Financial Controller - Food Manufacturing

About the role

A growing multi-business organisation operating across food manufacturing, café retail and catering is looking for an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller to lead finance, inventory control, purchasing and delivery scheduling across several business entities. Reporting to the Managing Director, the controller oversees a team of eight and takes ownership of financial reporting, cash flow, working capital, product costing, inventory accuracy, purchasing discipline and compliance. The role is based in Dubai, with regular on-site time in the factory and stores.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the monthly close and prepare consolidated MIS reports, balance sheet schedules, reconciliations and management accounts, P&L and performance analysis.
• Maintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast, manage banking relationships and overdrafts, and monitor working capital.
• Manage receivables ageing, credit controls and bad debt, and oversee supplier reconciliations and accounts payable.
• Oversee product and BOM costing, margin analysis by product and channel, and pricing and commercial planning.
• Ensure regular stock counts, inventory reconciliations and variance analysis, and oversee third-party warehouse stock.
• Set purchase order procedures, negotiate supplier terms, coordinate commodity purchasing and delivery scheduling.
• Oversee monthly payroll and WPS compliance, end-of-service benefits and headcount costs.
• Ensure VAT and corporate tax compliance, transfer pricing, external audits, IFRS and statutory requirements.
• Own Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Central, integrate POS transactions into the general ledger, automate reporting and build dashboards.
• Manage the team: weekly operating rhythm, one-to-ones, succession plans and cross-training, and communicate financial performance to factory, retail, sales and ownership teams.

Required profile

• ACCA, CMA, CA, CPA or equivalent recognised professional qualification.
• At least 8 years of finance experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role managing five or more people.
• Experience in manufacturing, food and beverage, FMCG or retail.
• Strong knowledge of VAT, corporate tax and IFRS.
• Proven experience in cash flow forecasting, working capital management and financial controls.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Preferred: LS Central or POS experience, inventory costing and BOM knowledge, external audit experience, owner-managed business experience, and Power BI dashboard work.

Required skills

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (or NAV or similar ERP)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Power BI or similar reporting tools (preferred)