Finance Director

Cruise Academy; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A maritime training institution in Dubai is seeking a Finance Director to provide strategic financial leadership for its global cruise operations. This role requires a strong background in financial planning, the ability to collaborate with senior stakeholders, and a commitment to mentorship. The ideal candidate will have cruise ship experience and a related degree or professional certification. Offering competitive accommodation and a 4:2 rotation, this position ensures a robust financial framework for organizational growth.

Benefits

Single cabin accommodation

4:2 rotation

Qualifications

• Previous cruise ship experience in a transferable role.
• Strong expertise in financial planning and analysis.
• Ability to work effectively with executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance of financial records with accounting standards.
• Manage working capital and capital allocation strategies.

Skills

Financial planning and analysis

Financial control frameworks

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related

Professional qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA)

Job description

Straight Talk. Real Experience. No Bull-ship. 🚢✨

At Cruise Academy, we don’t just teach it - we’ve lived it. Founded in 2017 by seafarers for seafarers, we specialize in maritime training and shipboard recruitment for the global cruise industry.

We tell it like it is - the good, the bad, and the downright exhausting. No sugarcoating, no sales pitch - just real, honest insights from those who’ve been there. Because you deserve to know exactly what to expect before stepping onboard.

We are MLC Certified and proudly audited and approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, ensuring the highest standards in training, recruitment, and compliance.

If you're serious about a career at sea, we’ll get you there - the right way.

Position Summary

The Finance Director provides strategic financial leadership for a global cruise operation, overseeing financial planning, reporting, compliance, and performance management across the fleet and corporate functions. This role partners with senior stakeholders to drive financial discipline, optimise business performance, and support long‑term organisational goals. The Finance Director leads cross‑functional teams and ensures integrity in financial controls, governance, and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial modelling

• Direct consolidated financial reporting and presentation to senior leadership

• Ensure accuracy and compliance of financial records in accordance with applicable accounting standards and policies

• Provide strategic financial insight to support business decisions and commercial initiatives

• Lead the development and implementation of financial policies, internal controls, and process improvements

• Oversee audit processes, including coordination with external auditors and internal stakeholders

• Manage working capital, cash flow planning, and capital allocation strategies

• Drive cost control initiatives and performance optimisation across departments

• Collaborate with operational leadership to align financial objectives with business strategies

• Lead, mentor, and develop finance team members to build a high‑performing function

• Ensure financial risk management and compliance with regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions of operation

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Non‑Negotiable Requirements

• Previous cruise ship experience in a transferable role

• Strong expertise in financial planning and analysis, reporting, and financial control frameworks

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly

Strongly Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field and/or a professional qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CFA) or equivalent recognised credential

• Exposure to audit management and interaction with external regulators

• Advanced strategic planning and business partnering experience

Contract Details

• Single cabin accommodation

• 4:2 rotation