Head of Finance

Job Title: Head of Finance – DevelopmentDepartment: Finance & StrategyReports To: Chief Executive Officer / Managing DirectorPosition Overview:The Head of Finance – Development will lead the financial management and strategic direction of all development and investment projects within the organization. This role requires a strong financial strategist with hands-on expertise in project accounting, budgeting, feasibility, and investment analysis. The successful candidate should possess a balance of strategic vision and micromanagement capability to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and performance efficiency across all levels of operation.Key Responsibilities:Strategic & Financial Leadership:Develop and execute comprehensive financial strategies to support the organization’s development and growth objectives.Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to evaluate investment opportunities and drive financial decision-making.Oversee financial feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for new and ongoing projects.Establish long-term financial planning aligned with business goals and market dynamics.Operational & Micromanagement Responsibilities:Maintain close supervision and control over day-to-day financial operations, ensuring precision in budgeting, accounting, and reporting.Review and verify all major financial transactions, project costs, and fund utilization.Implement strict financial discipline, monitoring expenditures and approvals at each project stage.Identify process inefficiencies and enforce financial best practices across departments.Ensure the finance team adheres to deadlines, accuracy standards, and compliance guidelines.Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Control:Lead preparation of annual budgets, project budgets, and rolling forecasts.Continuously monitor financial performance versus targets and provide variance analysis.Develop and maintain robust cost control systems and project expenditure tracking tools.Funding & Treasury Management:Devise capital structuring and fundraising strategies through banks, investors, or joint ventures.Oversee liquidity, working capital, and treasury operations.Ensure optimal utilization of financial resources across multiple projects.Governance, Compliance & Risk Management:Ensure full compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, IFRS, and internal audit standards.Identify potential financial risks and establish effective mitigation plans.Liaise with auditors, legal advisors, and government authorities for statutory compliance.Maintain transparency and governance in all financial reporting and documentation.Leadership & Team Development:Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary finance team, fostering accountability, efficiency, and ownership.Encourage professional growth and skill development within the department.Promote a culture of precision, teamwork, and continuous improvement.Qualifications & Experience Requirements:Education:Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or Commerce.Master’s Degree (MBA) or professional qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA, CMA) preferred.Experience:Minimum 12–15 years of progressive financial experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.Proven track record in real estate development, infrastructure, or investment sectors.Strong background in project financing, budgeting, and micro-level operational control.Experience in managing multi-company or group-level finance functions.Hands-on experience with ERP systems, project accounting tools, and financial reporting software.Technical Skills:Financial modeling, investment analysis, and cash flow forecasting.In-depth knowledge of IFRS, corporate taxation, and compliance frameworks.Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, Power BI, and ERP systems (SAP / Oracle / Microsoft Dynamics).