MENA Financial Controller & FP&A Lead

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the MENA Finance Control team, ensuring robust financial control, FP&A, and tax operations in the region. You will report to the Global Head of Financial Control and manage c.4-5 direct reports while supporting the MENA COO and Regional Office Managing Partner.

The role emphasizes end-to-end financial processes, local GAAP, budgeting, and coordination with Global Finance to drive compliant, efficient financial operations

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with extensive statutory and regulatory knowledge across MENA (UAE, KSA, Bahrain).
• Proven ability to manage and develop teams.
• Strong communication and influencing skills across stakeholders.
• Business fluent English is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end close and reporting for the region with timely, accurate postings.
• Lead year-end close, respond to auditors, and remediate audit findings.
• Oversee local GAAP accounting and budgeting/forecasts with cross‑functional teams.
• Manage partner and regional tax matters, compliance, cash flow, banking and intercompany activities.

Skills

People management

Communication

English fluency

Education

Qualified accountant (ACCA/ACA/CPA)

Tools

Intapp

Elite 3e

Job description

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the MENA Finance Control team, ensuring robust financial control, FP&A, and tax operations in the region. You will report to the Global Head of Financial Control and manage c.4-5 direct reports while supporting the MENA COO and Regional Office Managing Partner.

The role emphasizes end-to-end financial processes, local GAAP, budgeting, and coordination with Global Finance to drive compliant, efficient financial operations