Head of IPO Readiness & Financial Reporting

Job Description

We are seeking a highly accomplished finance professional with proven IPO readiness and capital markets experience to lead the finance function through the transition from a privately held real estate developer to a publicly listed company on a UAE stock exchange (ADX/DFM).

The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in IFRS, UAE regulatory compliance, corporate governance, capital structuring, and institutional-grade financial reporting. The role requires a hands-on finance leader capable of operating in a high-growth, fast-paced environment while managing complex stakeholder relationships across regulators, auditors, investment banks, legal advisors, and shareholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. IPO Readiness & Execution

• Gap Analysis & Remediation: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current financial operations againstSCA ADX, or DFM listing requirements; identify and execute action plans to close gaps in reporting, controls, and governance.
• Prospectus & Documentation: Lead the preparation of financial sections of the IPO prospectus, ensuring compliance with disclosure regulations and securities laws. Manage the preparation of historical financial statements and comfort letters with auditors.
• Regulatory Liaison: Serve as the primary finance point of contact for external stakeholders, including the Capital Market Authority (CMA), legal advisors, underwriters, and reporting accountants.

1. Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Standards & Framework: Ensure all financial reporting adheres strictly to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as mandated by UAE regulators.
• Statutory Audit: Oversee the year-end statutory audit process, ensuring it meets the rigorous standards required for public filing.
• Tax Compliance: Manage Corporate Tax and VAT compliance in line with FTA regulations, ensuring all filings are audit-ready and transparent for investor scrutiny.

1. Internal Controls & Corporate Governance

• SOX-style Controls: Design, implement, and monitor robust internal control frameworks suitable for a public company (risk management, segregation of duties, authorization matrices).
• Policy Creation: Draft and enforce finance policies (revenue recognition, procurement, CapEx) to meet the governance standards required by the Securities and Commodities Authority (now under the CMA umbrella).

1. Strategic & Post-IPO Support

• Systems (ERP): Lead the implementation or optimization of ERP systems to ensure scalable, real-time financial reporting post-IPO.
• Investor Relations: Support the Group CFO in preparing materials for investor roadshows, analyst queries, and board presentations.

Required Qualification and Experience:

• 10-15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
• Chartered Accountant (CA, CPA, ACCA, or CMA) is mandatory.
• Inhouse IPO Exposure: Taking a company through an Initial Public Offering is strictly required. Candidates with experience under the UAE CMA framework will be strongly preferred.
• Audit Background: Experience with a Big 4 audit firm is highly desirable.
• Deep knowledge of IFRS and UAE Corporate Tax law .
• Proficiency in ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle).
• Experience with financial modeling, valuation techniques, and cash flow management.
• Extreme attention to detail (zero-error mentality for prospectus filing).
• Ability to work under intense deadline pressure
• Strong stakeholder management (Board, Lawyers, Regulators).