Strategic Finance Leader - Growth & Projects

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Strategic exposure to senior leaders

Direct interaction with board

Long-term career development

Working on high-profile projects

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Michael Page is representing a premier client in Abu Dhabi seeking a senior finance leader to drive strategy, governance and project-based financial management. You will oversee budgeting, forecast and reporting across large-scale projects in the built environment, partnering with senior leaders to optimise cash flow and profitability.

The role requires a strong track record in corporate finance, project accounting, and regulatory compliance within the UAE market; on-site presence five days a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Professional qualification is mandatory: CA, CMA, ACCA or CPA.
• Minimum 10 years of finance experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in construction, engineering consultancy, or project-based environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and planning.
• Experience with UAE VAT, corporate tax and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing audits, treasury activities and internal controls.
• Excellent understanding of project accounting and contract-based finance.
• Proficient with accounting systems and ERP platforms.
• On-site Abu Dhabi availability five days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall finance function and ensure financial stability and growth.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements per standards and regulations.
• Develop reporting frameworks to support analysis, forecasting and decision making.
• Monitor profitability, utilization and margins across projects and units.
• Deliver insights and recommendations for strategic decisions.
• Lead annual budgeting and long-term forecasting.
• Partner with operations to align budgets with project plans.
• Maintain rolling forecasts incorporating delays and risks.
• Oversee project accounting: revenue recognition, WIP, profitability.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, working capital and treasury.
• Oversee collections, supplier payments and payroll obligations.
• Ensure UAE VAT, corporate tax and regulatory compliance.
• Lead external audits and statutory reporting.
• Develop internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Mentor and lead a team of two finance professionals.
• Build relationships with banks, auditors and regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Financial leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Project accounting

ERP systems

UAE VAT & tax compliance

Audits & internal controls

Stakeholder management

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

CA, CMA, ACCA or CPA

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Michael Page is representing a premier client in Abu Dhabi seeking a senior finance leader to drive strategy, governance and project-based financial management. You will oversee budgeting, forecast and reporting across large-scale projects in the built environment, partnering with senior leaders to optimise cash flow and profitability.

The role requires a strong track record in corporate finance, project accounting, and regulatory compliance within the UAE market; on-site presence five days a