Finance Director

Finance Function Setup: Establish and lead the end-to-end finance and accounting function, including accounting infrastructure, financial controls, policies, procedures, and management information systems (MIS). Business Planning & Financial Modelling: Develop business plans, budgets, forecasts, and financial models, clearly documenting underlying assumptions and business scenarios. Trade Finance & Banking: Work closely with the Treasurer on banking relationships, credit facilities, letters of credit (LCs), bank guarantees, and other trade finance structures. Financial Reporting & IFRS: Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with applicable IFRS requirements and accounting standards. Commodity Markets & Hedging: Develop an understanding of commodity market dynamics, hedging instruments, risk mitigation strategies, and hedge accounting. Audit & Taxation: Oversee statutory audits, tax compliance, financial reporting obligations, and coordination with external auditors and tax advisers. Financial Control & Risk Management: Establish effective internal controls and promote a culture of integrity, transparency, accountability, and prudent risk management. Digital Transformation & AI: Lead finance digitalisation initiatives, evaluate accounting technologies, and support responsible AI adoption within a robust risk management framework. Governance & Committees: Actively participate in Risk and Technology Steering Committees, contributing to governance frameworks, technology strategy, and business process improvements. Strategic Leadership: Partner with the Chairman and senior management to support strategic decisions, business performance, financial sustainability, and the firm's growth ambitions.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) is mandatory. Previous experience working in Dubai, UAE, with a strong understanding of the local business and regulatory environment. Minimum 3 years of experience in a startup or early-stage business environment, preferably with direct responsibility for establishing or developing finance functions. Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within petrochemical, commodity, oil and gas, or international trading businesses. Strong knowledge of IFRS, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and internal controls. Practical understanding of trade finance instruments, including LCs, bank guarantees, and banking facilities. Familiarity with commodity markets, hedging strategies, and hedge accounting is highly desirable. Extensive working knowledge of leading accounting and ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, and other relevant Microsoft applications. Demonstrated ability to lead digital transformation initiatives and adopt AI-enabled solutions in a controlled, risk-aware manner. Strong leadership, commercial acumen, analytical skills, integrity, and the ability to work effectively in multicultural, lean-team environments. Ability to operate independently, take ownership, and balance strategic priorities with hands-on execution. Employment Type Full-time

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