Financial Controller - Manufacturing

About the role

An established manufacturing business in the UAE is looking for an experienced Financial Controller with strong manufacturing costing expertise and a hands-on approach to financial management. The role reports to the Regional Finance Director and covers financial reporting, cost control, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and internal controls. It is a hands-on leadership position involving close work with senior management and operational teams.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements under IFRS, manage month-end and year-end closing, maintain financial controls and policies, lead the annual external audit and ensure compliance with UAE Corporate Tax, VAT and other regulations.
• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and fixed assets.
• Manage product costing, standard costing and cost allocation; monitor raw materials, WIP and finished goods inventory, analyse production costs and variances, and work with production, procurement and operations on cost savings.
• Lead annual budgeting, prepare periodic forecasts, analyse variances, support pricing, profitability and capital investment decisions, and optimise working capital.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, liquidity, banking relationships, payments and treasury controls, and monitor capital expenditure.
• Lead and develop the finance team, drive improvements in reporting and internal controls, ensure effective use of ERP systems, and identify automation opportunities.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA or CIM.
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive finance experience, including at least 5 years in a senior financial management or controllership position.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams.
• UAE or wider GCC experience preferred.

Required skills

• IFRS and financial reporting, standard costing, WIP accounting, variance analysis and inventory valuation.
• Budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and cash flow management.
• ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Knowledge of UAE Corporate Tax, VAT and local regulations.