Group Finance and Accounting Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Group Finance Manager to lead the finance function for a diversified retail group in the UAE. This is a leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of finance, accounting, budgeting, reporting, taxation, treasury, and compliance across multiple business entities.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in multi-entity accounting, retail finance, cost management, and financial planning, with the ability to lead a high-performing finance team while partnering with senior leadership to support business growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Group Finance department, providing direction, mentorship, and performance management to the finance team.
• Oversee the financial operations of multiple legal entities, ensuring accurate consolidation and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS and UAE regulatory requirements.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning across all business units.
• Develop and implement robust financial controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets.
• Monitor cash flow, treasury operations, working capital, and banking relationships.
• Lead cost management initiatives by identifying cost-saving opportunities, improving operational efficiencies, and monitoring expenditure across the Group.
• Analyze financial performance, profitability, and key business drivers, providing actionable insights to senior management.
• Oversee inventory accounting, stock valuation, and cost control in collaboration with operations and supply chain teams.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Corporate Tax, VAT regulations, statutory requirements, and external audit processes.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax consultants, banks, and regulatory authorities.
• Review and approve payments, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial transactions.
• Support strategic business decisions through financial modelling, investment analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Ensure ERP systems and finance processes are optimized to improve reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Present financial reports and business performance updates to executive management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification such as CA, ACCA, CPA, or CMA is highly preferred.MBA in Finance is an added advantage.
• Experience
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive finance and accounting experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing the complete finance function.
• Proven experience handling finance for multiple legal entities within a retail or consumer-focused organization.
• Strong background in cost management, budgeting, financial planning, and business partnering.
• Experience leading finance teams in a fast-paced, multi-company environment.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of IFRS, UAE Corporate Tax, VAT, and financial compliance.
• Expertise in financial reporting, consolidations, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle, or similar.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Key

Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Financial Planning & Analysis
• Multi-Entity Financial Management
• Cost Management & Profitability Improvement
• Business Acumen
• Risk Management & Internal Controls
• Team Leadership & People Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Excellent Communication & Presentation

Skills

• High Integrity and Attention to Detail