Manager, Strategic Finance & Corporate Initiatives

Overview

This Manager role, based in Doha, Qatar, supports the CEO and senior management in driving the company's strategic priorities, performing detailed financial and commercial analysis, overseeing governance, managing performance metrics, and leading cross-departmental initiatives. The position blends a high level of analytical expertise, often honed at leading professional services firms, with strong execution and stakeholder coordination skills. This role spans across finance, strategy, governance, operations, and special projects without formally serving as Chief of Staff.

Core Responsibilities

• Assist executive leadership in planning and executing strategic goals.
• Create executive briefings, board documentation, and decision support materials.
• Conduct comprehensive research and analysis on financial, commercial, operational, and strategic challenges.
• Coordinate complex initiatives involving multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Track and ensure completion of executive decisions and commitments, escalating issues as needed.
• Maintain clear oversight of key priorities, deadlines, and accountability.
• Perform financial and commercial analyses including business cases, investment opportunities, acquisitions, partnerships, capital allocation, product launches, cost optimizations, restructuring, and operational improvements.
• Prepare and validate financial models, forecasts, valuations, scenario analyses, and impact assessments.
• Monitor performance across functions, develop executive dashboards, analyze variations from plans, identify bottlenecks and risks, and coordinate corrective measures.
• Lead or support strategic projects such as business transformation, digital initiatives, operating model reviews, cost-saving programs, governance enhancements, and partnership development.
• Manage governance and reporting by preparing complete and accurate materials for board and executive meetings, maintaining records, and supporting governance framework improvements.
• Conduct or organize financial and operational assessments reviewing proposals, budgets, contracts, vendor performance, cost structures, controls, and processes, offering actionable recommendations.
• Support internal investigations, control reviews, and risk assessments while maintaining confidentiality and professional independence.
• Build strong working relationships across executive management, department leaders, board committees, finance, audit, legal, and external advisors to ensure collaboration and accountability.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, ACA, ACCA, CA, CFA, or equivalent strongly preferred.
• An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is a plus.
• Between 6 and 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 3 to 5 years spent at a Big Four accounting or advisory firm, in roles such as Manager or experienced Assistant Manager.
• Background in areas like External Audit, Transaction Services, Financial Due Diligence, Deals Advisory, Corporate Finance, Valuations, Forensic Services, or Business Consulting.
• Experience supporting senior executives or managing complex cross-functional projects is advantageous.
• Exposure to finance-related industries such as banking, investment management, private equity or regulated sectors is preferred.

Technical and Behavioral Competencies

• Expertise in financial statement analysis, financial modeling, corporate finance principles, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Skilled in business-case development, valuation techniques, management reporting, strategic planning, and enterprise performance management.
• Capability in risk assessment, project coordination, process improvements, advanced Excel, and executive PowerPoint presentations.
• Strong commercial judgement, precision, executive communication, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information responsibly and engage constructively with senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational skills, prioritization, ownership, independence, resilience under pressure, and maturity.

Performance Indicators

• On-time delivery of strategic projects and executive initiatives.
• High-quality financial and commercial analyses supporting decision-making.
• Accurate, timely management and board reporting.
• Effective execution and follow-through of executive action items.
• Achievement of cost-efficiencies and performance improvements.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and governance quality.
• Positive stakeholder feedback and responsiveness to leadership.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The perfect candidate is a proficient finance professional from a Big Four background, experienced in audit, transaction advisory, corporate finance, or forensic services. They demonstrate a blend of financial acumen and project management, able to interact effectively with senior leadership, prepare impactful executive materials, and manage diverse strategic initiatives. This role is fitting for someone seeking a broader influence on enterprise decision-making beyond traditional finance functions.