Financial Controller (Onsite â Full Ownership Role)

OnHires; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Dubai is seeking a Financial Controller to own the monthly close process and ensure rigorous financial control. The successful candidate will lead the finance team, ensuring compliance with GAAP/IFRS standards and preparing detailed financial statements. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, at least 8 years of experience in financial control, and proficiency in major accounting software. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in accounting or financial control.
• At least 2 years as a Controller or final reviewer.
• Mastery of GAAP or IFRS.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own the monthly close process from start to finish.
• Prepare statutory financial statements and ensure compliance.
• Deliver monthly P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements.

Skills

Multi-entity accounting

Revenue recognition

Tax compliance

Documentation discipline

English communication (Fluent)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Zoho Books

Xero

NetSuite

Job description

Financial Controller (Onsite Full Ownership Role)

Location: Onsite UAE

Reports to: CEO

Department: Finance

Type: Full-Time Senior Leadership

Role Overview

This is not a passive review from a distance position. You'll be physically embedded with the team leading the month-end close, reviewing and approving all journal entries, enforcing financial discipline and making sure no number leaves the finance department unchecked.

If the numbers don't add up you know why.

If a deadline is at risk you're already ahead; when a risk exists you flag it and fix it.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control & Reporting

• Lead and own the monthly close process from start to finish.
• Review and approve all journal entries and reconciliations (banks, payment processors, intercompany, etc.).
• Maintain and enforce the Chart of Accounts and posting discipline.
• Deliver monthly P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements with full supporting schedules.
• Ensure all entries are fully documented and audit‑ready.
• Identify and elevate financial risks to the CEO with clear data‑backed reporting.

Statutory Audit & Tax

• Oversee VAT, payroll tax, and corporate tax preparation and filings.
• Coordinate with external auditors to ensure a smooth year‑end process.
• Prepare statutory financial statements and ensure compliance with UAE and international accounting standards.

Treasury & Payments

• Oversee payment review and approval workflows.
• Monitor and report on weekly cash positions with full reconciliation detail.
• Liaise with banks and payment partners to support operational finance.

Team & Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Work closely with the Finance Manager, Senior Accountant, and other teams.
• Review output for accuracy and compliance, providing corrective feedback.
• Maintain and strengthen internal control processes.
• Present monthly red/yellow/green finance health status to the CEO.

Why Onsite Matters

• Review and verify source documentation.
• Lead real‑time close meetings and approvals.
• Collaborate closely with operational and finance teams.
• Maintain complete visibility and control over processes.

The Right Candidate Can…

• Instantly explain our financial position and close status.
• Present audit‑ready schedules without last‑minute scrambling.
• Spot and resolve discrepancies before they reach leadership.
• Build stronger processes when weaknesses are found.

Success in This Role Means…

• Month‑end close is on‑time, accurate, and complete.
• Financial reports are clear, consistent and actionable.
• No unexplained entries or missing reconciliations.
• Finance operations run smoothly because expectations and controls are clear.
• Leadership trusts your numbers and your judgment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA/CA preferred).
• Minimum 8 years in accounting or financial control.
• At least 2 years as a Controller or final reviewer.
• Mastery of GAAP or IFRS.
• Experience in:
• • Multi‑entity accounting
• • Revenue recognition
• • Tax compliance (VAT, payroll tax, statutory)
• • Internal controls and reconciliations
• • Proficiency in ERPs such as Zoho Books, Xero or NetSuite.
• Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong discipline in documentation and audit preparation.

Bonus Experience

• Worked in SaaS eLearning or fintech environments.
• Built or cleaned up close processes in scaling businesses.
• Liaised directly with regulators or compliance teams.
• Experience with UAE tax systems and cross‑border operations.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a short note covering:

• Where you've led or owned the month‑end close process.
• An example of a financial issue you caught early and resolved.
• Your most‑used accounting system and one you'd never use again.