and monitor their effectiveness.Ensure compliance with company policies and corporate governance requirements.Business Partnership & Decision SupportAct as a strategic partner to the CEO, Country Manager, and senior leadership team.Provide financial modeling and scenario analysis for major business decisions.Evaluate investments, capital expenditure, new business opportunities, and strategic initiatives.Translate financial data into clear business insights and actionable recommendations.Support organizational transformation and business growth initiatives.QualificationsFluent in English and Arabic.Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.Professional qualification such as CPA, ACCA, CMA, or equivalent is highly preferred.15+ years of progressive experience in Finance and Accounting, with significant senior leadership experience.Proven experience as a Finance Director, CFO, Financial Controller, or in a similar senior finance leadership position.Strong experience in the Consumer Goods industry is highly preferred.Strong commercial finance and business partnering experience.Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and performance management.Strong knowledge of working capital, inventory, cash flow, and profitability management.Experience managing and developing finance teams.Strong knowledge of financial reporting, taxation, internal controls, and corporate governance.Experience working with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.Strong analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills.Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.