Country Finance Manager

Confidential - one of the main retail chain businesses in the Middle East grocery retailer) department-store operation Kuwait Retail, Our client, one of the main retail chain businesses in the Middle East grocery retailer) department-store operation , is looking for Country Finance Manager to be based in Kuwait. Interested candidates who meet the criteria can apply online or by forwarding their CVs directly to the below email address and put in the subject (Finance Manager Retail / Grocery / Departmental Store Kuwait) POSITION PURPOSE The Finance Manager leads the finance and accounting function and ensures accurate books, disciplined controls and commercially useful analysis. The role is accountable for financial closing, budgeting, cash and POS reconciliation, inventory accounting, gross-margin analysis, supplier controls, treasury, statutory compliance, audit coordination and the development of a reliable finance team SUCCESS PROFILE A hands-on retail finance leader who combines accounting discipline with commercial judgment, controls daily cash and inventory risks, and translates financial data into practical decisions for sales, purchasing and operations. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Financial Leadership and Governance Financial Accounting and Period Close Retail Revenue, POS and Cash Controls Inventory, Cost and Gross-Margin Management Budgeting, Forecasting and Performance Analysis Supplier, Procurement and Payables Controls Treasury and Working Capital Audit, Compliance and Risk Management Systems, Data and Process Improvement Team Leadership and Business Partnership

Desired Candidate Profile

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a closely related discipline. Experience Minimum 8-10 years of progressive finance/accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial or senior supervisory role. Sector background Substantial retail, supermarket, department-store, FMCG distribution or consumer-goods experience is strongly preferred. Retail finance Hands-on experience with POS and tender reconciliation, inventory valuation, gross-margin analysis, supplier accounting and shrinkage controls. Accounting Strong command of period close, financial statements, balance-sheet reconciliations, cash flow, budgeting and audit support. Kuwait knowledge Practical knowledge of accounting, commercial and statutory requirements applicable in Kuwait; Kuwait-market experience is strongly preferred. Systems Advanced Excel and practical experience with ERP/accounting, POS and inventory systems. Power BI or similar reporting capability is an advantage. Languages Full professional proficiency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken. Certification CMA, CPA, ACCA or another recognized accounting qualification is preferred. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES Commercial judgment Connects sales, margin, inventory, purchasing and operating decisions to cash flow and profitability. Control mindset Builds practical controls, challenges unusual transactions and maintains reliable audit-ready evidence. Analysis Identifies root causes, explains variances clearly and converts data into focused management action. Leadership Sets standards, develops the finance team and holds colleagues accountable for accuracy and deadlines. Communication Presents complex financial matters clearly to owners, managers, auditors, banks and non-finance teams. Execution Manages competing deadlines, follows through under pressure and closes issues without sacrificing accuracy. Integrity Protects confidential information and demonstrates independence, consistency and sound ethical judgment