Sr Specialist Budgeting

Job purpose

Drive financial planning activities across the organization, with a strong focus on budgeting, rolling forecasts, and financial consolidation for planning purposes. The role ensures effective budget control, strategic alignment, and financial insight through advanced forecasting tools and stakeholder collaboration. It also supports automation initiatives and system enhancements to improve planning efficiency and accuracy.

The position will act in accordance with the Group's Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines, and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Omani's government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the execution of the annual budgeting cycle, rolling forecasts/ latest estimates, ensuring alignment with business strategy and operational targets.
• Monitor and control OPEX and CAPEX budgets, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks and identifying cost optimization opportunities.
• Manage budget transfers, additional funding requests, and variance analysis, ensuring financial discipline and transparency.

Financial Consolidation for Forecasting

• Perform financial consolidation for planning and forecasting cycles, including budget and reforecast processes across business units and subsidiaries, as well as at consolidated group level
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and integrity of forecast data, aligned with internal reporting standards and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with finance and planning teams to ensure consolidated forecasts reflect business realities and strategic direction.

Cash Flow & Capex Management

• Support the preparation and monitoring of CAPEX budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with approved plans and strategic priorities.
• Track and report on CAPEX performance across business units, identifying deviations and providing actionable insights for corrective measures.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts related to operational and capital expenditures, ensuring accuracy and consistency across planning cycles.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to ensure timely updates to forecasts and integration into the broader financial planning framework.

Stakeholder & Shareholder Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison with internal business units and external shareholders, ensuring alignment on financial plans, forecasts, and performance expectations.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to gather inputs, align objectives, and drive consensus on financial strategies.
• Present financial analysis and recommendations to senior leaders, shareholders, and governance bodies.

Systems, Automation & Process Improvement

• Utilize ERP and other financial systems to streamline budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes.
• Drive automation initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of financial planning activities.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of financial tools, templates, and dashboards.

Development & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across the finance function.

Key interactions

Internal: OQ SAOC & OQ Group Assets/Subsidiaries

External: Shareholders, Auditors, and Financial Consultants

Notable Working Conditions.
Office environment, intensive computer screen use, sporadic visits to operation site.

Education requirements

• A Minimum qualification of a bachelor's degree in finance.
• ACCA or MBA (preferred)

Language

Exceptional knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required)

Background and experience

• 6–8 years of relevant experience in budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, preferably in the Oil & Gas or Energy sector.
• Strong understanding of forecast-based financial consolidation, performance management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven experience in shareholder collaboration and cross-functional financial planning.
• Proven history of continuous improvement

Competencies and skills:

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in
  Microsoft Excel
  ,
  PowerPoint
  , and
  ERP (SAP)
  .
• Expertise in
  financial modeling
  ,
  budgeting
  ,
  forecasting
  , and
  cash flow analysis
  .
• Experience with
  automation tools
  and financial planning systems.
• Knowledge of
  IFRS
  and internal financial governance frameworks.
• Business planning, reporting, and presentation skills

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.