Financial Governance Manager

Role Main Purpose:

To lead and oversee the financial governance function within the club licensing system, ensuring clubs' financial compliance with national and international regulations. This role focuses on monitoring financial performance, assessing financial risks, evaluating financial statements, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability of clubs through systematic audits and reporting.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Monitor, audit, and assess club financial obligations including overdue payables to employees, players, other clubs, and tax/social authorities.
•  Conduct detailed reviews of club budgets to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with long-term financial strategies.
•   Review Audited Annual and Interim Financial Statements in accordance with the AFC Club Licensing Financial Handbook and IFRS standards.
•  Follow up on clubs’ legal disputes with creditors, ensuring proper documentation and resolution tracking.
• Monitor clubs’ going concern status, identifying potential financial risks and ensuring corrective actions are in place.
• Analyze and interpret financial data using dashboards to support timely reporting and decision-making.
• Conduct evaluations of clubs in the context of any Events or Conditions of Major Economic Importance using both historical and forecasted financial data.
• Develop and update forms, templates, and systems to improve the efficiency of the financial review and licensing process.
• Generate comprehensive compliance reports on clubs’ financial status, highlighting key risks and recommendations.
• Ensure all financial documentation is reviewed and finalized within the designated timelines of the licensing cycle.

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and enhancement of financial governance frameworks in line with AFC, FIFA, and local licensing standards.
• Define financial compliance strategies that support the long-term financial sustainability of clubs.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on financial regulations, guiding clubs through changes in standards or requirements.
•  Drive the implementation of data-driven decision-making by promoting the use of dashboards and financial analytics across the department.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align financial governance activities with the strategic goals of the organization.
• Represent the club licensing department in strategic discussions with governing bodies (e.g., SAFF, AFC) on financial matters.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior financial governance team members, fostering a high-performance and compliance-focused culture.
• Propose and lead initiatives to improve financial transparency, reporting accuracy, and stakeholder trust.
• Anticipate and manage emerging financial risks within clubs, escalating critical issues to executive leadership with proposed mitigation plans.

Performance Indicators:

• 100% of audits completed by licensing deadlines
• > 95% clubs compliant per cycle
• < 2% discrepancy in club-submitted data
• > 90% satisfaction from clubs on support & reporting clarity
• 100% follow-up and closure on identified issues

Education & Experiences:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics (Master’s preferred).
• CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification is a strong advantage.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in financial governance, auditing, or compliance—preferably in a regulatory or sports-related environment.
• Experience with financial statement analysis and international accounting standards (IFRS).

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong analytical and financial auditing skills.
• Deep understanding of financial risk, governance, and licensing frameworks.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex financial regulations.
• Proficiency in using financial dashboards, audit tools, and Excel.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
•  Ability to manage cross-functional teams and engage with stakeholders at all levels.