Financial Controller (Onsite â Full Ownership Role)

OnHires; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Dubai seeks an experienced Financial Controller. The ideal candidate will lead the month-end close process, ensure compliance with UAE accounting standards, and maintain robust internal controls. A Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required, along with 8+ years of experience in accounting and financial control. This is a full-time, onsite role with opportunities for leadership and career advancement.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in accounting or financial control, with 2+ years as a Controller.
• Proficiency in financial documentation and audit preparation.
• Experience in multi-entity accounting and revenue recognition.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly close process from start to finish.
• Review and approve all journal entries and reconciliations.
• Coordinate with auditors for year-end processes.

Skills

GAAP or IFRS expertise

Financial reporting

Tax compliance

Internal controls

Fluent English

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.
Youll be physically embedded with the team leading the month-end close reviewing andapproving all journal entries enforcing financial discipline and making sure no number leavesthe finance department unchecked.

If the numbers dont add up you know why.
If a deadline is at risk youre already ahead of a risk exists you flag it and fix it.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial 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 supportingschedules

Ensure all entries are fully documented and audit-ready

Identify and escalate 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 andinternational 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

Youll be onsite to:

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

Bachelors 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 youve 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 youd never use again