Financial Planning Solution Architect/SME

Job Description

Location: Dubai (client site), visa sponsoredContract duration: 12 months, extendableStart: ASAPJob ScopeWe are supporting one of our esteemed client in a very critical and highly visible project, who are undergoing a large-scale Financial Planning digitization program. This is for one of their main operating companies within the group. The scope of this role is to act as an SME and lead/support below mentioned high-level milestones, activities, and phases:

1. Current state understanding (As-Is process modelling)
2. Future state development (To-Be process modelling)
3. Gap analysis
4. Technology needs assessment, exploration, and recommendation
5. Implementation roadmap development
6. RFP and sourcing activity (RFP, proposals, assessment, scoring, contracting)
7. Tools and system Implementation

Key ResponsibilitiesBelow are the details for each of these milestone and phases in details.1. Current state understanding

• Support business analyst and finance team in understanding and analysing the existing financial planning processes within MAF-Properties to identify strengths, weaknesses, and inefficiencies
• Support business analyst in documenting and mapping the current financial planning workflows, processes, and activities
• Support in identifying pain points and areas in need of improvement

2. Future state development (To-Be process modelling)

• Work with cross-functional teams to design and propose optimized financial planning processes that align with the companys goals and objectives
• Develop a clear vision of what the future state of financial planning should look like
• Ensure that the future state process model is efficient, compliant, aligned with best practices, utilizes latest technology capabilities in the field, and able to adapt to changing business conditions

3. Gap analysis

• Conduct a thorough analysis to identify gaps and discrepancies between the current state and the future state of financial planning
• Provide recommendations for closing these gaps, including process improvements and technology solutions
• Consider compliance and regulatory requirements when addressing gaps

4. Technology needs assessment, exploration, and recommendation

• Collaborate with all teams to assess the technology requirements for the new financial planning processes
• Collaborate with all teams to explore latest financial planning software and tools available in the market
• Identify the tools, software, and systems needed to support the future state process
• Evaluate potential tools based on their compatibility with the new process model, scalability, and cost-effectiveness
• Ensure technology solutions align with the overall business strategy
• Recommend specific financial planning software or technology solutions that align with the organizations needs and goals
• Provide a comprehensive assessment of the pros and cons of each recommended tool

5. Implementation roadmap development

• Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to create a detailed roadmap for implementing the new financial planning processes and technology implementations
• Define milestones, budget, timelines, resource requirements, and dependencies

6. RFP and sourcing activity (RFP, proposals, assessment, scoring, contracting)

• Assist in preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for technology vendors
• Support in evaluating vendor proposals, conduct scoring, and make recommendations
• Play a role in contract negotiations and ensure that the selected vendors meet the programs needs and standards

7. Tools and Systems Implementation

• Act as the go-to expert for financial planning matters, providing guidance and expertise to the project teams responsible for implementing the roadmap
• Review and assess tools and phases through out the entire implementation to ensure they align with the financial planning recommendations and goals defined in the planning phase
• Verify that the new processes and technologies meet the desired future state
• Assist project teams in addressing any financial planning issues, challenges, or roadblocks that arise during the implementation. Offer solutions and guidance to overcome these challenges
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the progress of the implementation projects, looking for opportunities to optimize the processes further and enhance their effectiveness
• Share insights, best practices, and updates on financial planning with project teams to build their capacity and understanding of the new processes and tools
• Identify and mitigate any risks or issues related to the implementation of financial planning solutions throughout the implementation
• Ensure that the recommendations made during the planning phase are effectively put into practice, and the new financial planning processes are successfully integrated within the organization

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A Masters degree or CPA/CFA certification is a plus or CA degree is preferred
• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in financial planning, analysis, and capex planning, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strong knowledge of financial analysis, risk assessment, and cost-benefit analysis.
• Excellent Excel skills; experience with financial systems and ERP software (Onestream, Anaplan, EPBCS, Capexplan, SAC)
• Lead and mentor a team of financial analysts and planners.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Business Acumen and In-depth understanding of the industry, market dynamics, and competitive landscape.

Keyskills :
Excel Erp Software Financial Systems Team Management Risk Assessment financial analysis Forecasting Business Acumen Industry budgeting Problem-solving Presentation competitive landscape Strategic Thinking Leadership Financial Modelling com

About Company

We are based in UAE & Saudi Arabia, Smart Chain Information Technology Consulting Ltd. is a leading tech-driven company that?s known for designing software platforms for all businesses, irrespective of their size. Backed by advanced tech solutions, our goal is to empower companies by offering new technologies that would help resolve potential issues and errors during the evolution of technology. We are adept at providing solutions related to Blockchain Consulting Services, Enterprise Blockchain Solutions, Web & Mobile App Development, Robo Advisory, Bots (software apps), AL/MT/IoT, Smart City, to name a few.