Head of Finance

ROLE PURPOSE

The Head of Finance leads the organisation’s finance function, taking full ownership of financial management across budgeting, reporting, controls and strategic planning. The role is accountable for optimising fiscal performance, safeguarding the institution’s assets and ensuring the finance function meets all regulatory obligations, while acting as a trusted financial adviser to senior management and the Board.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy & Planning

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  Develop and execute comprehensive financial strategies and plans to optimise the organisation’s fiscal performance.

  
  


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  Lead budgeting, financial forecasting and analysis, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and industry benchmarks.

  
  


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  Create, update and implement financial policies and procedures that strengthen efficiency, transparency and compliance.

  
  


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  Design and implement cash flow management strategies to meet operational needs and financial obligations.

  
  


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  Optimise working capital through the management of receivables, payables and inventory to enhance liquidity and reduce financial risk.

  
  


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  Forecast and analyse cash flow trends, recommending adjustments to maintain a healthy cash position.

  
  


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  Participate in the strategic decision-making process to support overall growth and sustainability.

  
  

Operations Support & Governance

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  Maintain comprehensive and accurate books of accounts and supporting records that reflect the correct liquidity and financial position of the organisation at all times.

  
  


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  Ensure an automated system of accounts is in place and maintained in line with regulatory requirements.

  
  


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  Ensure VAT and Corporate Tax accounting comply fully with FTA regulations.

  
  


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  Ensure Central Bank (CBUAE) requirements relating to the finance function are met in full.

  
  


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  Ensure proper and accurate monthly and annual closing of financial results.

  
  


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  Ensure the availability of funds across all branches.

  
  


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  Ensure budgets are prepared and submitted in good time to allow for proper review, and review budgets periodically thereafter.

  
  


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  Identify, assess and mitigate financial risks, including credit, market and operational risk.

  
  


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  Implement financial controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the institution’s assets.

  
  


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  Manage the institution’s capital structure and ensure adequate liquidity for operational and regulatory needs.

  
  


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  Monitor cash flow, working capital and liquidity ratios to optimise resource allocation and comply with CBUAE regulation.

  
  


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  Maintain a sound understanding of market conditions and provide insights to manage exposure to risk.

  
  


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  Attend management meetings with Branch Managers and the Operations team, providing the financial perspective.

  
  


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  Liaise and correspond with local and international banks on operational and finance matters.

  
  


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  Remain up to date with changing regulatory requirements affecting the finance activities of the organisation.

  
  


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  Drive process improvement across day-to-day finance operations to increase efficiency.

  
  


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  Actively participate in and support all regulatory inspections.

  
  


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  Work closely with other department heads to provide financial support and advice on business initiatives.

  
  

Financial Reporting & Analysis

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  Oversee the preparation and analysis of financial reports, providing insight that supports informed decision-making.

  
  


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  Implement and maintain effective financial controls and systems to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data.

  
  


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  Present financial information to senior management and stakeholders, offering strategic recommendations grounded in thorough analysis.

  
  


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  Deliver timely daily, weekly and monthly financial reporting, including dashboards, to management and Board members.

  
  


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  Ensure timely submission of all regulatory reporting — CBUAE monthly and quarterly, FTA quarterly, and Corporate Tax annual returns.

  
  


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  Perform risk analysis and generate cost and profitability analysis.

  
  


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  Make recommendations to reduce cost.

  
  


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  Lead the implementation of the ERP system.

  
  

People Management

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  Lead, develop and motivate the finance team, undertaking people development initiatives.

  
  


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  Provide regular training to staff on plans, new initiatives and ways of working.

  
  


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  Spend time with team members to understand and resolve their concerns.

  
  


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  Undertake objective performance evaluation and share constructive feedback with employees.

  
  


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  Nominate team members for technical and behavioural training in consultation with HR.

  
  


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  Be available for the induction of new team members, providing guidance and direction.

  
  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

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  Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (or equivalent) and a qualified Chartered Accountant.

  
  


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  15+ years of solid experience within the banking and financial services industry, preferably in a comparable Head of Finance role.

  
  


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  Demonstrable experience of UAE regulatory reporting — CBUAE and FTA — within a multi-branch environment.

  
  


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  Track record of ERP implementation and finance process improvement.

  
  


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  An innovative and creative mindset applied to financial management.

  
  

COMPETENCIES

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  Interpersonal skills

  
  


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  Communication skills — strong oral and written

  
  


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  Stakeholder management

  
  


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  Integrity

  
  


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  Process orientation

  
  


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  Analytical skills

  
  


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  Eye for detail

  
  

KEY INTERACTIONS

Internal

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  All Branch Managers

  
  


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  Central Operations

  
  


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  Department Heads and Senior Management

  
  

External

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  External Auditors

  
  


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  Regulatory Authorities

  
  


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  Correspondent Banks