IXM is one of the leading global commodity trading companies specializing in non-ferrous metals and plays a key commercial role at each stage of the metals supply chain. With a strong presence in key markets and a commitment to operational excellence, we connect producers and consumers worldwide with efficient, reliable and tailored supply chain solutions.
During the preparation phase, the work location for this role will be Shanghai/Middle Eastern Country; after the plant is established, the role will be based in the Middle Eastern Country on a long-term basis.
Position Summary
The company is preparing to establish a metal smelting plant in a Middle Eastern Country and is therefore recruiting a Finance Manager. As a key member of the project leadership team, this role will be fully responsible for building and operating the plant’s financial management system during the 0-to-1 construction phase and after commissioning, including but not limited to financial strategy, funding planning, budgeting and forecasting, cost control, project finance management, tax compliance, internal control system setup, and business analysis. The ideal candidate should have a very solid and comprehensive finance background with financial management experience in plant-based industries. Experience in metal smelting, metal processing, mining, or other asset-heavy manufacturing sectors, as well as participation in greenfield plant setup or large capital projects, will be a strong plus.
Main responsibilities
The Financial Controller is responsible for managing the overall accounting operations and ensuring that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards.
- Managing accounting records, ensuring they are complete, accurate, and comply with legal, regulatory, and company policies.
- Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and analysis, including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements.
- Overseeing budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash management strategies to maximize efficiencies and growth.
- Leading the development and implementation of internal audit programs to ensure internal control compliance.
- Coordinating and directing the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts, instituting and maintaining other planning and control procedures, and analyzing and reporting variances.
- Serving as a principal point of contact for external auditors; managing preparations and support during all financial audits.
- Implement and monitor the implementation of tax strategies to optimize tax obligations.
- As a core member of the project management team, deeply participate in the establishment of the Middle Eastern Country smelting plant, investment evaluation, and business planning, providing decision-making support from a financial perspective.
- Lead the establishment of a financial management system tailored to the plant project, including accounting, budget management, treasury management, tax management, internal control processes, delegation of authority, and financial policies.
- Oversee financial management during the project construction phase, covering budget preparation, monitoring of fund utilization, payment schedule management, variance analysis, cost alerts, and return-on-investment tracking.
- Establish plant-side financial models and rolling forecast mechanisms to support feasibility studies, scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, and investment/financing decisions.
- Work closely with engineering, procurement, supply chain, production, legal, tax, and external advisors to ensure financial arrangements align with construction progress, contract terms, and commissioning plans.
- Establish and continuously optimize a manufacturing finance analysis framework, focusing on cost accounting, inventory management, standard cost/actual cost analysis, production loss, production line efficiency, and profitability analysis.
- Lead cash flow management, financing arrangements, banking relationship management, and treasury risk control to ensure safe, sufficient, and efficient use of funds for project construction and subsequent operations.
- Be responsible for local and group-level financial statements, management reports, and business analysis reports, ensuring data is accurate, timely, and transparent to support management and shareholder decision-making.
- Coordinate tax planning, statutory filings, audit liaison, and compliance management to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, accounting standards, and group governance requirements.统
- Design and implement an internal control system and risk management mechanisms suitable for an overseas plant, focusing on project funds, procurement payments, contract execution, inventory assets, and compliance risks.
- Support the launch of financial systems before and after plant commissioning, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration mechanisms, promoting finance digitalization and management standardization.
- Build and lead the local finance team, establishing a high-performing and professional finance organization to provide stable support for the plant’s long-term operations.
Education, skills and experience
- Bachelor’s degree or above in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management, Audit, or a related field; CPA, ACCA, CMA, or equivalent professional qualifications are preferred.
- More than 10 years of finance-related experience, including at least 5 years in a finance leadership or core management role within manufacturing or plant-based companies.
- Solid, comprehensive, and mature finance expertise, with the ability to independently cover core areas such as accounting, management accounting, treasury, tax, audit, internal controls, and business analysis.
- Experience in plant-based industries is required; candidates with backgrounds in metal smelting, metal processing, mining, chemicals, heavy industry, or other process manufacturing sectors are preferred.
- Familiar with manufacturing cost accounting logic and experienced in managing inventory, raw materials, work-in-progress, fixed assets, equipment investment, and capital expenditure.
- Experience in overseas projects, cross-border finance management, or expatriate assignments, with the ability to adapt to a long-term assignment in Middle Eastern Country.
- Strong project finance management capabilities, able to support full-cycle financial control from preparation and construction to trial production and full operations.
- Experience in 0-to-1 plant setup, capacity expansion, large projects, or asset-heavy investment projects is preferred.
- Strong business acumen and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineering, production, procurement, supply chain, and management teams.
- Strong risk awareness, result orientation, and resilience under pressure, with the ability to drive project execution in complex, dynamic, and uncertain environments.
- Experience in communicating and collaborating with shareholders, boards of directors, banks, auditors, tax advisors, and government authorities.
- Mandarin language is a must.
- English can be used as a working language; Arabic capability is a plus but not required.