Head of Finance

Job Description

– Take full responsibility for the company’s finance and accounting department.
– Supervise the accounting team and review all financial transactions and accounting entries.
– Establish accounting policies, approval procedures, internal controls, and a clear chart of accounts.
– Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing.
– Prepare and review profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash-flow statements, and management reports.
– Prepare annual budgets, financial forecasts, cash-flow projections, and variance analysis.
– Provide regular reports to the CEO covering liquidity, profitability, liabilities, receivables, payables, and financial risks.
– Monitor working capital and ensure sufficient liquidity for operational commitments.
– Control customer advances, supplier balances, outstanding collections, payments, and refund obligations.
– Review inventory costs, operating expenses, transaction profitability, and departmental performance.
– Manage company bank accounts, transfers, payment approvals, reconciliations, and banking documentation.
– Deal directly with UAE banks regarding KYC reviews, compliance requirements, banking facilities, guarantees, and other financial matters.
– Manage UAE VAT return preparation, review, and submission.
– Manage UAE Corporate Tax calculations, returns, adjustments, and compliance deadlines.
– Handle FTA enquiries, tax reviews, and audits when required.
– Coordinate with external auditors and prepare complete audit schedules and supporting documents.
– Ensure financial records comply with applicable UAE regulations and accounting standards.
– Oversee payroll, employee settlements, fixed assets, inventory accounting, and financial documentation.
– Improve accounting systems, reporting procedures, management dashboards, and document controls.
– Identify financial risks, control weaknesses, unusual transactions, or possible fraud and recommend corrective actions.
– Maintain strict confidentiality of all financial, banking, customer, supplier, and company information.

Requirements:

– Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
– Minimum ten years of accounting and finance experience within the UAE.
– Proven experience as an Accounts Manager, Finance Manager, Chief Accountant, or in a comparable senior position.
– Extensive hands-on experience with UAE VAT and Corporate Tax preparation, review, and submission.
– Strong experience dealing directly with UAE banks, external auditors, tax consultants, and the Federal Tax Authority.
– Strong knowledge of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, working capital, and internal controls.
– Strong understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory accounting, payroll, and general ledger management.
– Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong experience with accounting or ERP systems.
– Proven ability to establish and manage an accounting department and supervise employees.
– Strong analytical, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
– High standards of integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and accuracy.
– English is mandatory.
– Arabic is an advantage.
– A valid UAE driving licence is an advantage.
– ACCA, CMA, CPA, CA, or an equivalent professional qualification is highly preferred.
– Candidates must currently be based in the UAE.