Finance Data Analytics & Automation Consultant

Role Summary

Our client is searching for a Finance Data Analytics & Automation Consultant for a six-month, full-time engagement. This role focuses on partnering directly with the Group Finance Director and Finance team to develop an enhanced, automated, and AI-enabled reporting framework that supports the Finance transformation agenda.

Assignment Details

• Engagement duration is initially six months full-time.
• Work schedule comprises five days per week at the onsite location in Dubai, UAE.
• Reporting line to the Group Finance Director.
• Potential for extension depending on project progress and performance.

Project Context and Objectives

The Finance department is advancing towards automated, AI-driven reporting and analytics to minimize manual input and generate structured, actionable financial outputs. This includes post-closing reports, management information systems (MIS), structured financial data, Power BI dashboards with interactive drill-down capabilities, automated variance and trend analyses, and AI-generated summaries for more consistent and accelerated Finance deliverables.

Major Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing Finance reporting procedures, management packs, and financial models including trial balance, general ledger, cost centres, budgeting, and reporting outputs to identify simplification and automation opportunities.
• Enhance Excel-based financial models by optimizing formulas, structures, and efficiency while preparing clean, automated datasets for reporting and analysis.
• Create structured datasets utilizing Power Query for data cleansing, transformation, refresh, and validation, replacing manual reporting processes with automated workflows.
• Design and develop Power BI data models and dashboards featuring MIS, P&L, balance sheet, entity, and consolidated views with drill-down and KPI analysis.
• Implement workflow automation using tools like Power Automate to manage reporting refresh cycles, review processes, and distribution, while incorporating AI techniques for reporting commentary, summaries, and exception analysis, ensuring finance-approved AI tools and outputs.
• Document data flows, model assumptions, and refresh procedures thoroughly; prepare comprehensive handover materials, user guides, training content, and knowledge transfer protocols ensuring long-term maintainability.

Required Expertise

• Proven experience in Finance modeling, including advanced Excel skills, with deep understanding of P&L, balance sheet, budget versus actuals, variance and trend analysis, trial balance, and GL mapping.
• Strong skills in analytics and automation: proficiency in Power Query, Power BI, DAX, Power Automate alongside dashboard creation, reporting automation, reconciliation, and validation capabilities.
• Practical experience using AI-assisted reporting or business analysis tools such as Claude, Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar AI platforms.
• Preferred 6 to 10 years background in finance analytics, FP&A automation, business modeling, finance transformation, or reporting automation commonly gained through Big 4, consulting, or corporate FP&A roles.
• Robust understanding of Finance concepts including trial balance, chart of accounts, GL mapping, cost centre reporting, entity and facility management, budgeting, forecasting, financial consolidation, and reporting structures.

Additional Desirable Skills

• Experience with Oracle/ERP reporting, SQL, database principles, or Python automation.
• Exposure to multi-entity financial reporting, audit support processes, healthcare or services sector reporting, and senior Finance/CFO level reporting needs.

Candidate Profile

• Practical, diligent, and structured approach focused on solutions and hands-on delivery.
• Strong aptitude for Finance logic, automation, advanced Excel modeling, and comprehensive reporting pack development.
• Ability to collaborate with senior Finance leadership under tight deadlines.
• Skilled at translating complex business requirements into automated and practical finance outputs.
• Committed to confidentiality, thorough documentation, and effective knowledge transfer.