Expert – Financial Planning & Control Management

Position Objective: Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and control for operations and network-related projects, ensuring optimal allocation and utilization of financial resources. Provide accurate financial reporting, insights, and strategic guidance to support executive decision-making and long-term sector objectives. Ensure compliance with financial policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement across financial planning and control processes. Lead, develop, and engage the Financial Planning & Control Management team to deliver high standards of performance, governance, and operational excellence.

Job Description & Responsibilities:

• Provide senior financial leadership within a Tier 1 telecom operator or global vendor environment, combining deep financial expertise with strong understanding of engineering, network planning, and operations.
• Lead end-to-end financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes aligned with the organization’s strategic and operational objectives.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously enhance long-term financial models covering CAPEX, OPEX, ROI, IRR, NPV, KPIs, and scenario analysis for network rollout, spectrum, IT, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Manage budget planning and control across multiple operations and network projects, ensuring efficient allocation, utilization, and optimization of financial resources.
• Design and implement robust cash flow management and liquidity planning frameworks to ensure availability of funds across projects.
• Monitor financial performance against approved budgets, analyze variances, challenge project managers on deviations, and provide actionable insights and corrective recommendations to senior management.
• Perform detailed cost analysis and cost optimization initiatives with focus on network costs, services, field operations, TFM, and vendor contracts.
• Lead business case development for new projects, investments, and commercial initiatives, ensuring financial viability and strategic alignment.
• Collaborate closely with technical, commercial, procurement, contract management, and project teams to align financial plans with operational realities.
• Support pricing strategy, profitability analysis, vendor value assessments, and participate in vendor negotiations and financial evaluation of contracts.
• Oversee management reporting, dashboards, and KPI frameworks covering financial and operational performance.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial data, including PCM services, in line with accounting standards and internal controls.
• Coordinate with GEP and other stakeholders on Cost Efficiency Programs, tracking benefits realization and financial impact.
• Verify project invoices, ensure timely payment processing, and oversee financial close-out of projects, including settlement of contractual obligations.
• Review and manage asset dismantling requests, ensuring proper approval, recording, and closure within financial systems.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing activities, ensuring accurate financial statements and reconciliations.
• Conduct and oversee internal audits of financial processes, identify risks, implement mitigation actions, and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Maintain efficient record-keeping, documentation, and financial control systems across all operations projects.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by monitoring industry best practices, financial innovations, and process optimization opportunities.
• Define team performance objectives, KPIs, development plans, and succession planning for the Financial Planning & Control Management team.
• Lead recruitment, workforce planning, coaching, mentoring, and capability development to build a high-performing, engaged team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, governance, and continuous improvement.
• Interpret and implement changes in financial policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, providing guidance across the organization.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.
• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and control within large or complex organizations.
• Proven senior-level experience within a Tier 1 telecom operator or global telecom vendor is highly preferred.
• Strong expertise in financial modeling, capital budgeting, cost accounting, revenue management, and financial control.
• Solid understanding of telecom operations, network planning, engineering-driven investments, and large-scale transformation programs.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting systems, internal controls, policies, and governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with local and international financial laws, regulations, and audit requirements.
• Advanced analytical skills with ability to interpret industry trends and translate financial data into strategic insights.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing finance teams.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) is mandatory.