Group Head – Finance – Textile/Trading/Distribution – CA We-Ace

The Corporate Institute; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corporate Institute in Dubai seeks a Group Head of Finance to lead the company's finance function, oversee budgeting and reporting, and drive cash flow optimization. You will coordinate with sales, procurement, logistics and management to improve financial performance and ensure compliance with UAE regulations.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in senior finance roles within trading or distribution sectors, strong banking relationships, and expertise in VAT and Corporate Tax.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
• CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA or equivalent qualification preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant finance experience, preferably in a senior role.
• Experience in textile, trading, wholesale, distribution or import/export is highly preferred.
• Strong cash flow, working capital, receivables, payables and cost control expertise.
• Proficient with UAE banking, loans, LCs, guarantees and trade finance concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance and Accounting function for the company.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, cash flow, financial reports and management accounts.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, receivables, payables and inventory.
• Oversee collections and manage overdue payments with customers and sales.
• Coordinate with banks, lenders and trade finance facilities.
• Review and reduce shipment costs and demurrage charges.
• Ensure regulatory compliance including VAT and Corporate Tax.
• Provide financial analysis and strategic recommendations to management.
• Collaborate with Sales, Procurement, Logistics and Management to improve performance.
• Oversee banking relationships, facility limits, repayments and renewals.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical

Leadership

Excel

ERP/Accounting systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration

CA/ACCA/CPA/CMA or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Role Overview:

There is an immediate opening for Group Head of Finance based in Dubai.

Reporting to: Group Management / Owner

Key Responsibilities:

• - Manage the overall Finance and Accounting function of the company.
• - Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, cash flow, financial reports, and management accounts.
• - Monitor the company’s cash flow, working capital, receivables, payables, and inventory.
• - Take responsibility for customer collections and closely follow up on overdue payments.
• - Work with the Sales Team to set collection targets and ensure the team actively follows up with customers for payment.
• - Monitor customer credit limits, outstanding balances, and overdue accounts.
• - Manage supplier payments and ensure payments are planned according to cash flow and agreed terms.
• - Monitor all costs related to international shipments, including freight, customs, clearance, port, storage, detention, and demurrage charges.
• - Identify unnecessary shipment costs and implement measures to reduce demurrage and other avoidable expenses.
• - Review shipment costs and ensure they are properly recorded and allocated.
• - Manage relationships with banks and financial institutions.
• - Manage and monitor bank loans, overdrafts, credit facilities, Letters of Credit (LCs), guarantees, and trade finance facilities.
• - Support management in negotiating better banking facilities, payment terms, and financing costs.
• - Monitor bank facility limits, repayments, interest, and renewal requirements.
• - Prepare and manage sales commissions and incentive calculations in line with company policies.
• - Ensure compliance with applicable UAE laws, VAT, Corporate Tax, banking, and financial regulations.
• - Coordinate with external auditors, tax consultants, banks, and other professional advisers.
• - Review company expenses and identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved efficiency.
• - Provide management with clear financial analysis and recommendations for business decisions.
• - Work closely with Sales, Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse, and Management to improve financial performance.
• - Lead and manage the Finance Team and ensure accurate and timely completion of financial activities.
• - Manage and monitor the business owner's personal banking and financial transactions, including reconciliations, payments, transfers, and other financial requirements, with the highest level of confidentiality and discretion.
• - Support management with financial planning, business expansion, and other strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience:

• - Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• - CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• - Minimum 10 years of relevant finance experience, preferably in a senior finance position.
• - Experience in textile, trading, wholesale, distribution, import/export, or similar businesses is highly preferred.
• - Strong practical experience in customer collections, cash flow, working capital, and cost control.
• - Good understanding of international shipments, import costs, freight, customs, port charges, demurrage, and detention.
• - Strong experience dealing with UAE banks, loans, credit facilities, LCs, guarantees, and trade finance.
• - Good knowledge of UAE financial regulations, VAT, and Corporate Tax.
• - Strong Excel and ERP/accounting system skills.
• - Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills.
• - Strong ability to work with and hold Sales and other departments accountable for financial targets.
• - High level of confidentiality, integrity, and discretion, particularly when handling sensitive company and owner's financial information.
• - Ability to work in a fast-paced trading environment and manage multiple priorities.

Key Performance Areas:

• - Improving customer collections and reducing overdue balances.
• - Improving cash flow and working capital.
• - Reducing demurrage and unnecessary shipment expenses.
• - Controlling company expenses.
• - Managing banking facilities and financing costs effectively.
• - Improving financial reporting and management information.
• - Supporting the Sales Team in achieving collection targets.
• - Ensuring strong financial controls and regulatory compliance.

Contact: [phone]