Head of Finance

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A UAE-regulated payments entity is seeking a Head of Finance to lead the finance function, focusing on financial control, compliance, and fundraising. The ideal candidate will possess strong regulatory knowledge with experience in fintech or payments. This role requires a Chartered Accountant or MBA Finance and offers a strategic and hands-on environment.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of finance experience, starting in Big 4 (audit/advisory) with fintech/payments exposure.
• Proven hands-on experience in fundraising, investor relations, or M&A.
• Deep expertise in financial reporting, controls, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute financial operations including month-end close and reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with CBUAE, IFRS, VAT, ESR, and audit requirements.
• Prepare accurate and timely management reports and financial statements.

Skills

Financial reporting

Regulatory compliance

Investment and fundraising

Management and leadership

UAE regulatory frameworks

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA/ACCA/CPA) or MBA Finance

Tools

ERP/NetSuite

Job description

Overview

The Head of Finance will lead the finance function of UAE-regulated payments entity. This is a hands-on and strategic role with approximately 70% focus on financial control, reporting, and compliance, and 30% focus on investment, fundraising, and investor readiness.

Responsibilities

Financial Control, Regulatory Reporting & Governance (70%)

• Oversee and execute financial operations of the UAE-regulated entity, including month-end close, reconciliations, and statutory accounts.
• Ensure full compliance with CBUAE, IFRS, VAT, ESR, AML, and audit requirements, acting as the primary finance contact with regulators.
• Prepare accurate and timely management reports, financial statements, and board packs with detailed commentary.
• Manage annual statutory audits and regulatory reviews, ensuring timely submissions and minimal findings.
• Implement and monitor robust internal controls (segregation of duties, approvals, reconciliations).
• Manage treasury and liquidity, including cash flow forecasting, intercompany flows, and funding requirements.
• Drive ERP/NetSuite adoption for automation, compliance, and accurate reporting.
• Build and mentor a local finance team while remaining actively involved in detailed execution.

Investment & Fundraising (30%)

• Support the Global CFO on equity and debt fundraising initiatives.
• Prepare financial models, valuation analyses, pitch decks, and due diligence packs.
• Engage with investors, banks, and advisors, representing the UAE entity during fundraising.
• Contribute to capital allocation strategy and investment validation for new initiatives.
• Strengthen investor relations through transparent reporting and communication.

Requirements

• Chartered Accountant (CA/ACCA/CPA) or MBA Finance.
• 12–15 years of finance experience, starting in Big 4 (audit/advisory) with subsequent fintech/payments exposure.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks (CBUAE, IFRS, VAT, ESR).
• Proven hands-on experience in fundraising, investor relations, or M&A.
• Deep expertise in financial reporting, controls, and compliance.
• ERP/NetSuite experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate effectively at both detailed execution and strategic levels.
• Experience working in Start Up Environment Preferred