We are hiring for our client, a leading organization in the insurance sector, seeking an accomplished Financial Controller to join their finance leadership team in Dubai. The role will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day Finance function while ensuring strong financial reporting, controls, regulatory compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and financial operations.
This is a high-impact opportunity for a finance professional with strong insurance industry expertise who can strengthen financial governance, drive reporting excellence, support strategic decision-making, and lead continuous improvements across the Finance function.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Reporting & Regulatory Compliance:
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with IFRS, IFRS 17, and applicable accounting standards.
- Ensure the integrity of financial statements, disclosures, general ledger, and chart of accounts.
- Coordinate the preparation of Board, management, shareholder, and regulatory reporting.
- Lead the preparation and submission of CBUAE regulatory returns and ensure compliance with applicable reporting requirements.
Financial Controls, Risk & Governance:
- Lead and manage the Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) framework, including risk and control matrices, control testing, and remediation of deficiencies.
- Monitor the effectiveness of financial controls and strengthen the overall financial control environment.
- Identify, assess, and monitor financial and operational risks impacting the Finance function.
- Ensure finance activities remain aligned with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and financial control standards.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Performance:
- Coordinate annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, financial projections, and variance analysis.
- Monitor actual financial performance against budget and provide meaningful management insights.
- Support business planning and strategic initiatives through robust financial analysis.
- Assist senior leadership in evaluating business opportunities and investment proposals.
Treasury, Audit & Tax:
- Oversee treasury operations, cash management, liquidity monitoring, and banking relationships.
- Oversee accounts payable, receivable, reconciliations, and financial transaction processes.
- Manage relationships with Internal Audit, External Auditors, regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders.
- Oversee VAT and Corporate Tax compliance, including filings, tax governance, documentation, audits, and engagement with the Federal Tax Authority.
Finance Leadership & Continuous Improvement:
- Lead, develop, and mentor the Finance team while supporting succession planning and professional development.
- Review and enhance finance policies, procedures, systems, workflows, and controls.
- Identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and cost optimisation across Finance operations.
- Drive continuous improvement and ensure finance processes remain aligned with business objectives.
Key Requirements:
Education & Professional Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
- Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
- Professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CPA, CA, or equivalent.
Experience & Insurance Expertise:
- 8–12 years of relevant finance experience, including at least 5 years in a senior finance leadership position.
- Strong experience in insurance accounting, financial reporting, IFRS, and IFRS 17.
- Proven experience with CBUAE regulatory reporting and UAE insurance industry requirements.
- Experience with IFRS 17 implementation and reporting.
- Experience managing audits, regulatory reporting, and finance transformation initiatives.
- Big Four audit experience is preferred.
Technical & Financial Expertise:
- Strong knowledge of ICFR, risk and control assessment, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, treasury, and cash flow management.
- Strong understanding of UAE VAT and Corporate Tax compliance.
- Proficiency in financial systems, ERP platforms, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
- Strong understanding of financial governance, reporting controls, and regulatory requirements.
Leadership & Professional Skills:
- Strong leadership, strategic thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and commercial skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, influencing, and negotiation abilities.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, and accountability.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.