Manager - Accounts and Finance

Apparel Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 300,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Apparel Group is seeking an accomplished Senior Finance Professional in the UAE to lead budgeting, forecasting and strategic financial planning. You will partner with operations and commercial teams to align plans with business growth targets and ensure timely, accurate reporting of variances and performance metrics.

The role requires strong analytics, ERP proficiency, and a track record of driving profitability through cost control and process improvements in a retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting; professional qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CMA are a plus.
• 6–10 years of finance experience with progression in planning, reporting and controls.
• Strong understanding of financial metrics including cost analysis, variance reporting, COGS and KPIs.
• Proven experience leading budgeting, forecasting and management reporting in fast-paced retail or commercial environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and long-term financial plans aligned with business objectives.
• Analyse revenue trends, cost structures, and performance drivers to deliver insights and support strategic planning.
• Collaborate with operations and commercial teams to align financial plans with business needs and growth targets.
• Monitor budget versus actual performance, highlighting variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Conduct detailed P&L analysis, review costs and margins to identify risks and opportunities.
• Support pricing strategies, cost-saving initiatives, and process improvements to enhance profitability.
• Monitor KPIs including COGS, variance and productivity metrics with data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Coordinate with auditors to ensure compliance and timely audit cycles.
• Prepare dashboards and management reports for senior leadership review.
• Guide and mentor finance team members to ensure accuracy and high-quality service.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

P&L Analysis

Cost Control

Financial Modelling

Cross-functional partnering

Leadership

Financial Planning

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

ACCA/CPA/CMA (plus)

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Financial modelling tools

Job description

How you will make an impact (Key responsibilities):

• Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and long-term financial plans aligned with business objectives.
• Analyse revenue trends, cost structures, and performance drivers to deliver accurate insights and support strategic planning.
• Work closely with operations and commercial teams to align financial plans with business needs and growth targets.
• Monitor and report on budget versus actual performance, highlighting variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Financial Analysis, Profitability & Cost Control
• Conduct detailed P&L analysis, reviewing costs, overheads, and margins to identify risks and opportunities across the portfolio.
• Support pricing strategies, cost-saving initiatives, and process improvements to enhance overall profitability.
• Monitor key KPIs including COGS, variance, and productivity metrics, providing data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Evaluate financial performance of business units and present findings with clear, actionable commentary.
• Financial Operations, Controls & Compliance
• Ensure accurate and timely posting of financial transactions, reconciliations, month-end closings, and management reporting.
• Strengthen internal controls across cash handling, inventory movements, procurement, and store-level financial processes.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and audit requirements across all business operations.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors to support timely and accurate completion of audit cycles.
• Cross-Functional Support, Reporting & Leadership
• Collaborate with operations, retail, and commercial teams to review performance, validate financial data, and identify improvement areas.
• Prepare financial dashboards, management reports, variance analyses, and business insights for senior leadership review.
• Guide and mentor finance team members, ensuring accuracy, discipline, and high-quality service to business partners.
• Support business development, expansion initiatives, and investment decisions from a financial planning perspective.

What you will bring – Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; professional qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, or CMA are a plus.
• 6–10 years of finance experience with demonstrated progression in financial planning, reporting, and controls.
• Strong understanding of financial metrics including cost analysis, variance reporting, COGS, and operational KPIs.
• Proven experience leading budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting processes in a fast-paced retail or commercial environment.
• Solid knowledge of accounting standards, tax regulations, internal controls, and audit requirements.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, Excel, and financial modelling tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally and communicate financial insights clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing finance team members.
• High level of integrity, accuracy, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.