Commercial Controller

Perfetti Van Melle Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Inclusive, collaborative environment

Learning and development opportunities

Global brand exposure

Job summary

Perfetti Van Melle Group seeks a Commercial Controller to oversee trade spend across MEA, ensuring proper budgeting, controls, and profitability. The role partners with country teams to monitor approvals, forecasts and ROI on promotions, while validating rebates and contract governance.

The ideal candidate will bring strong financial control experience in a multinational, preferably FMCG, with expertise in SAP, Excel, and data analytics, and a collaborative, detail‑oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
• CPA/CMA or equivalent advantageous.
• Experience in commercial financial control in a multinational, preferably FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Manage and control Trade Spend across MEA, including rebates, promotions, visibility, displays, and e-commerce activities.
• Partner with country teams to prepare budgets and latest estimates for commercial investments.
• Monitor spend vs budget and forecast; highlight risks, variances, overspend and potential savings.
• Validate customer rebate calculations, claims and debit notes against contracts and performance.
• Review contracts and BDAs; ensure payments have signed agreements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration

CPA/CMA advantageous

Tools

SAP

Excel

IMS

Job description

Commercial Controller

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Manage and control Trade Spend across MEA, including customer rebates, promotions, visibility, displays, e-commerce activities and other commercial investments.
• Partner with country teams to prepare annual Trade Spend budgets and latest estimates, review market assumptions and maintain detailed plans for commercial investments.
• Monitor actual spend and open commitments against budget and forecast, highlighting risks, variances, overspend and potential savings to Finance and commercial management.
• Validate customer rebate calculations, claims and debit notes against contractual terms, actual sales or IMS performance, activity execution and supporting documentation.
• Review commercial contracts and Business Development Agreements (BDAs), track validity and missing documentation, and ensure payments are supported by signed agreements.
• Conduct regular market and store visits to audit retailers’ implementation of contractual commitments, including agreed visibility, displays, promotions and other commercial activities.
• Prepare and review P&L reporting by retailer, highlight loss‑making or low‑profitability accounts, identify the underlying commercial drivers and recommend actions to improve profitability.
• Review commercial purchase requisitions and purchase orders for correct activity classification, GL account, Internal Order, budget availability, approvals and supporting documents.
• Identify savings opportunities by reconciling open commitments against actual activities, customer claims and market performance, and follow up on the reduction or closure of unnecessary purchase orders.
• Partner with the Marketing team to calculate and evaluate the ROI of marketing activities and customer investments, including promotions, visibility and display activities.
• Ensure commercial teams comply with company policies and approval requirements, including effective implementation of the “No PO, No Pay” policy, and support internal controls and audit requirements across commercial, procurement, OTC and P2P processes.
• Maintain commercial trackers covering Trade Spend, contracts, customer claims, savings, open commitments and outstanding actions.

OUR PERFECT CANDIDATE

We are looking for a highly analytical and detail‑oriented professional to join our team as a Commercial Controller. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in financial control, sound judgment, and effective communication skills, capable of partnering with diverse internal teams and external stakeholders to control commercial investments and safeguard company profitability.

Key Qualifications and Attributes

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, or equivalent are advantageous.
• Experience: Proven track record of managing commercial financial control within a multinational corporation, ideally within the FMCG sector or related industries. Familiarity with trade spend management, rebate accounting, and contract governance is essential.
• Technical Skills: Proficient with ERP systems (preferably SAP), advanced Excel capabilities including pivot tables and financial modeling, and experience using data analytics tools. Knowledge of IMS or similar market data platforms is desirable.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and persuasively to both finance and commercial stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy in reviewing financial documents, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment, coordinating cross‑functional inputs and delivering timely results.
• Proactive Problem‑Solving: Demonstrated capability to identify inefficiencies or risks within commercial spend and implement corrective actions.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all transactions.
• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to engage across departments and geographies to achieve common goals.
• Adaptable and resilient, comfortable navigating ambiguity and evolving commercial environments.
• Detail‑oriented but with an ability to see the broader business impact of financial decisions.

At Perfetti Van Melle, we embrace diversity and inclusion, seeking candidates who bring varied perspectives and experiences to our team. If you are passionate about commercial finance and keen to contribute to the success and growth of an innovative global company, we encourage you to apply.

WE OFFER

What We Offer

Joining Perfetti Van Melle Export Middle East & Africa DMCC as a Commercial Controller provides a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact on financial stewardship and commercial success across diverse markets.

• Competitive compensation package aligned with industry standards and reflecting your expertise and responsibilities.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Access to continuous learning and development programs designed to enhance your skills and career progression.
• Opportunities to engage with cross‑functional and international teams, broadening your exposure and professional network.
• A commitment to work‑life balance with flexible working arrangements where applicable.
• Participation in wellbeing initiatives and company‑sponsored events promoting health and community engagement.
• Comprehensive benefits including health coverage, retirement plans, and other employee support services.
• Engagement with a recognized global brand known for quality, innovation, and ethical business practices.

We are dedicated to fostering an environment where your contributions are valued and your potential can flourish. This is a chance to build a meaningful career while collaborating with talented colleagues committed to shared success and excellence.