Head of Finance

Job Description

• 30-year-old UAE group
• 5 entities
• Direct CEO/MD partnership

The Role

We are a 30-year-old Dubai-based trading group looking for an experienced finance leader to take ownership of our finance function. This role will suit a seasoned finance professional — someone with 15+ years experience who values scope, autonomy, and a stable, well-run business over rapid career escalation.

• Prepare consolidated P&L, balance sheet and cashflow across multiple legal entities and deliver to CEO/MD by working day 10
• Complete month-end book closure within 7 working days (inventory recon, accruals, depreciation, intercompany recon, trial balance, FS preparation)
• Maintain weekly GP margin tracking and deliver monthly margin reports by brand/channel/segment
• Maintain rolling 6-week cashflow forecast (≤5% variance) and approve daily payments matched to PO and budget
• Lead annual statutory audits across all entities and coordinate with external auditors
• Ensure 100% on-time VAT filings and timely corporate tax returns; manage FTA penalty reconsiderations
• Oversee AR (debtor ageing), AP, stock valuation vs ledger, and weekly stock aging/cost saving trackers
• Maintain finance SOP register, banking authority matrices, KYC and signatory updates; run quarterly controls reviews
• Manage and coach direct reports; run quarterly 1:1s and performance management
• Support ERP enhancement, MIS automation, and implementation of fixed processing-fee revenue

What we're looking for

Mandatory Skills

Financial Reporting

UAE VAT

Statutory Audit

Multi-Entity Consolidation

Inventory Accounting

Good-to-have Skills

Process Documentation

Process Automation (No-Code)

Automation

Cash Flow Management

Treasury Management

Forecasting

UAE Corporate Tax

Internal Controls

Internal Controls / SOPs

Trade Finance / Banking Operations

• Fully qualified accountant: ACCA, ACA, ICAEW, CA, CMA, or CPA (no part-qualified)
• Minimum 15 years total post-qualification finance experience
• Minimum 5 years UAE finance experience
• Hands-on experience preparing consolidated financial statements across multiple legal entities
• Resident in UAE or able to relocate within 30 days

• 30-year-established business with stable ownership and clear succession framework
• Direct partnership with CEO and MD; quarterly strategic involvement (OPSP)
• Performance reviewed annually with potential compensation adjustment
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Statutory benefits as per UAE Labour Law (visa, medical, annual ticket, 30 days annual leave, gratuity)