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.