Regional Controller - MEAP

Role Overview

Regional Controller – MEAP for Abbott, responsible for controlling and business support across the Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan region, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Company Overview

Abbott's ANI (International Nutrition) Division, operating across the MEAP region under EMEA Area leadership.

Role Purpose

Lead financial management, planning, analysis, and reporting for the MEAP region to support Division and Area business goals. Provide strategic financial counsel, ensure robust internal controls and regulatory compliance, and develop the finance function across all MEAP affiliates.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Planning

• Lead development of MEAP Financial Planning and Analysis strategy, policy, and procedures.
• Implement programs and initiatives with administrative excellence aligned to company strategic objectives.
• Monitor performance against Financial Plans and LBEs (Lower Binding Estimates).
• Lead budgeting, planning, analysis, and reporting activities for MEAP.
• Manage monthly and quarterly financial close accurately and timely.
• Provide timely, accurate, and insightful analysis to enable senior management to address variances and develop corrective actions.

Business Goals & Strategic Support

• Partner with Area Leadership, EMEA Finance Director, and Country General Managers to deliver Division, Area, and Region business goals.
• Identify opportunities and risks; develop risk mitigations.
• Provide financial direction and guidance for MEAP affiliates to create and sustain healthy business growth.
• Provide financial counsel and analysis for proposed strategic initiatives.
• Actively participate in all acceleration plans, in-licensing, divestiture, and strategic alliance opportunities within MEAP.

Decision Support & Leadership Communication

• Partner with Area Leadership to support key business decisions and ensure responsible investment decisions.
• Work closely with ANI Division and Area Leadership to ensure proper financial guidance, processes, communication, and leadership across MEAP.
• Develop and foster relationships with key internal and external business stakeholders to promote Abbott interests.
• Ensure timely communication of risks and opportunities to Area.

Internal Control & Compliance

• Establish and maintain a robust and compliant internal control environment across the Region.
• Ensure integrity of financial books and records.
• Own and foster financial disciplines in alignment with Abbott policies and procedures across MEAP.
• Ensure all ANI practices follow local legal laws and regulations in each country, as well as all Abbott audit requirements and applicable U.S. regulations, including OFAC.
• Conduct regular Balance Sheet reviews and ensure proper documentation of all account reconciliations.

Operations & Market Assessment

• Conduct regular visits to key markets for assessment and trade visits.
• Monitor stocks at wholesaler and distributor level across all Tiers closely and regularly.
• Monitor DSO/Payments and credit risk closely and regularly in partnership with ALOG.
• Conduct regular assessment of business model and implement aligned changes.

Process Improvement

• Partner closely with EMEA Area leadership to improve processes and internal controls.
• Ensure financial metrics, KPIs, and discipline are in place to deliver Area goals and enhance current processes.
• Develop and implement automation-driven productivity initiatives.

Talent Development

• Ensure proper staffing and development for the Finance function in MEAP.
• Lead with strong people management, coaching, and development skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10 or more years of leadership experience in healthcare or retail.
• Proven success managing multi-country operations and diverse business models.
• Strong understanding of MEAP healthcare markets and business environments.
• Experience driving business transformation and change in complex markets.
• Strong compliance, governance, and regulatory awareness.
• Commercial and financial acumen, including ERP and finance operations oversight.
• Experience managing distributor networks and sourcing models.
• OFAC knowledge is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective leadership with strong people management, coaching, and development skills.
• Entrepreneurial and cost-conscious mindset.
• Skilled at leading cross-cultural teams.
• Arabic language is a plus but not required.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
• MBA, CMA, CFA, CPA, or similar post-graduate education.

Additional Information

• Job Family: General / Shared Services.
• Division: ANI International Nutrition.
• Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Ubora Tower 2).
• Work Shift: Standard.
• Travel: No.
• Medical Surveillance: No.