Lubnan Trade Consortium Ltd – Manager, Accounts & Finance (Factory) – BBA/MBA Preferred Candidates 3
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2025 3:30 am
PREPARING FOR THE ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL CONTROLLER POSITION
(Company in the Plastic/Polymer and Real‑Estate sectors)
1. UNDERSTAND THE ROLE DEEPLY
• Study the full list of responsibilities and identify the core competencies: financial reporting, statutory compliance (VAT), internal controls, budgeting & forecasting, cash‑flow management, audit liaison, staff supervision, and project‑wise cost control for real‑estate developments.
• Map each duty to a skill or knowledge area (e.g., “prepare monthly financial statements” → mastery of IFRS/GAAP, consolidation techniques, Excel/ERP reporting).
• Create a personal competency matrix that shows your current level (Expert/Proficient/Developing) for each required skill; this will highlight gaps to close before applying.
2. ACADEMIC READINESS
• Ensure you hold at least one of the required qualifications (BBA, MBA, MCom, ICA) in Accounting.
• If you have a BBA only, consider short‑term courses or certifications that deepen accounting theory (IFRS, GST/VAT law, Cost Accounting).
• For MBA/MCom holders, refresh knowledge on strategic financial management, corporate finance, and real‑estate finance modules.
3. RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Minimum 10 years overall experience – verify that at least 6‑7 years are in senior financial roles (Finance Manager, Assistant Controller, etc.).
• Confirm you have managed full‑set accounting for a group of companies or a manufacturing business, preferably in the polymer/plastic industry.
• Document any experience within the real‑estate sector (project finance, revenue recognition for property sales, construction cost control). If missing, look for cross‑functional projects or consulting assignments that gave exposure.
• Highlight experience supervising junior staff, developing internal controls, and coordinating audits.
4. TECHNICAL SKILLS TO MASTER
a. ERP & Accounting Software – SAP, Oracle Financials, Tally, or industry‑specific solutions. Obtain at least an intermediate certification or complete a practical project.
b. Advanced Excel – pivot tables, Power Query, macro/VBA for automation of month‑end close and variance analysis.
c. Financial Modelling – build templates for cash‑flow forecasts, project ROI, and budget vs. actual reporting.
d. Statutory Compliance – deep dive into local VAT/GST legislation, tax filing deadlines, and corporate filing requirements.
e. IFRS/GAAP – be able to prepare consolidated statements, apply revenue‑recognition standards for construction contracts, and handle foreign currency translation if applicable.
5. INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE – PLASTIC/POLYMER & REAL ESTATE
• Read industry reports on polymer manufacturing cost structures, raw‑material price volatility, and supply‑chain risks.
• Study real‑estate development cycles, phases of construction, land acquisition accounting, and the treatment of pre‑sale revenue.
• Understand common KPIs for each sector: production yield, inventory turnover for plastics; unit‑sales profitability, development cost per sq‑ft for real‑estate.
6. SOFT SKILLS & LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
• Communication – ability to translate complex financial data into clear recommendations for senior management.
• Decision‑making – practice scenario analysis (e.g., impact of delayed client payments on cash flow).
• Team Management – develop a coaching plan for the two junior accountants; focus on delegation, performance tracking, and continuous feedback.
• Integrity & Confidentiality – familiarize yourself with data‑security best practices and internal audit standards.
7. CERTIFICATIONS THAT ADD VALUE
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) – if not already held.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – strengthens cost‑control and budgeting expertise.
• IFRS Certificate – demonstrates compliance capability for multinational reporting.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – useful for overseeing project‑wise expenses in real‑estate developments.
8. RESUME & COVER LETTER TAILORING
• Use a clean, ATS‑friendly format (no tables or special characters).
• In the professional summary, state: “Finance professional with 12 years of full‑set accounting leadership in the polymer manufacturing sector, proven expertise in real‑estate project finance, VAT compliance, and team development.”
• For each role, list achievements with quantifiable results: e.g., “Reduced month‑end closing time by 30 % through ERP automation; managed a portfolio of 25 construction projects totaling $150 M; achieved 98 % on‑time vendor payments while negotiating 5 % cost savings.”
• Highlight supervisory experience and any process‑improvement initiatives.
• In the cover letter, align your career objectives with the company’s growth plans, mention your age bracket (35‑45) only if the employer requests it, and express readiness to lead the finance function.
9. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
a. Technical Questions – be ready to walk through a complete month‑end close, explain VAT filing steps, discuss consolidation of subsidiaries, and illustrate revenue recognition for a property sale under IFRS 15.
b. Scenario‑Based Questions – e.g., “A major client delays payment for 60 days; how do you protect cash flow?” Prepare a structured answer covering cash‑flow forecasting, short‑term financing options, and proactive client communication.
c. Behavioral Questions – use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe leadership of junior staff, handling audit findings, or implementing internal controls.
d. Case Study – the employer may ask you to review a set of financial statements and identify errors or improvement opportunities; practice with sample statements from manufacturing and real‑estate companies.
e. Questions for the Employer – prepare thoughtful queries about the company’s current ERP landscape, upcoming real‑estate projects, and expectations for the finance team’s strategic role.
10. PERSONAL ORGANIZATION FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS
• Create a folder (digital) named “Finance_Controller_Application”. Inside keep: updated resume, cover letter, copies of certificates, reference letters, and a list of achievements.
• Track application deadlines, interview dates, and follow‑up actions in a simple spreadsheet.
• Set reminders to send thank‑you emails within 24 hours after each interview.
11. CONTINUOUS LEARNING AFTER HIRING
• Enroll in quarterly webinars on polymer industry cost management and real‑estate finance trends.
• Subscribe to professional journals (Journal of Accountancy, Real Estate Finance Journal).
• Schedule monthly “process‑review” meetings with the junior staff to identify automation opportunities and reinforce internal controls.
• Keep the certifications current and pursue advanced courses in data analytics for finance (Power BI, Tableau) to add strategic insight to reporting.
By systematically closing the identified skill gaps, showcasing relevant experience, and presenting a compelling, data‑driven application, you will position yourself as the ideal candidate for the senior finance role in a polymer‑focused, real‑estate‑driven organization. Good luck!
(Company in the Plastic/Polymer and Real‑Estate sectors)
1. UNDERSTAND THE ROLE DEEPLY
• Study the full list of responsibilities and identify the core competencies: financial reporting, statutory compliance (VAT), internal controls, budgeting & forecasting, cash‑flow management, audit liaison, staff supervision, and project‑wise cost control for real‑estate developments.
• Map each duty to a skill or knowledge area (e.g., “prepare monthly financial statements” → mastery of IFRS/GAAP, consolidation techniques, Excel/ERP reporting).
• Create a personal competency matrix that shows your current level (Expert/Proficient/Developing) for each required skill; this will highlight gaps to close before applying.
2. ACADEMIC READINESS
• Ensure you hold at least one of the required qualifications (BBA, MBA, MCom, ICA) in Accounting.
• If you have a BBA only, consider short‑term courses or certifications that deepen accounting theory (IFRS, GST/VAT law, Cost Accounting).
• For MBA/MCom holders, refresh knowledge on strategic financial management, corporate finance, and real‑estate finance modules.
3. RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Minimum 10 years overall experience – verify that at least 6‑7 years are in senior financial roles (Finance Manager, Assistant Controller, etc.).
• Confirm you have managed full‑set accounting for a group of companies or a manufacturing business, preferably in the polymer/plastic industry.
• Document any experience within the real‑estate sector (project finance, revenue recognition for property sales, construction cost control). If missing, look for cross‑functional projects or consulting assignments that gave exposure.
• Highlight experience supervising junior staff, developing internal controls, and coordinating audits.
4. TECHNICAL SKILLS TO MASTER
a. ERP & Accounting Software – SAP, Oracle Financials, Tally, or industry‑specific solutions. Obtain at least an intermediate certification or complete a practical project.
b. Advanced Excel – pivot tables, Power Query, macro/VBA for automation of month‑end close and variance analysis.
c. Financial Modelling – build templates for cash‑flow forecasts, project ROI, and budget vs. actual reporting.
d. Statutory Compliance – deep dive into local VAT/GST legislation, tax filing deadlines, and corporate filing requirements.
e. IFRS/GAAP – be able to prepare consolidated statements, apply revenue‑recognition standards for construction contracts, and handle foreign currency translation if applicable.
5. INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE – PLASTIC/POLYMER & REAL ESTATE
• Read industry reports on polymer manufacturing cost structures, raw‑material price volatility, and supply‑chain risks.
• Study real‑estate development cycles, phases of construction, land acquisition accounting, and the treatment of pre‑sale revenue.
• Understand common KPIs for each sector: production yield, inventory turnover for plastics; unit‑sales profitability, development cost per sq‑ft for real‑estate.
6. SOFT SKILLS & LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
• Communication – ability to translate complex financial data into clear recommendations for senior management.
• Decision‑making – practice scenario analysis (e.g., impact of delayed client payments on cash flow).
• Team Management – develop a coaching plan for the two junior accountants; focus on delegation, performance tracking, and continuous feedback.
• Integrity & Confidentiality – familiarize yourself with data‑security best practices and internal audit standards.
7. CERTIFICATIONS THAT ADD VALUE
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) – if not already held.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – strengthens cost‑control and budgeting expertise.
• IFRS Certificate – demonstrates compliance capability for multinational reporting.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – useful for overseeing project‑wise expenses in real‑estate developments.
8. RESUME & COVER LETTER TAILORING
• Use a clean, ATS‑friendly format (no tables or special characters).
• In the professional summary, state: “Finance professional with 12 years of full‑set accounting leadership in the polymer manufacturing sector, proven expertise in real‑estate project finance, VAT compliance, and team development.”
• For each role, list achievements with quantifiable results: e.g., “Reduced month‑end closing time by 30 % through ERP automation; managed a portfolio of 25 construction projects totaling $150 M; achieved 98 % on‑time vendor payments while negotiating 5 % cost savings.”
• Highlight supervisory experience and any process‑improvement initiatives.
• In the cover letter, align your career objectives with the company’s growth plans, mention your age bracket (35‑45) only if the employer requests it, and express readiness to lead the finance function.
9. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
a. Technical Questions – be ready to walk through a complete month‑end close, explain VAT filing steps, discuss consolidation of subsidiaries, and illustrate revenue recognition for a property sale under IFRS 15.
b. Scenario‑Based Questions – e.g., “A major client delays payment for 60 days; how do you protect cash flow?” Prepare a structured answer covering cash‑flow forecasting, short‑term financing options, and proactive client communication.
c. Behavioral Questions – use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe leadership of junior staff, handling audit findings, or implementing internal controls.
d. Case Study – the employer may ask you to review a set of financial statements and identify errors or improvement opportunities; practice with sample statements from manufacturing and real‑estate companies.
e. Questions for the Employer – prepare thoughtful queries about the company’s current ERP landscape, upcoming real‑estate projects, and expectations for the finance team’s strategic role.
10. PERSONAL ORGANIZATION FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS
• Create a folder (digital) named “Finance_Controller_Application”. Inside keep: updated resume, cover letter, copies of certificates, reference letters, and a list of achievements.
• Track application deadlines, interview dates, and follow‑up actions in a simple spreadsheet.
• Set reminders to send thank‑you emails within 24 hours after each interview.
11. CONTINUOUS LEARNING AFTER HIRING
• Enroll in quarterly webinars on polymer industry cost management and real‑estate finance trends.
• Subscribe to professional journals (Journal of Accountancy, Real Estate Finance Journal).
• Schedule monthly “process‑review” meetings with the junior staff to identify automation opportunities and reinforce internal controls.
• Keep the certifications current and pursue advanced courses in data analytics for finance (Power BI, Tableau) to add strategic insight to reporting.
By systematically closing the identified skill gaps, showcasing relevant experience, and presenting a compelling, data‑driven application, you will position yourself as the ideal candidate for the senior finance role in a polymer‑focused, real‑estate‑driven organization. Good luck!