Rebate Program Lead

About the role

The Rebate Program Lead manages and evaluates all rebate applications submitted to ADFC, covering both Interim and Final Certificates. The role reviews production documentation such as budgets, schedules, scripts and audit reports against the ADFC Rebate Guidelines, checks that submitted costs match expected market rates, inspects production at various sites and recommends approvals or rejections to senior management. It also supports the development of consistent submission policies and procedures.

Key responsibilities

• Review all Interim and Final rebate applications, prepare written assessment reports, ask applicants for clarification where needed and verify compliance with the Rebate Guidelines.
• Present assessment reports and recommendations for approval or rejection to the Investment Committee (if applicable).
• Conduct set visits with the ADFC Production Manager to verify production plans and assess whether changes to crew, script, schedule, cast or location justify variations in Abu Dhabi Qualifying Production Expenditure (ADQPE).
• Flag changes exceeding +/- 20% or +/- 1 million AED from the Interim Certificate and reassess ADQPE.
• Analyse Final submissions reviewed by third-party auditors, benchmark crew and vendor rates, and ensure only reasonable, production-specific costs are claimed.
• Develop submission templates and checklists, establish review procedures, suggest improvements to the Rebate Guidelines and monitor global incentive schemes.
• Collaborate on set-visit protocols and post-project reviews, and carry out other duties requested by the direct manager.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree (Masters preferred) in business administration, finance or a related field, with a film production specialisation, from an internationally recognised institution accredited by the UAE.
• 10 years of relevant experience in finance, film incentives or rebates, preferably as Physical Producer, Line Producer, Financial Controller or Production Accountant.
• Familiarity with ADFC rebate processes is desirable; UAE production experience is a plus.
• Valid driving licence and ability to travel alone for on-site production visits.

Required skills

• Full professional English; Arabic is desirable.
• Movie Magic Budgeting and advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Understanding of production auditing, cost reporting and budgeting best practices.
• High attention to detail, strong organisational and administrative capabilities.