Sr Manager Finance and Commercial

Job PurposeThe Sr Manager Finance and Commercial will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations and commercial activities within the energy sector and has the prime responsibility for proper governance in the finance function. This role involves strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, as well as the development of financial and commercial models. The position requires a thorough understanding of the energy market, strong analytical skills, and the ability to provide actionable insights to support business decisions. The role will also be responsible to designing and optimizing financial modelling for Solar PV system related projects and negotiation of lease contracts with the customersKey AccountabilitiesDevelop, implement, and maintain financial models, especially financial model for long-term Solar power and energy projects, derive unit tariff, set-up evaluation parameters, carry out feasibility study to support business planning and decision-making processes with an aim to derive maximum returns.Oversee the budgeting and forecasting processes, including developing a medium-term strategic planning, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business objectives.Analyze financial performance, identify trends, and provide recommendations for cost optimization and revenue enhancement.Prepare and present financial reports and analyses to senior management and stakeholders.Monitor, in coordination with Group Treasury team on a timely basis, cash flow projections and forex exposures.Conduct commercial analysis, including pricing, contract evaluation, and market research.Support project financing activities, including due diligence, risk assessment, and financial structuring.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and evaluate business cases for new projects and initiatives.Monitor and manage financial risks, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.Monitor and manage banking facilities ensuring adequacy of financial and non financial banking lines for timely delivery of projects.Monitor VAT matters, including compliance, supervise filing of returns and reconciliation, and audit related tasks, ensuring the company adheres to all applicable VAT laws and regulations. Establish, monitor, and optimize banking and project finance facilities for contracting operations, including overdrafts, guarantees, letters of credit, bonding requirements, working capital lines, and facility utilization to support timely project execution.Oversee contract revenue recognition processes for contracting projects, including percentage-of-completion, milestone-based billing, progress billing, variation claims, retention, overbilling, and underbilling, ensuring alignment with applicable accounting standards and company policies.Drive Work-in-Progress (WIP) control by reviewing project cost-to-complete estimates, committed costs, earned value, billing status, margin movement, and project profitability to identify cost overruns, revenue leakage, and cash flow risks at an early stage.Implement robust project cost control and job costing mechanisms for contracting businesses, covering direct costs, subcontractor costs, materials, manpower, equipment, overhead allocation, change orders, claims, and margin protection.Strengthen contracting business cash flow governance through disciplined monitoring of receivables, retention balances, supplier and subcontractor payments, advance payments, project collections, and working capital requirements.Monitor UAE's Corporate Tax framework, compliance, and reporting, ensuring that the company is fully prepared and compliant with the evolving corporate tax lawsSupport the supply chain/administration department in finalizing key financial/commercial/contractual matters with OEMs/Key vendors.Provide financial insights and strategic guidance to support business growth and expansion in the energy sector.Maintaining and building relationships with banks, in coordination with Group Treasury Team, to ensure seamless funding requirements for the projectsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant professional certification (e.g., CA, CFA, CPA) is a must.ExperienceA minimum of 15 years of experience in finance and commercial roles, with at least 5 years in the energy sector. Proven experience in financial and commercial modelling, including project finance and valuation.Knowledge & Technical ExpertiseThe candidate must have extensive experience and proficiency in SAP, specifically in the FICO(FinancialAccounting and Controlling), MM (Materials Management), and SD (Sales and Distribution) modules.Knowledge of the PP (Production Planning) module would be considered an added advantage.In-depth knowledge of financial principles, accounting standards, and commercial practices in the energy sector.In-depth knowledge on the standards of revenue recognition, methodology of the estimates in cost to complete is a key prerequisite.Strong knowledge of contracting business finance, including project accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, cost-to-complete estimation, earned revenue assessment, overbilling and underbilling analysis, retention accounting, and project margin control.Practical understanding of revenue recognition methods applicable to contracting and project-based businesses, including percentage-of-completion, milestone-based recognition, progress billing, time-and-materials billing, variation orders, claims, and contract modifications.Ability to establish and monitor banking facilities and financial instruments used in contracting operations, including project guarantees, performance bonds, advance payment guarantees, letters of credit, overdraft facilities, and working capital funding lines.Sound understanding of contracting cash flow cycles, including progress invoicing, collection follow-up, retention release, supplier and subcontractor payment planning, advance recovery, and working capital forecasting.Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to develop and interpret complex financial models.Proficiency in financial analysis tools and software, including advanced Excel skills.Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.Strong negotiation and contract management skills.Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time-management skills.Understanding of market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and industry trends in the energy sector.High level of integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to ethical business practices.