Director of Finance & Operations – Infrastructure Project

About the role

We are seeking a seasoned Finance Director to lead the financial function of a landmark infrastructure and energy project. Reporting to the Executive Managing Director, you will act as the trusted financial advisor to the Board, shareholders, and senior leadership, ensuring the project's long‑term financial success from construction through operations.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall finance strategy, budgeting, forecasting and long‑term financial planning.
• Provide high‑quality financial insight and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, the Board and shareholders.
• Oversee project finance activities, including lender relationships, debt drawdowns, covenant compliance and shareholder funding obligations.
• Manage treasury operations, cash flow, liquidity, debt servicing, banking relationships and foreign‑exchange exposure.
• Ensure accurate IFRS‑compliant reporting (including IFRIC 12 service concession accounting) on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and performance analysis to support decision‑making.
• Provide commercial finance support for concession, EPC and O&M contracts, including change orders and claims.
• Supervise construction finance, capital expenditure, EPC milestone payments and cost‑to‑complete reporting.
• Drive risk management related to funding, liquidity, insurance, taxation and governance.
• Manage external and lender audits, regulatory reporting, corporate tax and VAT compliance.
• Develop and maintain robust financial controls, governance frameworks and internal policies.
• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team, fostering a high‑performance culture.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field; MBA is a plus.
• Professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent) is essential.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive finance experience, including at least 5 years in a senior finance leadership role.
• Proven experience in project finance for large‑scale infrastructure, utilities, power, renewable energy or PPP projects.
• Strong knowledge of UAE corporate tax and VAT regulations.

Required skills

• IFRS and IFRIC 12 service concession accounting.
• Financial modelling and forecasting.
• Project finance structuring and lender relationship management.
• Treasury management, cash‑flow and liquidity planning.
• Debt servicing and foreign‑exchange exposure management.
• Risk management and corporate governance.
• Audit coordination and regulatory reporting.
• Budgeting, cost‑to‑complete reporting and performance analysis.