Head of Finance

Job Profile

Head of Finance – Middle East

Function - Finance & Accounting

Location - Dubai, UAE Freezone

1. Position and Purpose

The Head of Finance – Middle East is responsible for the entire finance function of the company

The role holder leads the local accounting team, ensures that all business transactions are properly recorded in line with local and group-wide requirements, monitors liquidity across the entities and serves as the key sparring partner to management on all financial, commercial and planning matters. The position combines hands-on operational responsibility with strategic tasks in business planning, pricing and cashflow management.

2. Organisational Setup

Disciplinary and functional leadership of a 6 to 7 member accounting team

Direct reporting line to the Managing Director

Close cooperation with the finance functions in Germany and India as well as with operational departments (Sales, Project Execution, Logistics)

Interface to external auditors, tax advisors, banks and authorities

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 Leadership & Accounting Organisation

Functional and disciplinary leadership of the accounting team

Ensuring efficient, controlled and compliant accounting processes

Continuous review, improvement and documentation of accounting workflows

Establishment and maintenance of an effective internal control system (ICS)

3.2 Year-End Closing & Valuation

Preparation of the annual financial statements for all three Middle East entities 

Supervision and review of the annual physical inventory count

Valuation and recognition of work-in-progress as well as inventory and stocked assets Calculation of provisions including end-of-service gratuity provisions in line with UAE Labour

Law

Reconciliation and clearing of intercompany accounts with sister companies in Germany,

India and other group entities

Main point of contact for external audits and tax inspections (Mainland and Free zone)

3.3 Reporting & Controlling

Preparation of monthly management reporting packages (P&L, balance sheet, balance sheet account analysis)

Plan vs. actual analyses, commentary on variances and recommendations for action

Consolidation-ready delivery of figures to Company (integration into group reporting)

3.4 Cashflow Management & Liquidity

Ongoing monitoring and management of cashflow across all entities

Preparation and maintenance of rolling liquidity forecasts (short- and mid-term)

Working capital management: control of receivables, payables and inventory

Monitoring of bank accounts, payment transactions and FX exposure

Early identification of liquidity risks and derivation of mitigating measures

Alignment of cash management with Managing Director / Group CFO

3.5 Payroll & Travel Expenses

Responsibility for monthly payroll processing (WPS-compliant for Mainland employees)

Administration of end-of-service benefits, leave provisions and other HR-related accruals

Steering and control of travel expense processing, including policy compliance

3.6 Business Planning & Pricing

Preparation of the annual budget and rolling forecasts for all entities

Contribution to the mid-term business planning of the Middle East region

Costing and pricing for projects and products (cost-plus, market-based, margin analysis)

Profitability analyses for investments, projects and new business opportunities

4. Candidate Profile

4.1 Education

University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or comparable field

Additional qualification such as Certified Accountant, CPA, ACCA or CMA is an advantage

4.2 Professional Experience

At least 7–10 years of professional experience in finance/accounting, including several years of leadership experience

Solid experience in independently preparing annual financial statements

Experience in a manufacturing or project-driven industrial environment clearly preferred

UAE experience is a must (Mainland and Free zone)4.3 Technical Competencies

Solid knowledge of IFRS; HGB knowledge is an advantage (group context)

Knowledge of UAE Corporate Tax, VAT and Labour Law (in particular gratuity calculation)

Experience in inventory valuation, particularly work-in-progress and project business

Confident handling of ERP systems and very good MS Excel skills

Experience in costing, pricing and margin management

4.4 Personal Competencies

Analytical thinking, structured and result-oriented working style

Hands-on mentality combined with strategic vision

Strong communication skills and assertiveness in an international environment

Integrity, discretion and a high sense of responsibility

Intercultural competence and experience working with German headquarter structures

4.5 Languages

Business-fluent English (written and spoken)

German language skills are a clear advantage

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Timely and quality-assured monthly and annual financial statements

Clean and audit-proof inventory count and valuation

Meaningful, decision-relevant management reporting

Adherence to budget and forecast discipline

Secure liquidity position and transparent cashflow management

Compliance with local tax and UAE labour law is a must

Stability, development and performance of the accounting team

Apply now!