195 Chief Financial Officer jobs in the United Arab Emirates

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Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A"rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group's entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

We are currently seeking a finance professional to join the Financial Services & Transformation & Development Team in the capacity of Chief Finance Officer.

Overview of the Role

The senior executive role of FS T&D CFO works with the FS T&D Head and Executive Board members on identifying, articulating, and designing the strategic vision of the division. In addition, the CFO drives the delivery of financial performance which is aligned to the strategic plan. The CFO is a key business advisor to the business head, the executive board, and the company shareholders, on the execution of the business strategy.

They will provide oversight of EIB, AFF, Hertz, MOOV, H*M, Leasing, Qatar, Oman and KSA, reporting directly to the head of FS & TD.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver divisional financial objectives across profit, revenue and cost controls

Business Operations Performance

• Identify risks within business units and lead in developing and deliveringturnaround plans
• Control and compliance to ensure integrity and quality of financials

Process Management

• Establish business processes and process automation

Transformation

• Drive finance transformation and optimisation through people, processes, and systems

Advisory and Leadership

• Influence at all stakeholder levels including shareholders, group functions, senior executives, and automotive finance team

Business and Strategic Planning

• Lead the automotive division's formulation and delivery of annual and quarterly financial and strategic plans and updates

Required Skills to Be Successful

• Significant amount of direct global P&L experience in financial and/or operational leadership role
• A hands-on style and "whatever it takes" attitude to get things done
• Experience with international operations, acquisitions/ divestitures, JV's
• Exposure to Banking Sector
• Exceptional communication and inter-personal skills. Ability to work with brand and country leadership teams to create buy-in and influence at a senior level
• Build "finance transformation" to drive quality and integrity of financials and efficiency of business
• Strategic thinker, able to see big picture while maintain attention to detail
• Financial services experience not a must but preferable

What Equips You for the Role

• A finance, accounting or business qualification at degree level is required.
• Additional professional finance accreditation or qualifications are preferred.
• 15+ years overall experience
• The candidate should have experience managing large teams with a track record in driving business transformation and optimisation.

We're here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.

Before you click "apply": Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.

About the job Chief Financial Officer - Retail

Our client is a diversified conglomerate headquartered in Dubai with a strong presence across Africa. They have 25+ years of experience in global trade, retail, and manufacturing, with business interests spanning FMCG, pharmaceutical retail, frozen foods, real estate, and packaging solutions.

They are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy, planning, and performance management for the retail business in Angola. This role is key to driving operational efficiency, optimizing working capital, and ensuring strong financial controls aligned with the companys broader goals, and reporting directly to the Group CFO that is fully responsible for the overall finance and accounting function at the Corporate and the SBU levels.

Short Term Role Objectives

• Understand and improve current systems and processes in place in accounting, budgeting, cost control, financial analysis; Map and standardize across the organization.
• Streamline the accounts and finance department at both the corporate and SBU levels.
• Conduct a thorough risk analysis of the organization and recommend risk mitigation plans.
• Establish Capital structure and liaise with subject matter experts and create a strategic plan at group level.
• Mentor finance and accounts teams across SBUs.
• Identify 3-5 key processes that need to be improved based on the risk analysis and begin execution.
• Develop SBU wise financial performance analysis.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape the organizations strategic vision, build strategic partnerships, and support growth initiatives. Provide actionable recommendations based on financial projections, revenue and expense analysis, and real-time operational insights.
• Play a leading role in developing the strategic plan for the organization, its implementation and continuous monitoring.
• Collaborate across functions on developing the operating budget and rolling forecast. Budgetary control: Regular monitoring of Opex/Capex and monthly reporting on variances, reasons, and action plans. Review and analyze operational MIS, trends, and key performance indicators of all stores/functions.
• Develop and promote a framework to drive financial acumen and accountability across the organization.
• Develop cost structures for each revenue stream and align costs with performance. Monthly reporting on alignment initiatives.

• Review existing processes, drive SOP documentation and implementation projects, ensuring completeness, forward-looking alignment with best business practices, and current business realities. Suggest improvements, review automation levels, and control aspects in various processes.
• Review existing ERP setup (SAP), implemented processes, quality of implementation, identify processes that can be automated, and recommend general improvements.
• Identify current cost control mechanisms in the organization and methods for reducing costs operationally.
• Review existing delegation matrix, recommend changes to improve efficiency, and ensure controls are in place for proper adherence to matrices and escalation systems for deviations.
• Review cash flow forecast, focusing on the next 3 months based on business realities. Submit to Group Treasury. Regularly review funds position, escalate issues, and take proactive actions to address cash flow gaps in consultation with senior management. Lower financing costs by suggesting alternative ways of raising funds.
• Assist Business Unit Heads in meeting budgeted targets, conduct detailed performance reviews of each business line/store/product, devise revenue and pricing strategies for each revenue stream, and guide profit center heads to achieve targets.
• Continuously review AP terms and participate in commercial negotiations with vendors, contractors, customers, etc. to secure long-term financial benefits.
• In conjunction with the Sales & Marketing Team, oversee the credit control function in line with group credit and financial policies. Regularly review A/R aging, set up and periodically review credit limits, and monitor movements. Take timely action for the recovery of overdue/doubtful debts.
• Review and control inventory levels, aging, and sales patterns. Escalate for timely action on slow/non-moving items and to liquidate old stocks. Ensure adequate provisioning of inventory in books of accounts.
• Ensure adequate provisioning per policy and monitor impairments of receivables, payables, inventory, advances, investments, and assets.
• Evaluate new business acquisitions, conduct due diligence, risk analysis, valuation, and prepare feasibility reports.

• Assist Group CFO in the implementation of IFRS in the business unit and manage the change process with all stakeholders.
• Ensure system compliance with statutory requirements with respect to information, language, and reports.
• Monitor day-to-day financial operations of stores and other businesses, review delays, lapses, and bottlenecks in operations, and proactively initiate necessary remedial steps and process/system changes to avoid recurrence.
• Ensure Day/Month/Year close procedures and checklists are in place, adequately communicated to all concerned, and adhered to. This should include both financial and operational tasks, covering a wide spectrum of reconciliations (e.g.,

Located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and following the successful launch of The Africa Institute in 2018, Global Studies University was established in 2023 as a non-profit institution for higher education by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Read more .

Global Studies University, Sharjah, UAE, is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer to lead and oversee the Finance and Procurement division. This senior leadership role will be responsible for developing and managing the departmental budget, establishing and operationalizing the Finance and Procurement divisions, and ensuring compliant and effective management of funds from grants, donations, and sponsorships. The role will also be responsible for setting up the different positions with the Finance Unit.

The ideal candidate will combine financial acumen with strong leadership and planning skills and possess a thorough understanding of the budgeting, accounting, and procurement functions within academic institutions. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in guiding the organization's financial health, stability, and sustainability while aligning operations with institutional, strategy goals, and regulatory frameworks. The position will also be responsible for all dealings with the Government and the University's Board of Trustees for all finance-related matters.

• Budgeting and Financial Planning:
  • Lead the annual budgeting process, including forecasting, planning, and reporting
  • Monitor and control departmental expenditures in alignment with institutional and project budgets
  • Provide regular financial reports to senior leadership and stakeholders
  • Advise on long-term financial planning and sustainability
• Finance and Procurement Management:
  • Establish and operationalize the Finance and Procurement divisions within the organization
  • Develop finance and procurement policies, procedures, and best practices in line with university and national, and international regulations and accounting policies
  • Oversee finance and procurement activities to ensure compliance with regulations, transparency, efficiency, and value for money
  • Ensure vendor compliance and contract management standards are met
• Communication with Government, Auditors, and Senior Management:
  • Communication with the Government Finance Department to ensure compliance with their requirements and provisions of any information or reports required
  • Work with internal, external, and government auditors on annual reports or special audit assignments
  • Prepare financial reports and financial presentations for senior management and Board of Trustees
  • Provide regular reports to management and department heads related to budgets and the financial health of the organization
• Leadership and Strategic Oversight:
  • Provide leadership and direction to the finance and procurement teams
  • Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, audit standards, and institutional policies
  • Collaborate with other units, university leadership, and external partners
  • Implement financial systems, technologies, and process improvements

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting
• Master's degree or professional qualifications in accounting (CPA, ACCA or CMA)

• Minimum of 9 years' experience as a finance manager of a finance department with at least 4 years in a leadership role within a university, higher education institution, or similar organization
• Experience working in the UAE's regulatory environment and financial practices is preferred
• Proven experience in developing and managing budgets, financial reporting, and compliance in an academic or large organizational setting
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial planning, and procurement management
• Strong knowledge of financial regulations, grant compliance, and procurement practices.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and financial reporting tools

• Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic
• Experience in financial matters in educational institutions
• Experience working with international donors or government-funded projects
• Understanding of academic or non-profit funding environments
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
• Contact information for three professional references

Send your application via email to and include the position title in the subject line.

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Financial Leadership Position

This position oversees and directs the day-to-day operations of the finance department.

• Organizing and monitoring all affairs related to finance.
• Preparing and controlling budgets.
• Overseeing equipment purchases.
• Maintaining monthly reconciliations with owners.
• Reporting progress to regional offices.
• Establishing professional relationships with owners.
• Coordinating system setups with the IT department.
• Ensuring compliance with management agreements.
• Managing cash flow and budgets.

• Minimum of 10 years in finance and accounting leadership.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role within hospitality.
• Strong financial regulatory knowledge.
• Strategic development skills.
• Analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency in financial software.
• Relevant bachelor's degree.
• Desirable: MBA or advanced degree.

A well-established real estate investment and development group in Makkah, backed by a reputable Saudi family.

• Lead, manage, and develop the finance team, ensuring efficient bookkeeping, accurate reporting, and strong internal controls.
• Implement modern financial systems and processes to support business growth and transparency.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and feasibility studies for new projects and investments.
• Analyse and recommend optimal capital structures, including leveraging assets and evaluating funding options.
• Provide strategic advice on land acquisition, collateralization, and debt financing.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS for SMEs, with the ability to transition to full IFRS as needed.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align financial strategies with corporate goals.
• Manage relationships with external auditors and ensure timely issuance of audited financial statements.
• Proven track record as a VP or Finance Director or CFO within real estate investment and development.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS (including IFRS for SMEs) and Saudi regulatory requirements.
• Experience in financial systems implementation, strategic planning, and capital structuring.
• Skilled in evaluating investment opportunities and conducting feasibility studies.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to operate in a family-owned business environment.
• Willing to relocate and commit to a long-term career in Makkah.
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This role is a key leadership position that oversees all financial operations ensuring stability, growth, and profitability across diverse portfolios.

• Financial Management: Oversee reporting, forecasting, and strategic planning to drive business success.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Manage budgeting processes and align financial performance with business objectives.
• Financial Reporting: Ensure compliance with accounting standards, oversee month-end and year-end closings, and coordinate external audits.
• Treasury Management: Oversee cash flow, credit lines, and debt financing to maintain liquidity and financial stability.
• Cost Control & Profitability: Optimize inventory, supplier negotiations, and cost structures to enhance profitability.
• Financial Systems & Controls: Implement strong financial controls and ensure seamless integration with IT systems.
• Project Management: Manage financial aspects of new project launches ensuring cost control and strategic alignment.

• Candidate Requirements: Bachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or related field. CPA, CMA, or a Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: 10 years in finance or accounting with 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in financial management software, ERP systems, and Excel.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and manage large-scale financial operations.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to financial planning and business growth.
• Communication: Ability to present complex financial data clearly to executive stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving financial success and growth in a fast-paced environment.

Industries: Fragrance and Packaging (Perfume & Cosmetics Industry)

About Us

At Identiscents a wellestablished Frenchfounded business we focus on sourcing distributing and customizing packaging solutions and fine fragrances for the perfumery beauty personal care and home care industries. With almost three decades of experience we have delivered more than 1000 global brands. Our team of experts dedication to fostering strong partnerships with suppliers allows us to stay flexible sustainable and responsive to the changing market landscape.

Serving major brands in the GCC the company has an extensive network of clients across GCC countries Asia and Europe and continues to grow its presence globally.

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic CFO to lead financial planning analysis and control across the fragrance and packaging divisions. The CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy ensuring regulatory compliance managing risk and driving sustainable growth. As a key member of the leadership team this role partners closely with business heads and senior management to support informed decisionmaking and optimize overall financial performance.

The ideal candidate will be handson detailoriented and forwardthinking with strong business acumen leadership capabilities and a proven ability to align financial operations with longterm business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Planning & Budgeting
• Lead the development and execution of annual budgets longterm financial forecasts and business plans.
• Align financial strategy with business goals ensuring strong cost control profitability and investment planning.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports including income statements balance sheets and cash flow analyses.
• Analyze financial performance against KPIs and provide actionable insights to support commercial decisions.
• Present financial updates to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure operational liquidity and financial stability.
• Oversee treasury functions including banking relationships

The Chief Finance Officer is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health of the organization. This individual leads financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and reporting activities. The Finance Director ensures compliance with financial regulations and provides insightful financial analysis to support decision-making at the executive level.

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the company's long-term objectives.
• Provide executive management with accurate and timely financial and operational information.
• Play a key role in formulating the company's future direction and supporting strategic initiatives.

• Lead annual budgeting and long-term financial planning processes.
• Analyze financial results, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify trends.
• Prepare financial forecasts and scenario planning for senior leadership.

• Oversee all accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, IFRS, tax regulations, and internal policies.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies as needed.

• Manage cash flow planning and ensure the availability of funds.
• Optimize the company's financial structure, including capital allocation and investment strategies.
• Maintain relationships with financial institutions and manage debt facilities if applicable.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks.
• Implement internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure financial integrity.
• Monitor and ensure adequate insurance coverage and risk management procedures.

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team.
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and provide coaching and development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably in the perfume, cosmetics, or luxury industry.
• Deep knowledge of financial principles, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., ERP systems, Excel, financial modeling tools).

Hiring a Chief Financial Officer to join our client's Dubai-based organization.

This is a key leadership role with a direct impact on the group's financial strategy and growth.

• 12-15 years of senior finance leadership experience, ideally within a holding group or multinational
• Proven success overseeing group-level finance across multiple entities
• Strong expertise in financial strategy, M&A, budgeting, fundraising, risk management, and IFRS compliance
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and develop high-performing teams

This role reports directly to the Group CEO and plays a critical role in shaping the long-term financial health of the business.