Finance Data Analytics & Automation Consultant (m/f/d)

Finance Data Analytics & Automation ConsultantAssignment type: Six-month, full-time project assignmentRole OverviewOur client is seeking a hands-on Finance Data Analytics & Automation Consultant for a six-month, full-time Finance transformation assignment.The consultant will partner with the Group Finance Director and Finance team to build a more automated, data-led, AI-enabled reporting environment.The role requires Finance reporting expertise, advanced Excel, Power BI, workflow automation, and practical AI-enabled reporting skills.The aim is to enhance current reporting and establish a scalable, intelligent Finance operating model.This is not an IT-only, dashboard-only, or advisory-only role; the consultant must convert Finance logic into practical automated outputs.Assignment Duration and Work ArrangementDuration: Initial six-month assignmentCapacity: Full-time, five days per weekLocation: Onsite with the Finance team in Dubai - UAEReporting line: Group Finance DirectorAny extension will depend on project needs and performance.Project ContextFinance is shifting toward automated, AI-enabled reporting and decision support to reduce manual effort and produce structured outputs, including:Post-close reporting and MIS analysisStructured financial and operational dataPower BI dashboards with drill-downsAutomated variance, trend analysis, and AI-assisted summariesFaster, more consistent Finance outputsThe immediate focus is to improve existing models and reporting while developing an automated reporting platform.Key ResponsibilitiesFinance Process and Model ReviewReview Finance reporting processes, management packs, and models.Assess trial balance, GL, entity, cost-centre, budget, and reporting outputs.Find opportunities to simplify and automate reporting.Optimize Excel-based Finance models as needed.Excel Modelling and Data ExtractionWork with complex Excel financial models and reporting files.Improve model structure, formulas, links, and efficiency.Convert model outputs into clean datasets for automation, dashboards, and analysis.Support model simplification and documentation.Finance Data AutomationBuild structured Finance datasets from trial balance, budget, entity, GL, cost-centre, and other inputs.Use Power Query to automate data cleansing, transformation, refresh, and validation.Build reconciliation checks and move reporting from manual Excel files to automated workflows.Power BI and Reporting DevelopmentDevelop Power BI data models and Finance dashboards.Build automated MIS, P&L, Balance Sheet, entity, facility, and consolidated reporting views.Enable drill-downs and create variance, trend, KPI, and executive dashboard views.Workflow Automation and AI-Enabled ReportingUse Power Automate and related tools for reporting refresh, review, and distribution.Support AI-enabled Finance reporting, commentary, summaries, and exception analysis.Use approved AI tools where relevant, ensuring outputs are reviewable and Finance-approved.Documentation and HandoverDocument data flows, model logic, assumptions, and refresh processes.Prepare handover notes, user guidance, training materials, and knowledge transfer.Ensure Finance can maintain the solutions after the assignment.Required Skills And ExperienceThe consultant should have hands-on experience in:Finance modelling: Advanced Excel, model optimization, P&L, Balance Sheet, budget versus actuals, variance, trend, trial balance, and GL mapping.Analytics and automation: Power Query, Power BI, DAX, Power Automate, dashboards, reporting automation, reconciliation, and validation.AI workflows: AI-assisted reporting or business analysis using Claude, Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar tools.Ideal ProfilePreferred experience: 6–10 years in Finance analytics, FP&A automation, business modelling, Power BI, Finance transformation, or reporting automation.Relevant backgrounds may include:Big 4, consulting, business modelling, or Finance transformationFinance analytics, FP&A automation, or Power BI Finance reportingExcel modelling, BI automation, or corporate FP&A reporting analysisThe ideal candidate combines Finance knowledge with practical technical delivery.Finance Knowledge RequiredThe consultant should understand:Trial balance, chart of accounts, GL mapping, and cost-centre reportingEntity, facility, P&L, Balance Sheet, budgeting, and forecasting structuresManagement packs, variance analysis, consolidation, and financial model structuresA pure IT developer, AI engineer, or dashboard designer without Finance knowledge would not be suitable.Preferred Additional ExposureAdditional useful exposure includes:Oracle/ERP reporting, SQL, database fundamentals, or Python automationMulti-entity, financial statement, audit-support, healthcare, services, or multi-site reportingSenior Finance or CFO-level reporting requirementsCandidate AttributesThe consultant should be:Hands-on, practical, structured, and solution-orientedStrong in Finance logic, automation, Excel models, and reporting packsComfortable working with senior Finance stakeholders under tight timelinesAble to translate business requirements into automated outputsDisciplined in confidentiality, documentation, handover, and knowledge transferFinance Data Analytics & Automation Consultant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates