Finance Associate; Bede

Zain is the pioneer of mobile telecommunications in the Middle East. We began life in 1983 in Kuwait as the region’s first mobile operator, and since the initiation of our expansion strategy in 2003, we have expanded rapidly. Read more here:

This role will be part of Zain Bahrain's Subsidiary Fintech Company - "Bede"

Bede, the fintech arm of Zain Bahrain, is a dynamic startup revolutionizing personal finance through Bahrain’s first Shariah-compliant Islamic financing app. Licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, Bede is committed to creating an inclusive platform that offers practical solutions tailored to real customer needs.

With a focus on customer centricity, strategic partnerships, and digital innovation, Bede aims to guide individuals toward growth and success by leveling the playing field for all.

Bede

The Finance Associate will support the day-to-day financial operations of the company, contributing to the overall finance function across reporting, compliance, budgeting, and process improvement initiatives.

Working closely with internal departments, external vendors, regulators, auditors, and banking partners, the role will help ensure accurate financial management and compliance with applicable financial regulations and internal policies.

The role supports sound financial processes and efficient operations within a fast-paced and evolving fintech environment, ensuring compliance with IFRS, Shariah standards, and applicable CBB regulatory requirements.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records within the ERP system.
• Support daily finance operations including accounts payable, receivable, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger activities.
• Verify supplier invoices for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Track and follow up on supplier payments to ensure timely settlement and resolution of discrepancies.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure proper documentation and approval of transactions.
• Finalise month-end and quarter/year-end closing activities to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare monthly schedules for prepayments, advances, payables to suppliers, and accruals.
• Contribute to the improvement and documentation of finance processes and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, Shariah standards, and applicable CBB regulatory requirements.
• Provide support to internal and external auditors by preparing required documentation, schedules, and explanations.

• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets and forecasts in coordination with relevant departments.
• Support the development and updating of financial forecasts based on actual performance and business assumptions.
• Assist with budget vs. actual variance analysis and support the preparation of explanations for significant deviations.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to collect inputs and validate assumptions for budgeting and forecasting.
• Prepare periodic financial presentations for management and board meetings.
• Assist with management reporting and ad-hoc financial analysis as required.

• Support cross-functional initiatives by providing timely financial information and operational assistance when required.
• Assist with ad-hoc finance tasks and special projects as assigned.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control within the finance function.
• Perform any other tasks as requested.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a relevant field.
• Professional qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CFA are preferred.
• 0-2 years of experience in finance operations, with good knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Understanding of financial reporting frameworks including IFRS and CBB regulations.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements including Shariah principles within a regulated financial environment is an advantage.
• Prior exposure in a Big 4 audit firm or a multinational financial…