Finance Manager - Media Agency

Salt; Dubai; On-site; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt in Dubai seeks a Finance Director to oversee the financial health of its UAE operations, lead planning, reporting, budgeting, and compliance with UAE standards. The role requires strong analytical skills and experience in media/advertising finance.

You will partner with client servicing and operations, manage treasury and controls, and provide strategic financial recommendations to senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field required.
• Professional qualification such as CPA/ACCA CMA or CA preferred.
• Experience in a media/advertising agency finance environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day finance and accounting activities for Dubai operations.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports on time.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital; manage treasury functions.
• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT, tax regulations, and financial laws.
• Coordinate with auditors, tax consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Develop internal controls and financial policies.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

ERP systems

Cash flow management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or related field

Professional qualification (CPA/ACCA CMA CA)

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Finance Director

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Finance Manager to oversee the financial health of our Dubai operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for financial planning, reporting, budgeting, compliance, cash flow management, and supporting strategic decision-making. This role requires strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, and a solid understanding of UAE financial regulations and reporting standards. Candidates must have prior experience working within a media agency environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the company’s day-to-day finance and accounting activities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports accurately and on time.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with UAE tax regulations, VAT requirements, and relevant financial laws.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, financial policies, and procedures.
• Analyze financial data and provide insights to support business growth and profitability.
• Support senior management with strategic financial recommendations and risk analysis.
• Manage banking relationships and oversee treasury functions.
• Partner closely with client servicing and operational teams to support the financial needs of an agency-led business.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team where applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional qualification such as CPA, ACCA, CMA, or CA preferred.
• Must have previous finance experience within a media agency or advertising agency environment.
• Strong understanding of agency financial operations, including client billing, reconciliations, supplier management, and revenue tracking.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
• Good understanding of UAE VAT, corporate finance practices, and local regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in the UAE or GCC region.
• Knowledge of IFRS and local statutory reporting requirements.
• Commercially minded with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to partner with operational teams and senior stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the pace and commercial dynamics of a media agency business.