Head of Finance

About the role

The Finance Head will own and operate the financial backbone of a 30‑year‑old UAE trading group, ensuring accurate reporting, disciplined cash‑flow, margin protection and clean audits. The role inherits a mature finance function and a capable team, and acts as a trusted finance partner to the CEO, MD and senior leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Consolidate monthly P&L, balance sheet and cash‑flow statements across all entities with variance commentary.
• Lead disciplined month‑end close, including inventory reconciliation, accruals, depreciation and inter‑company reconciliations.
• Oversee AR, AP and inventory control, ensuring ageing reviews and stock valuation integrity.
• Maintain internal controls, SOP registers, banking authority matrices and quarterly control reviews.
• Manage daily cash position, rolling cash‑flow forecasts and banking operations.
• Execute on‑time UAE VAT and Corporate Tax filings and handle FTA correspondence.
• Coordinate annual statutory audits for all entities.
• Lead annual budgeting, quarterly re‑forecasts and monthly budget‑vs‑actual analysis.
• Own FP&A cadence, margin analysis and evolve MIS from static reports to live dashboards.
• Drive cost‑saving initiatives and track efficiency targets.
• Partner with leadership on strategic decisions, scenario modelling and business case analysis.
• Define ERP enhancement roadmap and specify finance process automations.

Required profile

• Long‑term commitment and desire for stability over rapid title progression.
• Iron‑clad integrity, discretion and comfort with payment authority.
• Hands‑on finance operations mindset; the role is the work.
• Pragmatic business judgment suited to an owner‑led SME.
• Deep knowledge of UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, audit cycles and banking requirements.
• Proven experience preparing consolidated multi‑entity financial statements and owning FP&A.
• Ability to design finance processes and drive automation without needing to code.
• Strong business partnering skills, able to challenge assumptions with data.
• Cost‑conscious mindset with a focus on protecting the bottom line.
• Clear communication and composure under audit and cash‑flow pressure.

Required skills

• UAE VAT filing
• UAE Corporate Tax filing
• ERP enhancement and finance process automation
• Consolidated multi‑entity financial reporting
• FP&A, budgeting and rolling forecasts
• MIS dashboard creation and margin analysis
• Cost‑saving tracking and efficiency measurement