Commercial Controller (Arabic Speaking)

Perfetti Van Melle; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Inclusive culture

L&D opportunities

International exposure

Flexible work

Wellbeing programs

Health & retirement benefits

Global brand

Job summary

Perfetti Van Melle is seeking a Commercial Controller for the Export Middle East, Africa DMCC team. You will oversee financial control of trade investments, rebates, and promotions across MEA, partnering with country teams to plan budgets and forecasts, and ensuring robust governance on BDAs and P2P processes.

The role requires strong analytical skills, ERP proficiency (SAP), and the ability to drive profitability across diverse markets while collaborating with global stakeholders and regional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
• Certifications such as CPA/CMA are advantageous.
• Proven track record in commercial finance control in a multinational, ideally FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Manage and control Trade Spend across MEA, incl. rebates, promotions, visibility, displays and e-commerce.
• Prepare budgets and latest estimates with country teams, review assumptions and plans.
• Monitor spend vs budget and forecast; highlight risks, variances and savings opportunities.
• Validate rebates, claims and debit notes against contracts and sales performance.
• Review BDAs and ensure payments are supported by signed agreements.
• Audit retailers' implementation of commitments and monitor visibility and promotions.
• Prepare P&L by retailer; identify low profitability accounts and actions to improve profitability.
• Review purchase requisitions/POs for cost classification, budget, approvals and documentation.
• Identify savings by reconciling commitments with activity and performance.
• Evaluate ROI of marketing activities and customer investments; support controls and audit requirements.
• Maintain trackers for Trade Spend, contracts, claims, savings, and actions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Financial control

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Proactive

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Admin

CPA / CMA advantageous

Tools

SAP

Excel (Advanced)

Data analytics tools

IMS market data

Job description

• 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.

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.

Personal Competencies

• 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.