Chief Financial Officer (Real Estate & Hospitality Developments)

The Greater Change; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greater Change is seeking an accomplished Chief Financial Officer to lead the finance function for an expanding real estate and hospitality portfolio in the UAE. Reporting to the Board, the CFO will shape financial strategy, oversee treasury, budgeting and governance while partnering with executive leadership to drive long‑term value creation.

Ideal candidates bring 10–15 years of leadership experience, strong expertise in project finance and UAE market knowledge, and a track record of

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive finance leadership experience.
• Previous experience as CFO, Finance Director or Head of Finance.
• Strong experience within Real Estate Development, Property Investment or capital‑intensive businesses.
• Proven expertise in project finance, treasury and banking relationships.
• Experience operating within the UAE or GCC markets.
• Knowledge of RERA regulations and escrow structures.
• Experience with Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and international hospitality operators is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and governance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• High level of integrity, commercial acumen and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall financial strategy for the organization.
• Own full P&L and Balance Sheet accountability.
• Build scalable finance systems, reporting structures and governance frameworks.
• Drive profitability, capital efficiency and financial performance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long‑term financial planning.
• Manage cash flow, treasury operations and working capital.
• Oversee project financing, banking relationships and debt facilities.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting; strengthen internal controls.
• Support land acquisitions and development financing; monitor project cash flows and margins.
• Provide financial leadership for branded hospitality projects; review HMAs and franchise agreements.
• Ensure compliance with UAE financial and regulatory requirements; manage external stakeholders and lead the finance team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial planning

Governance & compliance

Commercial acumen

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a rapidly growing real estate development organization operating under a diversified investment group in the United Arab Emirates.

The business is expanding its development portfolio across residential, hospitality and mixed‑use assets while strengthening its financial governance, operational excellence and institutional capabilities.

With an ambitious growth strategy and significant investment pipeline, the company is seeking an experienced finance leader to partner with executive leadership and drive long‑term value creation.

This is a confidential executive search assignment.
Job Description

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the organization's finance function and build institutional‑grade financial infrastructure to support a rapidly expanding real estate development portfolio.

Reporting directly to the Board, the CFO will be responsible for financial strategy, corporate finance, treasury, project financing, governance, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and overall financial performance.

The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership to ensure strong financial discipline while supporting strategic growth initiatives across real estate and branded hospitality developments.

Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute the overall financial strategy.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Board and executive leadership.
• Own full P&L and Balance Sheet accountability.
• Build scalable finance systems, reporting structures and governance frameworks.
• Drive profitability, capital efficiency and financial performance.

Financial Planning & Treasury

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long‑term financial planning.
• Manage cash flow, treasury operations and working capital.
• Oversee project financing, banking relationships and debt facilities.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Strengthen internal controls and audit readiness.

Real Estate Development Finance

• Evaluate project feasibility and investment opportunities.
• Support land acquisitions and development financing.
• Monitor project cash flows, margins and cost controls.
• Ensure escrow compliance and payment‑plan governance.
• Partner with project and commercial teams on financial matters.

Hospitality Development

• Provide financial leadership for branded hospitality projects.
• Review Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and franchise agreements.
• Manage hotel pre‑opening budgets and opening costs.
• Oversee FF&E budgeting and working capital planning.
• Support owner‑operator financial reporting and compliance.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with UAE financial and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with banks, auditors and external stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor the finance team.
• Establish best‑in‑class governance and reporting standards.

Requirements

• 10–15 years of progressive finance leadership experience.
• Previous experience as CFO, Finance Director or Head of Finance.
• Strong experience within Real Estate Development, Property Investment or capital‑intensive businesses.
• Proven expertise in project finance, treasury and banking relationships.
• Experience operating within the UAE or GCC markets.
• Knowledge of RERA regulations and escrow structures.
• Experience with Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and international hospitality operators is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and governance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• High level of integrity, commercial acumen and strategic thinking.

What We Offer

• Competitive executive compensation package.
• Performance‑based annual bonus.
• Opportunity to influence strategic business decisions.
• Executive leadership role within a growing organization.
• Long‑term career growth within a high‑performing environment.