Job Description

Head Of Finance / Finance Manager

Department: Central Services – Finance

Industry: Hospitality / Retail / Wellness / Lifestyle

Employment Type: Full-time

Role Overview

DEAL Holdings is building a best-in-class finance function to support a fast-scaling, multi-brand portfolio across hospitality, wellness, retail, and lifestyle sectors.

We are hiring across two levels within the finance function:

Head of Finance (strategic leadership role)

Finance Manager (operational and build-focused role)

This role sits at the centre of the business during its setup and expansion phase, with responsibility extending beyond traditional finance into systems, structure, governance, and cross-functional integration.

You will work closely with PMO, Operations, and Central Services, supporting new openings, project delivery, and long-term scale.

We are open to candidates at different levels of seniority, provided they bring strong SME experience, system implementation capability, and hands-on execution.

This is a build-and-lead finance role, combining:

  • Financial operations and reporting
  • Department setup and structure design
  • Systems implementation and integration
  • Project finance and PMO coordination
  • Commercial and operational support
  • Depending on experience, you will either:

Lead and shape the finance function at group level, or dive execution, setup, and day-to-day operations within a growing structure.

Key Responsibilities10. Business PartneringB. Pre-Opening & Launch SupportC. Scale-Up & Expansion

  • Finance Operations & Control
  • Oversee full accounting cycle: GL, AP/AR, payroll, treasury, reconciliations
  • Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close across multiple entities
  • Prepare consolidated financials and management reporting
  • Implement and enforce financial controls, approval matrices, and reporting standards
  • Budgeting, Planning & Commercial Support
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting, and reforecast cycles
  • Develop financial models, feasibility studies, and scenario planning for new concepts
  • Conduct variance analysis and provide actionable insights
  • Support pricing, menu engineering, and cost optimisation across F&B operations
  • Tax, Compliance & Governance
  • Ensure compliance with UAE VAT, corporate tax, ESR, and IFRS
  • Manage audits, filings, and regulatory requirements
  • Establish internal controls, SOPs, and governance frameworks across all entities
  • Cash Flow, Treasury & Banking
  • Oversee group-wide cash flow planning and working capital management
  • Lead setup and management of bank accounts across multiple entities
  • Establish payment processes, signatory structures, and banking mandates
  • Manage relationships with banks, lenders, and financial institutions
  • Implement robust cash control and liquidity frameworks
  • ERP, POS & Financial Systems
  • Lead implementation and optimisation of ERP and financial systems
  • Ensure full integration across POS, inventory, procurement, and accounting systems
  • Develop scalable reporting tools and dashboards
  • Train teams on systems and financial processes
  • Procurement, Purchasing & Cost Control Oversight
  • Oversee governance across procurement and purchasing functions
  • Implement supplier onboarding, approval hierarchies, and purchasing controls
  • Ensure integration between procurement, inventory, and finance systems
  • Monitor supplier terms, pricing, and cost efficiency across all units
  • Support margin optimisation and operational cost control
  • Accounting Structure & Financial Framework Setup
  • Design and implement the full accountancy structure across all entities
  • Develop and standardise the Chart of Accounts
  • Establish reporting templates, consolidation frameworks, and intercompany structures
  • Ensure scalability for multi-brand and multi-entity expansion
  • Administration, PRO & Corporate Structuring Oversight
  • Provide financial oversight across administration and PRO functions
  • Support company formation, trade licences, regulatory registrations, and renewals
  • Ensure alignment between corporate structuring, licensing, and financial setup
  • Track and manage costs related to government fees, licences, and compliance
  • PMO Liaison & Project Finance / Controls
  • Work closely with the PMO and Project Delivery teams on all active developments
  • Oversee financial management of projects, including budget tracking and cost control
  • Support tender processes, bid evaluations, and commercial reviews
  • Establish and manage project payment processes, including certifications and approvals
  • Control financial documentation related to projects, contracts, and variations
  • Monitor project cash flow, capex spend, and financial risk
  • Ensure alignment between project delivery timelines and financial reporting
  • Partner with Operations, PMO, HR, Procurement, and Brand teams
  • Provide P&L oversight and performance analysis across outlets and concepts
  • Support new openings, commercial decisions, and strategic initiatives
  • Evaluate investments, JV structures, and expansion opportunities
  • Finance Function Setup & Scale
  • Foundation Phase
  • Build finance department structure, roles, and reporting lines
  • Establish SOPs, workflows, and approval frameworks
  • Set up financial systems, banking structures, and reporting templates
  • Recruit, onboard, and train finance and admin teams
  • Lead financial setup for new outlets (costing, POS setup, reporting structures)
  • Implement outlet-level reporting from day one
  • Support stocktakes, inventory controls, and operational stabilisation
  • Prepare finance function for multi-brand, multi-entity growth
  • Standardise reporting, controls, and cost structures across all units
  • Support long-term strategic planning and regional expansion

Candidate Profile

We are intentionally open to both senior and mid-level candidates, but the following is essential:

  • Strong experience in SME or high-growth environments
  • Background in hospitality, F&B, retail, or multi-unit operations
  • Proven ability to build systems, structures, and teams from scratch
  • Hands-on experience with ERP implementation and process design
  • Experience working with PMO and project-driven environments
  • Strong understanding of UAE financial regulations and compliance frameworks
  • Commercially minded with strong attention to detail and ownership

Experience Guidelines

Finance Manager: 7-10 years experience

Head of Finance: 10+ years with leadership and build experience

Qualifications:

Degree in Finance / Accounting

ACCA / CPA / CA preferred

Why This Role

  • Opportunity to build a finance function from the ground up
  • Direct involvement in projects, openings, and expansion strategy
  • Exposure to a diversified, multi-brand platform
  • High level of ownership, autonomy, and impact

Candidate Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; ACCA / CPA / CA preferred.
  • 7–10 years of multi-entity finance experience, ideally within hospitality, F&B, retail, or lifestyle sectors.
  • Strong experience in department setup, ERP implementation, and pre-opening finance.
  • Deep understanding of UAE VAT, corporate tax, IFRS, WPS, and governance frameworks.
  • Proven leadership experience managing finance teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • High proficiency in Excel and financial modelling.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced environments with strong ownership and accuracy.
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills