Financial Controller

Lockton; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading reinsurance firm is looking for a Financial Controller to oversee financial activities in Dubai. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience in finance, strong technical knowledge of accounting, and familiarity with DFSA and KSA regulations. Responsibilities include leading financial reporting and compliance, supporting strategic finance initiatives, and managing external audits. This is a full-time permanent role offering hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in financial control or broking finance, preferably in reinsurance.
• Proven experience with DFSA regulations and Client Money handling.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close and financial reporting process.
• Prepare and submit all DFSA returns.
• Supervise the IBA function ensuring timely settlement.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
• Manage external audits and statutory financial statements.

Skills

Technical knowledge in accounting

Understanding of DFSA and KSA regulations

Commercial acumen

Leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

ERP systems proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance

Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA)

Tools

Oracle PeopleSoft

Praktora

Job description

General information Reference 003649 Location

Middle East / North Africa Dubai Dubai

Work Place Hybrid

Region Middle East/North Africa

Job Profile Lockton - Experienced Professional

Title Financial Controller

Description

Job Purpose

The Financial Controller Lockton MENA Limited is responsible for overseeing all financial control activities for the reinsurance broking entity registered in DIFC and will assume additional oversight responsibilities for Lockton Reinsurance Brokers KSA (LRB KSA) once live. The role combines technical accounting expertise with commercial insight to support business growth, financial integrity, and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the Regional Financial Controller this role works closely with broking, compliance and operations teams across MENA to ensure accurate reporting, financial governance and strategic support in line with UK GAAP IFRS and regional regulatory frameworks.

1. Financial Control & Month-End Close

• Lead the month-end close and financial reporting process for Lockton MENA Limited and LRB KSA (once live) ensuring timely and accurate reporting in accordance with UK GAAP and IFRS.
• Manage general ledger integrity including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, prepayments and intercompany transactions.
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled monthly with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Oversee correct handling, reconciliation and reporting of Client Money Accounts (CMA) for both entities.

2. Regulatory & Statutory Compliance (DFSA & KSA IA)

• Prepare and submit all DFSA returns within deadline dates for Lockton MENA Limited.
• Coordinate with the local KSA finance team and external consultants to ensure compliance with the KSA Insurance Authority's financial reporting and regulatory obligations including ZATCA VAT/e-invoicing compliance.
• Maintain readiness for inspection and regulatory audits across both jurisdictions.
• Monitor cash flow and capital adequacy in line with DFSA EBCM and KSA regulatory requirements.

3. IBA Oversight

• Supervise the IBA (Insurance Broking Accounts) function ensuring timely settlement of premiums, return premiums and claims.
• Oversee client and insurer ledger reconciliations, aged debt reporting and broker queries.
• Ensure proper segregation of client and office funds in both the UAE and KSA.
• Support the establishment and operationalization of the IBA function for LRB KSA including process setup, system integration and controls.

4. Commercial & Strategic Finance

• Support the Regional Financial Controller and CFO with budgeting, forecasting and performance tracking across Lockton MENA and LRB KSA.
• Prepare revenue and cost analysis by class of business and region.
• Provide financial input into commercial initiatives including new market entry, hiring decisions and platform implementation (e.g. Praktora rollout in KSA).
• Monitor broker-level KPIs, EBITDA trends and working capital performance across the region.

Candidate Profile

5. Business Partnering

• Act as finance partner to broking, compliance and operational teams in both DIFC and KSA.
• Provide guidance on client pricing, commercial terms and contract structuring.
• Collaborate on MENA-wide finance initiatives and group-wide projects including new entity setup, intercompany governance and investment cases.

6. Audit Tax & External Reporting

• Manage external audits and statutory financial statements for Lockton MENA Limited and support the audit process for LRB KSA.
• Coordinate with tax advisors on VAT, corporate tax and transfer pricing for both jurisdictions.
• Support preparation of board reporting packs and financial updates to senior leadership.

7. Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead, coach and develop the IBA and finance team to ensure capability and performance.
• Identify and implement improvements in financial systems, controls and reporting processes.
• Support the setup and development of the KSA finance function ensuring adherence to group financial governance standards.
• Promote a culture of integrity, compliance and continuous improvement across all finance activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent).
• Minimum 6 years of experience in financial control or broking finance, preferably in reinsurance or insurance.
• Proven experience with DFSA regulations and Client Money handling in the DIFC.
• Familiarity with KSA regulatory and VAT environment is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS.
• Experience supporting multi-jurisdictional finance operations is preferred.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge in accounting, broking finance and regulatory reporting.
• Understanding of DFSA and KSA financial regulatory environments.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to interpret financial data for decision-making.
• ERP and finance systems proficiency (e.g. Oracle PeopleSoft, Praktora).
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented and able to manage competing deadlines across jurisdictions.

Full Time Permanent