Finance Manager – Real Estate Development

About the role

We are looking for a senior Finance Director to lead the financial management and strategic financial planning of a growing real estate development business. The role requires strong commercial and financial leadership, with substantial hands‑on experience within a UAE‑based real estate developer.

Key responsibilities

• Lead overall financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and management reporting.
• Manage financial aspects of development projects from land acquisition through sales, completion and handover.
• Review project feasibility studies, financial models, budgets, profitability, IRR, ROI and development margins.
• Oversee project costs, construction expenditure, commitments, variations and budget performance.
• Lead cash‑flow forecasting, liquidity management, working capital and project funding.
• Manage relationships with UAE banks and support financing, loan facilities and project funding arrangements.
• Monitor sales, collections, receivables and customer payment plans for off‑plan developments.
• Oversee accounting, project accounting, financial reporting, consolidation and audit processes.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, UAE VAT and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Strengthen financial controls, governance, risk management and approval processes.
• Evaluate new development opportunities, land acquisitions and investment proposals.
• Provide strategic financial advice and commercial insights to senior management.
• Lead, develop and mentor the Finance team, establishing clear KPIs and performance standards.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field; professional qualifications (ACCA, CPA, CA, CMA) strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive finance experience, including senior roles such as Finance Director, CFO or Head of Finance.
• Extensive experience with UAE‑based real estate developers and multiple development projects.
• Hands‑on expertise in real estate development finance, project finance, financial modelling and feasibility analysis.
• Proven track record in cash‑flow management, project funding, treasury and working capital.
• Strong experience dealing with UAE banks and financial institutions.
• Knowledge of IFRS, UAE VAT, financial reporting, audit and internal controls.
• Experience managing and developing Finance teams.

Required skills

• Oracle ERP (or other major ERP system)
• Financial modelling
• IFRS
• UAE VAT