Managing Director, Risk Advisory, Global Investigations & Forensic Accounting, Internal Control[...]

Ankura; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Ankura in Dubai seeks a Managing Director to lead the GIFA practice within Risk Advisory. You will guide complex engagements, shape growth, and mentor teams across Risk Advisory, Digital AI Analytics, Restructuring, and Disputes.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, client development, and cross-border collaboration. Applicants should have Big 4/Mid-tier experience, a recognized accounting credential (ACA/CPA/ACCA), and fluency in English with Arabic a plus.

Qualifications

• Significant work experience in a Big 4 or mid-tier firm.
• Proven leadership of complex engagements and teams.
• ACA/CPA/ACCA or equivalent certification required.
• Strong client development and relationship skills.
• Fluency in English; Arabic beneficial for UAE market.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight to ICFR engagements, especially UAE and GCC.
• Lead market-facing initiatives and business development to grow the practice.
• Review reports and client proposals for high-quality delivery.
• Mentor and develop team members to foster a high-performing culture.
• Collaborate across Risk Advisory, Digital AI Analytics, Restructuring, and Disputes.

Skills

Big 4 / Mid-tier experience

Leadership

Client relationship management

Public speaking

Arabic language beneficial

Education

ACA/CPA/ACCA certification

Tools

Data analytics tools

AI-driven analytics

Job description

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth.

Ankura’s Risk Advisory is one of five business groups focused on client delivery across the firm. Ankura is recognised as one of the 5 fasted growing consulting companies with over 2000 employees across more than 30 offices globally, providing a range of advisory and expert services to the private and public sector.

This Managing Director position sits within the Global Investigations & Forensic Accounting practice (GIFA) which is part of the Risk Advisory business group and has the ambition to be the clear market leader in its field. GIFA helps organisations investigate and respond to fraud, corruption, misconduct and regulatory issues. Our teams combine investigations, forensic accounting, compliance and data-driven analytics to help clients identify risks, uncover facts, strengthen controls and protect enterprise value.

Why Join Ankura

• We can support and develop individuals who aspire to be an expert.
• Vast opportunities for career development, with formal development process, training programmes and internal e-learning training platform, Ankura Academy.
• Work within a team of world recognised leading experts in an established leading global consultancy.
• Work with a collaborative environment, whereby our professionals the freedom to innovate which promotes curiosity, learning and communication.

Role Overview

This is a unique opportunity to join a growing, market-leading practice and play a key role in shaping its future. Working alongside industry-recognised experts, you'll lead complex engagements, help drive business growth, and contribute to the development of people, capabilities and go-to-market strategy.

What You'll Do

• Lead high-profile, complex client engagements and manage stakeholder relationships.
• Shape and grow the practice through business development, client relationship management and market-facing initiatives.
• Collaborate with experts across Risk Advisory, Digital AI Analytics, Restructuring, Disputes and Transaction Advisory to deliver integrated solutions.
• Leverage advanced technologies, including data analytics and AI-driven solutions, to solve complex client challenges.
• Work with global colleagues and clients across a variety of industries and jurisdictions.
• Mentor and develop team members while helping foster a collaborative, innovative and high-performing culture.

At Ankura, you'll benefit from exceptional professional development, including formal training, Ankura Academy, industry-leading mentorship and the opportunity to accelerate your career as the practice continues to grow.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight to the delivery of portfolio of Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) engagements, particularly in the UAE and able to support engagements in other GCC e.g. Saudi Arabia
• Provide ultimate review and delivery of client proposals, presentations and marketing materials.
• Provide ultimate review to draft and final reports to ensure the highest level of quality.
• Lead and review work of assignment team formed of internal and external experts in close intermittent and distant collaboration modes.
• Develop a network of potential clients and identify opportunities to build personal brand and market reputation of Ankura through thought leadership and targeted market activity.
• Participating in public speaking events, conferences, seminars, marketing events and client meetings.

Requirements

• Significant work experience gained in a Big 4 or Mid-tier firm.
• Proven track record of leading ICFR engagements, preferably in the UAE.
• An internationally recognised professional accounting qualification, such as ACA, CPA, or ACCA, is essential.
• A mature network of clients with associated direct sales and a track record of identifying potential business development opportunities.
• A proven leader of teams, comfortable delegating and actively supporting the development of junior members of the team.
• First class report writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Fluent English required; Arabic would be beneficial.
• Agility, vigilance, and drive.
• Open inquisitive and critical mind.
• Travel flexible

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