Head of FinanceDubai, UAE
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on, commercially astute Finance Leader to join a well-established organization operating in the logistics, supply chain, and cold chain sector. Reporting to executive leadership, you will serve as a strategic business partner while maintaining full ownership of financial governance, performance management, compliance, and operational finance.
You will balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational control, ensuring strong governance, sustainable growth, and business optimization.
Only candidates with hands-on operational finance experience will be considered. Corporate/head-office finance profiles will not be shortlisted.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management & Control
- Lead all finance functions: accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, tax, and audit.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with IFRS and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity to support operational and growth objectives.
- Establish and enhance financial controls, policies, and procedures; drive ERP optimization and financial reporting tools.
- Explain business decisions based on commercial validation; maintain independence and stand firm on business rationale.
- Strategic Financial Planning & Business Partnering
- Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes.
- Provide financial modelling and business case evaluations to support strategic decision making.
- Partner with operational teams to identify cost optimization, margin enhancement, and efficiency opportunities.
- Evaluate capital investments and expansion initiatives through robust financial analysis; develop and monitor key KPIs.
- Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with UAE regulatory requirements: VAT, Corporate Tax, and statutory obligations.
- Lead internal and external audit engagements; drive closure of audit findings.
- Establish and maintain risk management frameworks, controls, and mitigation plans.
- Financial Reporting & Stakeholder Management
- Deliver high-quality management reports, board presentations, and financial analysis.
- Build and maintain relationships with banks, auditors, and external stakeholders.
- Monitor financing arrangements and ensure compliance with lender reporting obligations and covenants.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop finance, procurement, and administration teams.
- Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Leadership Profile
- Trusted advisor with strong commercial acumen and sound business judgment.
- Balances governance and risk management with practical business support.
- Strong collaborator capable of influencing senior stakeholders.
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and discretion with confidential information.
- Leads by example through accountability, transparency, and ethical behaviour.
- Qualifications & Experience
- Must-have
- Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) mandatory.
- 8–12 years of progressive finance leadership experience in mid-to-senior management roles.
- Hands-on operational finance experience in Logistics, 3PL, Cold Chain, Supply Chain, Transportation, or Industrial Services.
- NOT a corporate/head-office finance profile must have real operational responsibility and on-ground exposure.
- Comprehensive understanding of UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, financial regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Strongly
Preferred
- Proven expertise in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management at a Business Unit level.
- Track record in cost optimization, profitability improvement, and investment analysis.
- Experience with ERP implementations and business intelligence tools.
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary teams (Finance, Procurement, Administration).
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
Preferred
Candidate Profile
- Currently based in Dubai or open to relocating to the UAE.
- Experience in fast-paced, asset-intensive, operational businesses.
- Comfortable in hands-on leadership roles while contributing strategically at executive level.
