Regional Finance Controller, MENA Leader

Freshfields; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshfields seeks a senior Financial Controller to lead the MENA Finance Control and FP&A activities, ensuring compliance with regional regulations and firm policies. You will manage a team of c.4-5, support the MENA COO and Regional Office Managing Partner, and partner with Global Finance to drive robust financial control and strategic growth.

The role requires a qualified accountant with extensive experience across the MENA region, strong leadership, and excellent English communication.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with extensive experience in statutory and regulatory frameworks across the MENA region (UAE, KSA, Bahrain).
• Proven experience in managing and developing teams and influencing across levels.

Responsibilities

• Month-end close and reporting for MENA region.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and postings with local and Bratislava teams.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and reforecasts; manage overhead budgets.
• Liaise with Global Tax, external advisors, and auditors.
• Oversee local audits (e.g., UAE/KSA) and intercompany accounting.

Skills

Statutory framework knowledge

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

English proficiency

Legal/Professional services experience

Global Shared Services experience

Intapp Elite 3e familiarity

Education

Qualified accountant (CA/ACCA/CPA)

Tools

Intapp suite

Elite 3e

Job description

Freshfields seeks a senior Financial Controller to lead the MENA Finance Control and FP&A activities, ensuring compliance with regional regulations and firm policies. You will manage a team of c.4-5, support the MENA COO and Regional Office Managing Partner, and partner with Global Finance to drive robust financial control and strategic growth.

The role requires a qualified accountant with extensive experience across the MENA region, strong leadership, and excellent English communication.