Finance Manager

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Strategic exposure to senior leaders

Direct interaction with board

Long-term career development

Working on high-profile projects

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Michael Page is representing a premier client in Abu Dhabi seeking a senior finance leader to drive strategy, governance and project-based financial management. You will oversee budgeting, forecast and reporting across large-scale projects in the built environment, partnering with senior leaders to optimise cash flow and profitability.

The role requires a strong track record in corporate finance, project accounting, and regulatory compliance within the UAE market; on-site presence five days a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Professional qualification is mandatory: CA, CMA, ACCA or CPA.
• Minimum 10 years of finance experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in construction, engineering consultancy, or project-based environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and planning.
• Experience with UAE VAT, corporate tax and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing audits, treasury activities and internal controls.
• Excellent understanding of project accounting and contract-based finance.
• Proficient with accounting systems and ERP platforms.
• On-site Abu Dhabi availability five days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall finance function and ensure financial stability and growth.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements per standards and regulations.
• Develop reporting frameworks to support analysis, forecasting and decision making.
• Monitor profitability, utilization and margins across projects and units.
• Deliver insights and recommendations for strategic decisions.
• Lead annual budgeting and long-term forecasting.
• Partner with operations to align budgets with project plans.
• Maintain rolling forecasts incorporating delays and risks.
• Oversee project accounting: revenue recognition, WIP, profitability.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, working capital and treasury.
• Oversee collections, supplier payments and payroll obligations.
• Ensure UAE VAT, corporate tax and regulatory compliance.
• Lead external audits and statutory reporting.
• Develop internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Mentor and lead a team of two finance professionals.
• Build relationships with banks, auditors and regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Financial leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Project accounting

ERP systems

UAE VAT & tax compliance

Audits & internal controls

Stakeholder management

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

CA, CMA, ACCA or CPA

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

• Play a key role in shaping financial strategy and business growth
• Lead impactful projects while working closely with senior leaders

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established consultancy operating across large-scale projects within the built environment sector. The organisation has a strong reputation for delivering complex projects and is continuing to expand its operations across the UAE, creating an opportunity for a commercially minded finance leader to join the business.

Job Description

• Lead the overall finance function and ensure the financial stability and growth of the business
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements
• Develop and maintain reporting frameworks that support business analysis, forecasting, and executive decision-making
• Monitor financial performance, profitability, utilisation, and operating margins across projects and business units
• Produce detailed project cost analysis, variance reports, and performance dashboards for senior management
• Deliver financial insights and recommendations to support strategic and commercial decisions
• Lead the annual budgeting process and long-term financial forecasting activities
• Partner with operational leaders to ensure budgets accurately reflect project plans and resource requirements
• Maintain rolling forecasts by incorporating project delays, variations, and business risks
• Oversee project accounting including revenue recognition, work-in-progress tracking, and profitability analysis
• Manage progress billings, retention balances, variations, and claims in line with contractual requirements
• Implement robust project cost centre accounting and reporting structures
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, working capital, and treasury functions
• Oversee collections and support the resolution of outstanding receivables
• Manage supplier payments, payroll-related financial obligations, and banking relationships
• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT, corporate tax, labour regulations, and statutory requirements
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and financial information
• Lead external audits and ensure timely completion of statutory reporting obligations
• Assess financial risks related to projects, contracts, and operational activities and implement mitigation strategies
• Provide financial input into strategic initiatives, investments, partnerships, and growth opportunities
• Conduct financial modelling, scenario planning, and investment appraisals
• Support workforce planning through close collaboration with HR on manpower budgets and employee costs
• Mentor, develop, and lead a team of two finance professionals
• Build and maintain relationships with banks, auditors, regulators, clients, and other stakeholders
• Represent the finance function in senior leadership discussions and business planning activities

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline
• Professional qualification is mandatory: CA, CMA, ACCA, or CPA
• Minimum 10 years of finance experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Experience within a construction, engineering consultancy, or project-based environment would be highly preferred
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Proven experience in UAE VAT, corporate tax, and regulatory compliance
• Experience managing audits, treasury activities, and internal controls
• Strong understanding of project accounting and contract-based financial management
• Proficiency with accounting and ERP systems
• Ability to work on-site in Abu Dhabi five days per week
• Experience leading and developing finance teams

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a growing and reputable organisation
• Strategic position with direct exposure to senior leadership
• Broad responsibility across finance operations and business partnering
• Leadership role with team management responsibility
• Collaborative and professional working environment
• Exposure to large-scale and high-profile projects
• Long-term career development opportunities