Financial Controller

Al Etihad Payments; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance with local regulations. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, experience in the UAE financial landscape, and proficiency in financial software. This role offers competitive compensation and a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Comprehensive health insurance

Child educational allowance

Annual flight tickets (where eligible)

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years in a controller or similar role, preferably in the UAE or GCC region.
• Experience with small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present monthly financial statements in compliance with IFRS.
• Develop and manage the annual budget with department heads.
• Ensure adherence to UAE tax laws and financial reporting standards.
• Oversee cash flow planning and treasury functions.
• Act as a key financial advisor to the CEO.

Skills

Financial software proficiency

Advanced MS Excel

Analytical thinking

Strong communication skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA, ACCA, or CMA certification preferred

Tools

Financial software

ERP systems

Job description

Financial Controller - Open Finance

Al Etihad Payments empowers employees to work in an environment that best promotes their productivity and well-being, while providing high-quality workplace and fantastic professional experience.

Get to Know Us

Al Etihad Payments is the UAE’s designated retail payments entity, dedicated to developing and operating world-class infrastructure, standards, and solutions for the UAE Economy. Al Etihad Payments is a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, strongly supported by the UAE Government.

Our employees are committed to work with licensed financial institutions and other payment service providers to foster innovation and deliver excellent financial services to all in the UAE, efficiently and without friction.

Al Etihad Payments supports the government’s objectives of a cashless society, national digitization, and the Central Bank of the UAE objective of being a top ten central bank globally.

Our Culture

We are a collaborative, diverse and passionate group of individuals that works as one team. We support one another, make impactful contributions to the organization, and develop and nurture meaningful connections across the payment’s ecosystem!

About the role

The Financial Controller will oversee all financial operations of the company, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with local regulations (including UAE VAT and Central Bank of the UAE guidelines), and effective budgeting and forecasting. This role is pivotal in providing strategic financial insights to support the company’s growth, while managing a lean team or operating as the sole financial lead. The ideal candidate will bring a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and experience in the UAE financial landscape.

What You’ll Do

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and present monthly MI and quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS and UAE regulatory requirements.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide actionable insights to senior management for decision‑making.
• Maintain accurate general ledger accounts and oversee the month‑end and year‑end close processes

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Develop and manage the annual budget, working closely with department heads to align financial goals with business objectives.
• Provide rolling forecasts to anticipate cash flow needs and support strategic planning.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to UAE tax laws (e.g., VAT), labor regulations, and financial reporting standards.
• Implement and monitor internal controls to mitigate financial risks and prevent fraud.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies as needed.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Oversee cash flow planning, banking relationships, and treasury functions to optimize liquidity.
• Manage accounts payable, receivable, and payroll processes efficiently in addition to collections processes alongside our operations team for client monies.

Process Improvement

• Streamline financial processes and implement cost‑saving measures to enhance operational efficiency.
• Leverage accounting software to automate and improve reporting accuracy.

Strategic Support

• Act as a key financial advisor to the CEO, providing data‑driven recommendations for business expansion or investment opportunities, including presenting to the Board of the Company

Support negotiations with banks, suppliers, and clients to secure favorable terms.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA, ACCA, or CMA certification preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 2‑3 years in a controller or similar role, preferably in the UAE or GCC region. Experience with small to medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) is a plus.

Technical and Behavioral Skills

• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.) and financial modeling.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of UAE financial regulations, including VAT, corporate tax developments, and open finance frameworks.
• Language: Fluency in English and Arabic
• Analytical thinker with excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to accuracy and deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference is given to Certified Public Accountant/ Chartered Financial Analyst qualifications.
• Regional experience in the UAE is preferred.
• Proficiency in written and spoken Arabic is considered a strong asset.

What you can expect from us

• Modern work environment with level of flexibility.
• Dynamic and motivated team of colleagues working towards achieving UAE National Objectives.
• Competitive compensation package, including annual bonus and additional benefits like child educational allowance and annual flight tickets (where eligible);
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage;