Director Group Financial Controller

A leading organisation in Dubai is seeking a Director Group Financial Controller to join their Finance Operations division. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape the financial integrity and reporting excellence of a rapidly expanding group with international reach. You will be at the heart of accounting operations, process transformation, and governance, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions while driving automation and standardisation. Responsibilities: - Oversee all accounting activities across multiple entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes. - Lead statutory financial statement preparation and regulatory submissions while maintaining compliance with IFRS and local requirements. - Establish and maintain robust internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), strengthening governance frameworks and segregation of duties. - Drive audit readiness by supporting both external and internal audits, monitoring accounting risks, and implementing mitigation plans. - Standardise accounting processes across UAE and international entities through continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency and automation. - Optimise ERP platforms by promoting digital finance solutions that enhance record-to-report processes, reconciliations, intercompany accounting, and close management. - Develop scalable accounting operating models for new international markets, balancing centralised requirements with local statutory compliance. - Coordinate with Tax, Treasury, Legal, and Corporate Development teams to support market entry, M&A activity, joint ventures, and restructuring from an accounting perspective. - Build succession plans within the Group Accounting team by coaching leaders across geographies and establishing performance metrics for quality control. - Prepare comprehensive reports on accounting performance, KPIs, control metrics, and provide insights to senior management including the VP Finance Operations and CFO. Candidate Requirements: - Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance or related discipline is required; CPA, CA, ACCA or CIMA professional qualification is essential. - MBA or postgraduate qualification in Finance is desirable for candidates seeking advanced leadership roles. - At least 15 years of progressive experience in accounting or controllership within large multi-entity organisations is necessary. - Minimum 7 years in a senior finance leadership position managing teams across multiple jurisdictions is expected. - Proven track record in finance transformation initiatives including process improvement and automation projects is highly valued. - Expertise in IFRS compliance as well as statutory reporting requirements across various regions is mandatory. - Experience supporting international expansion activities sucharkt as M&A transactions or restructuring is preferred. - Strong proficiency with ERP platforms such as SAP or Oracle along with digital finance tools is important for success. - Exceptional stakeholder management skills combined with executive communication abilities are required to influence senior leaders effectively. - Leadership qualities including team development capabilities are essential; English proficiency is required while Arabic language skills are advantageous.