Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Contracting Company

About the role

A well-established contracting company in Abu Dhabi is looking for an experienced, commercially astute Chief Financial Officer to lead its financial strategy, governance and overall financial management. The ideal candidate has CFO/Finance Director-level experience in a contracting, construction, engineering or infrastructure company, with a proven record in project finance, cash-flow management, cost control, financial planning and commercial decision-making.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's financial strategy in line with business objectives.
• Lead finance, accounting, treasury, taxation, budgeting and financial reporting.
• Advise the CEO, Board and senior management on financial matters.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, financial plans and cash-flow projections.
• Manage working capital, liquidity, cash flow, banking relationships and financing needs.
• Oversee project-level financials: costing, profitability, WIP, revenue recognition, variations, claims, retention and receivables.
• Set up financial controls to monitor project costs and prevent overruns.
• Assess the financial viability and risks of new projects, tenders, contracts and major investments.
• Work with commercial and contracts teams on claims, variations, payment certificates, retention, bonds, guarantees and collections.
• Ensure accurate monthly, quarterly and annual reporting, and oversee statutory audits, internal controls, tax compliance, VAT and other UAE regulations.
• Maintain relationships with banks, auditors, financial institutions and investors, and build financial policies and governance frameworks.
• Lead, mentor and develop the finance and accounting team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field; CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA or equivalent highly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive finance experience, with significant experience at CFO, Finance Director or equivalent level.
• Mandatory experience in a contracting/construction company, preferably in the UAE or GCC.
• Proven experience managing the financial operations of a project-based contracting business.

Required skills

• Cash-flow management, project costing, WIP, working capital, budgeting, forecasting and profitability analysis.
• Banking facilities, performance bonds, advance payment guarantees, letters of credit and project financing.
• Commercial and contractual aspects of construction projects.
• Experience working with QS, Commercial, Contracts, Procurement, Projects and Operations teams.
• Knowledge of UAE VAT, corporate tax and financial regulations.