MENA Financial Controller: Lead Regional Finance & Controls

0400 FBD USA LLP; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshfields is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the MENA Finance/FP&A and Tax Operations, reporting to the Global Head of Financial Control with a team of 4–5 direct reports. The role supports the MENA COO and Regional Office Managing Partner, ensuring governance and compliance across local statutory and tax obligations.

Responsibilities include month-end and year-end close, local GAAP accounting, budgeting/forecasting, partner tax support, treasury liaison, and cross-functional

Qualifications

• A qualified accountant with extensive experience of statutory and regulatory frameworks and obligations across the MENA region (UAE, KSA, Bahrain)
• Demonstrable experience of effectively managing and developing teams
• Proven ability to communicate and influence across all levels, including developing effective relationships with external stakeholders
• Business fluent language skills in English

Responsibilities

• Oversee month-end close and reporting for the MENA region
• Manage year-end close and liaise with external and internal auditors
• Oversee local GAAP accounting and regulatory compliance
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes, including overheads and regional reforecasts
• Coordinate with Global Tax Team and external advisors on partner taxes and VAT duties
• Maintain cash management and banking relationships, including liquidity forecasting

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

English fluency

Stakeholder management

Education

Chartered Accountant (ACCA/CA)

Tools

Intapp suite

Elite 3e

Job description

Freshfields is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the MENA Finance/FP&A and Tax Operations, reporting to the Global Head of Financial Control with a team of 4–5 direct reports. The role supports the MENA COO and Regional Office Managing Partner, ensuring governance and compliance across local statutory and tax obligations.

Responsibilities include month-end and year-end close, local GAAP accounting, budgeting/forecasting, partner tax support, treasury liaison, and cross-functional