Group Head - Finance

Role Overview:

There is an immediate opening for Group Head of Finance based in Dubai.

Reporting to: Group Management / Owner

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage the overall Finance and Accounting function of the company.

- Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, cash flow, financial reports, and management accounts.

- Monitor the company's cash flow, working capital, receivables, payables, and inventory.

- Take responsibility for customer collections and closely follow up on overdue payments.

- Work with the Sales Team to set collection targets and ensure the team actively follows up with customers for payment.

- Monitor customer credit limits, outstanding balances, and overdue accounts.

- Manage supplier payments and ensure payments are planned according to cash flow and agreed terms.

- Monitor all costs related to international shipments, including freight, customs, clearance, port, storage, detention, and demurrage charges.

- Identify unnecessary shipment costs and implement measures to reduce demurrage and other avoidable expenses.

- Review shipment costs and ensure they are properly recorded and allocated.

- Manage relationships with banks and financial institutions.

- Manage and monitor bank loans, overdrafts, credit facilities, Letters of Credit (LCs), guarantees, and trade finance facilities.

- Support management in negotiating better banking facilities, payment terms, and financing costs.

- Monitor bank facility limits, repayments, interest, and renewal requirements.

- Prepare and manage sales commissions and incentive calculations in line with company policies.

- Ensure compliance with applicable UAE laws, VAT, Corporate Tax, banking, and financial regulations.

- Coordinate with external auditors, tax consultants, banks, and other professional advisers.

- Review company expenses and identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved efficiency.

- Provide management with clear financial analysis and recommendations for business decisions.

- Work closely with Sales, Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse, and Management to improve financial performance.

- Lead and manage the Finance Team and ensure accurate and timely completion of financial activities.

- Manage and monitor the business owner's personal banking and financial transactions, including reconciliations, payments, transfers, and other financial requirements, with the highest level of confidentiality and discretion.

- Support management with financial planning, business expansion, and other strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

- CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent qualification is preferred.

- Minimum 10 years of relevant finance experience, preferably in a senior finance position.

- Experience in textile, trading, wholesale, distribution, import/export, or similar businesses is highly preferred.

- Strong practical experience in customer collections, cash flow, working capital, and cost control.

- Good understanding of international shipments, import costs, freight, customs, port charges, demurrage, and detention.

- Strong experience dealing with UAE banks, loans, credit facilities, LCs, guarantees, and trade finance.

- Good knowledge of UAE financial regulations, VAT, and Corporate Tax.

- Strong Excel and ERP/accounting system skills.

- Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills.

- Strong ability to work with and hold Sales and other departments accountable for financial targets.

- High level of confidentiality, integrity, and discretion, particularly when handling sensitive company and owner's financial information.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced trading environment and manage multiple priorities.

Key Performance Areas:

The Finance Director will be expected to focus on:

- Improving customer collections and reducing overdue balances.

- Improving cash flow and working capital.

- Reducing demurrage and unnecessary shipment expenses.

- Controlling company expenses.

- Managing banking facilities and financing costs effectively.

- Improving financial reporting and management information.

- Supporting the Sales Team in achieving collection targets.

- Ensuring strong financial controls and regulatory compliance.

Contact:

[phone removed]