PMO Manager

About the role:

The PMO Manager plays a pivotal role in leading and delivering the Groups Finance Transformation initiatives across the insurance business. Reporting to the Group CFO this position combines strategic oversight with hands-on project delivery ensuring that complex transformation programmes such as new GL and reinsurance system implementations are executed on time within budget and in full compliance with governance and quality standards. The role requires a strong foundation in finance accounting and IFRS coupled with proven experience in managing finance transformation and process optimisation within the insurance sector. Acting as the link between finance IT and business units the PMO Manager will design and implement robust financial control frameworks streamline processes and strengthen regulatory is a key leadership position for a proactive detail-driven professional with both financial acumen and project management expertise capable of steering cross-functional teams to deliver measurable improvements in financial transparency operational efficiency and strategic value creation.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of Group-wide finance transformation projects ensuring strategic alignment clear milestones and measurable business impact.
• Collaborate closely with the CFO and executive leadership to shape transformation priorities ensuring projects support long-term growth scalability and regulatory readiness.
• Provide structured data-driven reporting to the steering and board committees highlighting progress risks variances and corrective actions.

Financial Governance and Controls

• Develop and embed a comprehensive Financial Reporting Controls Framework (FRCF) ensuring strong internal controls audit readiness and compliance with IFRS and regulatory standards.
• Map assess and enhance critical finance processes and systems to ensure accuracy consistency auditability and operational transparency across the Group.
• Recommend and drive improvements to financial systems and reporting tools ensuring alignment with industry best practices global standards and insurance regulatory requirements.

Project Management and Delivery

• Establish and manage rigorous project governance structures including scope definition budget monitoring reporting and quality assurance controls.
• Work closely with IT and finance teams to ensure smooth delivery of technology solutions system upgrades and data migration activities with minimal disruption to business operations.
• Monitor and validate project deliverables at each phase to ensure accuracy compliance and alignment with finance audit and regulatory expectations.

Finance Transformation Leadership

• Drive major initiatives to modernise finance systems enhance automation and optimise reporting capabilities to support timely and accurate decision-making.
• Serve as the central interface between finance operations IT consultants and external vendors ensuring coordinated execution and unified delivery standards.
• Oversee development of chart of accounts financial data structures reinsurance integrations and accounting policies ensuring fit-for-purpose design and operational adoption.

Risk and Compliance Oversight

• Identify and proactively manage risks related to finance technology data governance and operational practices across transformation programmes.
• Ensure full compliance with internal audit requirements external audit expectations IFRS standards and relevant MENA insurance regulatory frameworks.
• Remain updated on evolving regulatory accounting and reporting standards ensuring ongoing alignment and readiness for future changes.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare comprehensive progress updates dashboards and executive-level reports ensuring clarity accuracy and transparency in project communication.
• Maintain robust and audit-compliant documentation including project charters frameworks workflows and control narratives.
• Champion strong stakeholder engagement and foster a culture of accountability excellence and continuous improvement across finance and project teams.

Candidate Qualifications:

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Accounting Finance or Business Administration (preferred).
• Professional certifications such as CPA CMA or PMP are highly desirable.
• Strong command of English; Arabic is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in finance or project management preferably within the insurance or financial services sector.
• Proven track record in leading finance transformation initiatives including system implementations reporting upgrades and process re-engineering.
• Prior exposure to audit environments (Big 4 preferred) and familiarity with MENA insurance regulations.
• Demonstrated success working in complex fast-paced and multicultural organisations.

Technical Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of IFRS accounting standards particularly as they relate to insurance and reinsurance operations.
• Expertise in financial control frameworks risk management and compliance structures.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel PowerPoint and financial systems (e.g. GL reinsurance and reporting tools).
• Familiarity with ERP systems financial data migration and automation processes.

Leadership and Behavioural Competencies

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to influence guide and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills capable of engaging at board and executive levels.
• Proactive adaptable and resilient in managing multiple high-impact projects simultaneously.
• High integrity professionalism and commitment to maintaining governance and ethical standards.

Other Conditions

• Must not have been convicted of any offence compromising integrity or trustworthiness without rehabilitation.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support project delivery across group entities

Languages:

• Fluent English Arabic an advantage