Finance Manager

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Exposure to large-scale projects

Job summary

Michael Page is representing a well-established UAE consultancy seeking a Head of Finance to lead the finance function, drive strategy, and partner with senior leaders on large-scale projects in Abu Dhabi.

The role requires a CPA/CA equivalent and a minimum of 10 years in finance with 5+ in leadership, preferably in construction/engineering. On-site 5 days/week in Abu Dhabi.

Qualifications

• 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 construction/engineering consultancy or project-based environments is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and planning.
• Experience with UAE VAT, corporate tax, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading audits, treasury activities, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall finance function and ensure financial stability and growth.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements per standards/regulations.
• Develop reporting frameworks for analysis, forecasting, and executive decisions.
• Monitor profitability, utilization, margins across projects and units.
• Produce project cost analysis, variance reports, and dashboards for senior management.
• Lead annual budgeting and long-term forecasting.
• Partner with operations to align budgets with project plans.
• Maintain rolling forecasts including delays, variations, and risks.
• Oversee project accounting, revenue recognition, WIP, profitability.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, working capital, and treasury.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Project accounting

Cash flow management

Audit management

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

Professional qualification: CA CMA ACCA 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
• Minimum 5 years of 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

Contact: Cheyenne Coutinho

Quote job ref: JN-082026-7089915