Finance Specialist

About this opportunity

The Finance Specialist plays a key role primarily for Morocco and North Africa Finance team. Reporting directly to Finance Manager – North Africa Ensures accurate accounting, in accordance with both local accounting and US GAAP reporting guidelines. Accountant will be responsible for accounting and tax matters and will be involved in building standard finance processes across all Align entities in Morocco and other countries in North Africa. Essentially the role assumes support / backup Finance Manager. In this role, you will… Accounting supervision : Review the application of up-to-date Company accounting policies and ensure accuracy in mapping of Company chart of accounts, internal reporting and data integrity in the ERP, Supervise bookkeeping, Control and ensure accuracy of fixed assets and depreciation accounting, Prepare analysis and ensure accuracy in accounting of equity, liabilities and reconciliation of transactions across multiple data sources Ensure completeness of financial data in ERP / IT systems for all activities to drive accuracy of financial statements, Supervise tax declaration timely filing of all direct and indirect statutory returns Ensure proper implementation of all necessary internal controls for compliance with Company and US GAAP policies, that will ensure integrity, accuracy and completeness of financial records, Maintain proper records and documentation for all transactions to facilitate continuous improvements in all the elements necessary for a successful external / internal audit process. Partner Sales and Commercial teams to review and prepare annual operating plans, sales forecasts, budgets, and submit annual as well as quarterly reporting, Provide full support of Morocco and North Africa financial as well as accounting activities in its entirety, Prepares and submits annual and quarter reporting for management review and approval, Ensure accuracy and manage processes related to intercompany accounting and settlements, foreign vendor / 3rd party payments, etc. Set up, maintain and improve all the elements necessary for successful external / internal audit process, Participate in finance related projects, particularly those related to ERP / systems transitions (for example, Concur, SAP). Receivables accounting and control : Coordinate accuracy and compliance in receivables accounting, Track ageing of invoices to control outstanding and overdue receivables in order to minimize the risk exposure to AR provisions, Liaise with the Customer Success and Sales departments to resolve issues with customer payments Develop criteria to undertake due diligence for payment plan negotiations with customer for effective cashflow and credit risk management, Review contract terms and conditions to monitor customer credit limits and risk profiles, Review and continuously implement new procedures across credit control, payment terms, and AR management in line with US GAAP and Align Accounting Policies. Financial accounts and reporting : Supervise statutory and management accounting work streams aimed at preparing financial reports to provide external and internal stakeholders with complete and reliable information regarding business activities and company results, Support in ensuring accuracy in US GAAP to STAT and STAT to US GAAP reporting Ensure monthly reporting according to US GAAP, Coordinate activities related to all types of financial / tax inspections with local authorities, Support the implementation of Global Corporate Policies as well as Accounting Treatment changes and US GAAP reporting, Coordinate relationship with the Accounts Payable (AP) Center of Excellence for accuracy in cost accounting and reporting Other assigned duties when requested by management. Complete management reviews of balance sheet account reconciliations in (Blackline system), Implements tax optimization initiatives Team management : Evaluate, motivate and develop employees to ensure a qualified workforce necessary to meet company objectives, Set personal objectives, provide fair and constructive feedback for people development, employee performance improvements, Undertake competency gap analysis, recommend trainings, outline future growth opportunities and support team members to take advantage of career development opportunities, Set targets, organize and supervise the employees, and complete performance appraisal reviews, Develop and ensure positive team dynamics essential to achieve high performance, Relationships with others : Report to the Finance Manager North Africa, Liaise with finance stakeholders, accounting company, tax consultants, internal and external auditors for Finance and Accounting matters on the legal entities under his / her supervision, Liaises with counterparts in the other Align entities to exchange information and best practices. In this role, you’ll need … Masters Degree in finance or equivalent required, 5+ years of accounting experience, Working knowledge of local laws, tax laws and US GAAP. Strong financial analysis skills, critical thinker and fast learning agility. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Strong organizational, team management and leadership skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP, Power BI, or equivalent ERP systems Must pay attention to details and be skilled at being organized, producing accurate results, multitasking and able to work in a high-volume as well as fast-paced environment Demonstrated ability to support all other departments within the company and coordinate training and information sessions Fluent in English, French and Arabic will be a plus.