Global Controller
Primary: Manama, Bahrain (preferred) · Philippines considered for exceptional candidates
Reports to CEO
About AVANA Companies
AVANA Companies is a US-based private real estate credit platform and non-bank commercial lender with $1B+ in assets under management, with operating entities in the USA, Bahrain, Canada, the Philippines, and India. We partner with institutional capital providers, including Oaktree Capital Management, to deliver private credit solutions. Our mission: Capital for a Better Tomorrow™.
The Role
We are looking for a world-class financial leader to step into the role of Global Controller. As a top-tier financial strategist, you will oversee and own financial reporting integrity across our multi-entity, multi-jurisdiction platform. You will work directly with the CEO on capital markets and acquisition work. This is high impact financial ownership: accuracy, controls, and judgment under pressure — not a review-only seat.
What You'll Own
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual close and consolidations across entities and jurisdictions (US GAAP and IFRS as applicable)
- Quality control of accounting-team output before it reaches leadership.
- CEO special projects: projections, scenarios, capital markets and transaction support
- M&A / JV support: financial due diligence, valuation support, and integration analysis
- Audit and tax coordination with external advisors across jurisdictions
- Internal controls, treasury discipline, and ERP-based reporting (Acumatica or equivalent)
Must-Haves:
- Big 4 audit or advisory experience (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, or PwC), with progression to senior/manager-level engagements
- Top-tier university degree in accountancy or finance with strong academic standing.
- CPA required; CMA, ACCA, or equivalent professional designation strongly preferred
- 12+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience, including multi-entity consolidations and multi-jurisdiction reporting (US GAAP and IFRS as applicable)
- Proven experience beyond day-to-day operational accounting: capital markets, M&A, or acquisition modeling.
- Comfort operating independently and reporting directly to a CEO
- Willingness to complete a cognitive assessment (PLI) as part of screening.
Nice to Have
- Experience in alternative asset management, private credit, or non-bank lending
- Experience with Acumatica or a comparable cloud ERP
- Familiarity with US and Gulf/MENA regulatory environments (e.g., CBB, SAMA)
Compensation & Location
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, benchmarked to senior/VP-level Controller roles in Bahrain's financial services market. Based in Manama, Bahrain preferred; strong Philippines-based candidates will also be considered. Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent professional certification is strongly preferred.
- Prior experience in a global or multi-entity organization, ideally within financial services or impact-focused investments.
- Ability to work independently, collaborate across time zones, and adapt in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Skills Required
- Big Four audit or advisory experience with progression to senior or manager-level engagements
- Top-tier university degree in accountancy or finance with strong academic standing
- CPA certification
- CMA, ACCA, or equivalent professional designation
- At least 12 years of progressive finance or accounting experience
- Experience with multi-entity consolidations and multi-jurisdiction reporting under US GAAP and IFRS
- Experience with capital markets, M&A, or acquisition modeling beyond operational accounting
- Ability to operate independently and report directly to a CEO
- Willingness to complete a PLI cognitive assessment
- Experience in alternative asset management, private credit, or non-bank lending
- Experience with Acumatica or comparable cloud ERP
- Familiarity with US and Gulf/MENA regulatory environments, including CBB or SAMA
- Ability to collaborate across time zones and adapt in a fast-paced environment
What We Do
AVANA Companies is a commercial real estate lender and investment manager focused on aligning capital with impact. Founded in 2002, the company operates as an asset management platform dedicated to stimulating economic growth and building capital for a better tomorrow. It focuses on preserving the wealth of its investors and creating growth opportunities for its borrowers through private credit and lending services.
