Overview
Financial Controller Jobs in Basra, Al-Basra Governorate, Iraq at Iraqi Energy Company – Confidential
Title: Financial Controller
Company: Iraqi Energy Company – Confidential
Location: Basra, Al-Basra Governorate, Iraq
About the Company
We are a leading energy joint venture operating in the gas processing and energy sector. The organization focuses on capturing and processing gas resources to support domestic energy needs and international markets, while driving continuous digital transformation and operational excellence.
Role Purpose
The Financial Controller is responsible for ensuring that a robust, fit-for-purpose financial control and governance framework is in place across the organisation, and that internal and external governance requirements are consistently met. This role supports the achievement of business objectives by strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of financial operations, ensuring reliable internal and external reporting, and maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
The role also leads the ongoing development of risk-based controls and governance practices, including the management of a robust risk management process at leadership team level. In addition, the Controller works across all levels of the organisation to build capability, improve value, and coach local Iraqi staff within the immediate team and more broadly across Finance.
This role requires full professional proficiency in Arabic for all interactions with Iraqi local authorities, regulators, and government bodies. The ability to communicate, negotiate, and represent the company in Arabic in these contexts is a mandatory requirement.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Safeguard company assets and help prevent, detect, and respond to financial risk and fraud
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and maintain a strong, risk-based control framework
- Provide financial insight, advice, and decision support to leadership
- Lead change initiatives that improve quality, performance, and cost efficiency
Financial Control and Governance
- Ensure financial policies, standards, and control requirements are implemented consistently
- Monitor financial and ERP controls to confirm effective design and application
- Oversee controls across AP, AR, fixed assets, inventory, and general accounting
- Ensure assets under construction are monitored and capitalised on time
- Review bank and balance sheet reconciliations for timely completion
- Maintain the Manual of Authority and ensure approvals follow delegation rules
- Ensure business control incidents are investigated and closed
- Maintain segregation of duties or apply mitigating controls where not possible
- Ensure audit findings are addressed within agreed timelines
- Lead the interface with tax advisers and ensure compliance with fiscal requirements
Management and Oversight
- Lead Governance, Risk and Assurance with a risk-based approach
- Oversee SAP Financial Master Data governance (MRD function)
- Manage external audits, ensuring statutory accounts are delivered on time
Team Leadership and People Management
- Lead, develop, and motivate the Controller team
- Set clear objectives aligned to business priorities and control requirements
- Provide leadership, coaching, and constructive challenge
- Build capability through training and knowledge transfer, especially for Iraqi staff
- Define roles, responsibilities, and succession plans
- Lead performance management and development planning
- Assess resourcing needs and recommend improvements
Process Improvement and ERP Ownership
- Drive continuous improvement in finance processes
- Ensure ERP systems support strong controls and reporting
- Partner with Finance, IT, and stakeholders on enhancements and automation
- Maintain strong SAP master data governance
- Identify automation and efficiency opportunities
- Promote standardisation of processes and reporting
Reporting
- Ensure accurate and timely internal financial reporting
- Prepare statutory statements, tax returns, and filings in line with IFRS and local regulations
- Maintain strong reporting controls, reviews, and disclosures
- Provide annual assurance on compliance, controls, and financial integrity
Stakeholder Management
- Represent the company with Iraqi authorities, regulators, and government bodies in Arabic
- Coordinate with tax advisors, DIWAN, and external auditors
Continuous Improvement and Capability Building
- Evaluate and improve internal policies and procedures
- Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and control
- Strengthen capability, training, and succession planning
- Coach and develop Iraqi staff across Finance and IT
Skills and Experience
- Fluent Arabic (written and spoken) is mandatory, particularly for engagement with Iraqi authorities
- Professional finance qualification (ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
- 15 years’ relevant experience in an upstream environment, including controller roles
- Experience in emerging markets or non-OECD environments
- Regional experience in Iraq or the Middle East preferred
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, risk management, IFRS, and statutory reporting
- Experience in audits, tax compliance, and balance sheet control
- Strong ERP and systems capability
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and partners
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management
- Proven team leadership and development experience
- Results-oriented with strong commercial awareness
Core Competencies
- Governance and assurance
- Financial controls and risk management
- External stakeholder management
- IFRS and statutory reporting
- Leadership and business partnering
- Reporting and performance management
Additional Context
This role carries full controller accountability, including statutory and fiscal responsibilities where representation before Iraqi authorities must be conducted in Arabic. The successful candidate must be able to work across organisational and cultural boundaries and build trusted relationships with senior management, shareholders, and cross-functional teams.
Applications from candidates who cannot demonstrate the required Arabic proficiency for dealing with local authorities cannot be considered.
The Financial Controller is expected to act as a role model, demonstrating sound judgment, constructive challenge, and a strong commitment to team development, while balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
