Regional Financial Controller

Nord Anglia Education; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Nord Anglia Education is seeking a Financial Controller to join the Regional HR and Finance team in Dubai to support our schools across the Middle East. You will drive financial accuracy, compliance, and strong control across multiple entities.

Reporting to the Regional Finance Director, you will oversee reporting, audits, shared services, and the close process, lead a cross-functional team, and ensure IFRS and group accounting standards are followed.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance/Accounting (essential).
• Chartered/Certified Accountant qualification (essential).
• Minimum 5 years post-qualified experience in industry (essential).

Responsibilities

• Act as the key contact for external auditors and Group Finance.
• Deliver best practice finance and accounting support across the region.
• Lead shared services teams to hit SLA targets in accounting, purchasing and receivables.
• Adapt financial policies and systems to meet business needs.
• Oversee financial reporting deliverables for the region.
• Improve the financial close process and reduce reliance on manual systems.
• Strengthen internal controls and mitigate risks.
• Work cross-functionally with HR, IT and other teams to align finance with business goals.
• Provide commercial and accounting input on contracts and transactions.
• Review and approve monthly, quarterly and year-end accounts for schools.
• Oversee and prepare audit-ready accounts ensuring clean outcomes.
• Monitor balance sheet movements and variances with clear documentation.
• Deliver accurate and timely reporting packs.
• Support the integration of new schools and acquisitions.
• Lead compliance with IFRS and group accounting standards.

Skills

English communication

Excel

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional collab

Arabic (nice to have)

Education

Degree in Finance/Accounting

Chartered/Certified Accountant

Tools

Navision

Hyperion

HFM/OneStream

Job description

Location: Dubai UAE

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Financial Controller to join our Regional HR and Finance team in Dubai. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting our schools across the Middle East. Youll be at the heart of our financial operations - driving accuracy ensuring compliance and helping us continuously improve the way we work.

Reporting directly to the Regional Finance Director youll lead reporting deliverables manage internal and external audits oversee shared services and act as a trusted partner to both the business and Group Finance. If youre passionate about making finance both efficient and impactful this role is for you.

What Youll Do

Drive Business Growth & Reputation

• Act as the key contact for external auditors and Group Finance.

• Deliver best practice finance and accounting support across the region.

• Lead shared services teams to hit SLA targets in accounting purchasing and receivables.

• Adapt financial policies and systems to meet business needs.

Lead with Strategy & Collaboration

• Oversee financial reporting deliverables for the region.

• Improve the financial close process and reduce reliance on manual systems.

• Strengthen internal controls and mitigate risks.

• Work cross-functionally with HR IT and other teams to align finance with business goals.

• Provide commercial and accounting input on contracts and transactions.

Ensure Operational Excellence

• Review and approve monthly quarterly and year-end accounts for schools.

• Oversee and prepare audit-ready accounts ensuring clean outcomes.

• Monitor balance sheet movements and variances with clear documentation.

• Deliver accurate and timely reporting packs.

• Support the integration of new schools and acquisitions.

• Lead compliance with IFRS and group accounting standards.

Strengthen Financial Control & Systems

• Standardise and align reporting with Group Finance.

• Champion process improvements and efficiency in month-end closing.

• Drive system improvements through the Finance Systems Design Reference Group (DRG).

• Ensure robust internal controls across all schools and regional finance.

• Support due diligence and seamless integration of acquisitions.

• Provide tax compliance and reporting support in collaboration with Group Tax.

Develop & Lead Talent

• Manage coach and develop the regional finance and shared services teams.

• Recruit and retain top talent building a motivated and engaged workforce.

• Support succession planning and career growth through regular feedback and development plans.

• Act as a mentor across the wider business sharing expertise and guidance.

What Were Looking For

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance/Accounting or related discipline (essential).

• Chartered/Certified Accountant qualification (essential).

• Minimum 5 years post-qualified experience in industry (essential).

Experience & Knowledge

• IFRS or US GAAP expertise (essential).

• Audit experience and/or strong internal control background including compliance and tax (essential).

• Risk management internal controls and process improvement (essential).

• Regional cross-border experience (essential).

• Shared services oversight with proven ability to deliver efficient and accurate processes (desired).

• Bilingual: English Arabic (desired).

• Experience in asset-light high-growth or start-up industries (desired).

• Knowledge of Navision Hyperion HFM/OneStream systems (desired).

Skills

• Excellent English communication skills both written and verbal (Arabic a strong plus).

• Highly analytical with strong Excel skills.

• Ability to influence and challenge at senior levels.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships.

• Innovative solutions-driven mindset.

Nord Anglia Education is the worlds leading premium schools organisation. Our 80 international schools educate more than 90000 students worldwide. We are united by our purpose and ambition: to be the most forward-thinking and impactful global family of schools.

Our exclusive collaborations with prestigious institutions such as UNICEF Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) IMG Academy and Juilliard place us at the forefront of educational innovation.

Joining Nord Anglia means becoming part of a global community with opportunities to collaborate develop and make an impact. We value creative thinkers who bring fresh ideas and are ready to help shape the future of learning.

Nord Anglia Education is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusion across our schools and offices. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and celebrate different perspectives.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks as part of our recruitment process.