Head of Finance

Food People; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Food People is partnering with an FMCG business to recruit a transformational Finance Director. This role will lead a best-in-class finance function, modernising finance through technology, automation and data-driven decision-making while supporting expansion across multiple business units.

You will build and mentor a high-performing finance team, partner with the CEO on strategic planning and investment decisions, and drive robust FP&A, governance and commercial insights to enable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related discipline.
• CPA/ACCA/ACA/CA qualification is essential.
• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience.
• FMCG industry experience is a must.
• Proven track record of building or transforming finance functions.
• Strong FP&A, governance, treasury and business partnering expertise.
• Knowledge of manufacturing costing and investment analysis.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Finance function with a high‑performing team.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership to drive strategic planning and growth.
• Establish robust budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting processes.
• Deliver commercial insights through pricing, profitability reviews and costing models.
• Lead finance transformation including ERP optimisation, automation and AI adoption.
• Strengthen governance, internal controls and compliance across the business.
• Oversee treasury, cash flow and working capital management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial planning & analysis

Business partnering

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics

CPA/ACCA/ACA/CA

Tools

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle)

Excel advanced

Financial modelling

Job description

Food People has partnered with an FMCG business looking for a transformational Finance Director to lead the development of a best-in-class finance function. The role will play a key part in modernising finance through technology, automation and data-driven decision-making while supporting expansion across multiple business units.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Finance function, developing a high-performing and collaborative finance team
• Partner closely with the CEO and leadership team to support strategic planning, investment decisions and business growth
• Establish robust financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting processes
• Deliver commercial insights through pricing analysis, profitability reviews, costing models and financial modelling
• Lead finance transformation initiatives including ERP optimisation, automation, AI adoption and process improvements
• Strengthen financial governance, internal controls, policies and compliance across the business
• Oversee treasury, cash flow and working capital management while enhancing banking relationships
• Drive continuous improvement by simplifying legacy processes, improving financial transparency and supporting organisational transformation
• Mentor and develop finance talent while fostering a culture of accountability, performance and business partnership

Key Ingredients

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related discipline
• Professional accounting qualification such as CPA, ACCA, ACA or CA is essential
• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance leadership experience
• Experience within FMCG is a must
• Proven track record of building or transforming finance functions
• Strong expertise across FP&A, commercial finance, financial control, treasury, governance and business partnering
• Strong understanding of manufacturing or production costing and investment analysis