Commercial Finance Manager

Job Description

The commercial finance function is fundamental in leading the transactional risk management and driving commercial process compliance. Our high level of commercial leadership will protect and enhance the Fluence brand in the markets and industries in which we operate such that our customers will have a positive view of the Fluence experience. The commercial finance function is part of the broader Rest of World ("RoW) finance team.

The Lead Commercial Finance Manager - Asia Pacific is externally and internally focused, engaging with external clients and agencies as well as various internal departments, including an active interface with our sales and engineering teams during negotiations on terms and conditions and then managing and improving our execution of contracts in line with the agreed terms. The individual should be commercially and contractually aware with an ability to work under pressure across multiple projects and manage time effectively.

This role is based in Manila, Philippines and reports into the Senior Director, Treasury & Commercial Finance - Asia Pacific.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Asia Pacific Commercial Finance Team at project and operational level to quantify and reduce risks, identify and secure opportunities in adherence with transactional risk management and ensure commercial process compliance
• Drive achievement and accuracy of financial impact of transactions in close collaboration with the Senior Director, Treasury & Commercial Finance - Asia Pacific
• Support the sales and engineering teams during tender negotiations to ensure terms agreed are mutually beneficial and clear for Fluence to execute. Active participation in project risk reviews, T&C reviews and negotiations.
• Implement changes and set standards for our processes across the Deal Teams and Services teams. Continuous review and improvement of existing processes and tools is essential to ensure high quality standard of transactional risk management and compliance.
• Strong focus on commercial rigor. Key to this is a thorough assessment of risk (to project and to the Fluence financial performance). Strong understanding of project cashflows, milestone management, the application of T&C's and mitigating actions when required.
• Proactively support shaping risks and opportunities in contractual negotiations in order to package acceptable financially sound deal outcomes
• Analysis, screening, and commentary of commercial tender documents and support for completion of offer documents prior to submittal in close cooperation with legal
• Coordination on commercial and financial risks with legal and sales engineering interfaces for all contractual and legal activities with 3rd parties.
• Evaluating projects in terms of commercial and administrative conditions during offer stage and giving inputs to Capex and Opex preparation
• Manage securities and guarantees from parent companies and external securities provider in alignment with Treasury
• Support financing solutions in close cooperation with banks and financial institutions in alignment with Treasury
• Coordination of tax and tax concepts, customs, logistics, and insurance topics in alignment with Tax Director in Asia Pacific
• Managing forex currency risks during tender and offer stage in alignment with Treasury
• Forecasting and planning order entries, margin, project cash flow management and revenue recognition
• Facilitate lessons learnt from prior bids and tenders to ensure encourage a lessons learned culture to drive improvement.
• Ensure an accurate management approval process for opportunities and support a seamless handover to the project execution team

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field; CPA, ACCA, or CMA or comparable local standards.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in commercial contract management, preferable in the energy sector including engineering, procurement, construction and long-term services.
• Prefer candidates from Construction, Energy industries.
• Have direct customer facing experience
• Have proven experience in contracting processes / can read and understand complex contracts
• Are comfortable negotiating commercial finance topics including payment milestones, project cashflows, liquidated damages, insurance and project securities
• Strong understanding of project cashflows, milestone management, the application of T&C's and mitigating actions when required.
• Strong attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills & solution provider with the ability to influence and drive change in way of working and processes
• Commercially experienced in contract negotiation and ability to work across an organization aligning with key stakeholders both internally and externally.

Our Culture

At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.

Unleash Voices

We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.

Customer Fluent

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.

Infinite Impact

We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.

All In

We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.