ERP Finance Lead

Role purposeThe ERP Finance Lead owns the Group's finance ERP transformation end to end: from vendor selection and commercial negotiation through design, build, go-live and stable operation. The role turns the GCFO's finance strategy into one integrated platform across the Group's diversified businesses.The target outcome is a single source of financial truth. That means harmonised processes, a common chart of accounts, faster close, real-time consolidation and full compliance with UAE VAT, Corporate Tax and e-invoicing rules.The postholder is the Group's senior authority on Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP and SAP S/4HANA. They act as the bridge between Finance, IT, business units, the implementation partner and the software vendor.Key responsibilities1. ERP strategy and roadmapDefine the Group finance ERP vision, target operating model and multi-year roadmap, aligned with the GCFO's priorities and Group growth plans.Assess the current application landscape (legacy ERPs, standalone tools, spreadsheets) and build the business case, including TCO, ROI and benefits-realisation plan.Recommend the deployment model for a diversified group: single global instance vs. hub-and-spoke, cloud vs. hybrid, phased vs. big-bang rollout by business unit.Keep the roadmap current with vendor releases (Oracle quarterly updates, SAP release cycles), AI and automation features.2. Vendor selection and commercial negotiationLead the full selection process: requirements gathering, RFI/RFP, scripted demos, scoring models, reference checks and proof-of-concept.Run an objective evaluation of Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, SAP S/4HANA (RISE / GROW with SAP) and credible alternatives.Negotiate licence and subscription agreements directly with Oracle and SAP: user metrics, module bundling, multi-year pricing, ramp-up schedules, renewal caps and exit terms.Select and contract the system integrator: fixed-price vs. time-and-materials, milestone payments, retention, SLAs, key-personnel clauses and penalties.Secure data-residency and hosting terms consistent with UAE regulations (e.g. UAE-based data centres where required).Work with Group Procurement and Legal on all contract terms and approvals.3. Implementation leadershipAct as Programme Lead / Business Design Authority for the finance stream.Own the solution design: global template, enterprise structure, legal entities, ledgers, chart of accounts and segment design.Lead fit-to-standard workshops, minimise customisation and enforce a “clean core”.Manage the integrated plan, budget, RAID log and change control with the system integrator.Oversee testing (SIT, UAT, regression, performance), cut-over planning, go-live readiness and hypercare.Coordinate phased rollouts across the Group's business units and geographies.4. Finance process transformationRedesign and standardise end-to-end processes: Record-to-Report, Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash, Acquire-to-Retire, Treasury and Cash Management, Project Accounting.Deliver multi-entity, multi-currency consolidation with automated intercompany reconciliation and eliminations.Target a faster month-end close through automation, reconciliation tools and close-management workflows.Embed IFRS reporting, UAE VAT, Corporate Tax (9%) and e-invoicing requirements (Peppol-based UAE e-invoicing framework) in the design.Set up planning, budgeting and forecasting integration (Oracle EPM / SAP Analytics Cloud or equivalent).5. Data, integration and reportingOwn the data migration strategy: cleansing, mapping, reconciliation and sign-off of opening balances and master data.Establish master data governance for chart of accounts, suppliers, customers, assets and cost centres.Define integrations with bank platforms, HR/payroll, CRM, dealer, retail or industry-specific systems and the FTA portal.Deliver management reporting, dashboards and analytics for the GCFO, Board and business-unit CFOs.6. Governance, controls and complianceDesign segregation of duties, role-based access and automated internal controls within the ERP.Ensure the system supports internal audit, external audit and regulatory requirements.Chair or co-chair the ERP steering committee and report progress, risks and spend to the GCFO and executive committee.Own post-go-live support model, release management and continuous improvement (Centre of Excellence).7. People and changeBuild and lead a finance ERP team: functional leads, solution architects, data and reporting specialists.Lead change management, training and adoption across finance teams in all entities.Build in-house capability to reduce long-term dependence on external consultants.Qualifications and experienceEssential15+ years of overall experience in finance, finance systems or ERP consulting, with at least 10 years leading ERP selection and implementation.Hands-on, end-to-end leadership of at least 3 full-lifecycle finance ERP implementations, including at least 2 as programme or finance-stream lead.Proven delivery on Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP and SAP (S/4HANA, ideally also ECC-to-S/4 migration); deep expertise in at least one and strong working knowledge of the other.Direct experience negotiating licence and subscription contracts with Oracle and/or SAP, and system integrator contracts, with documented savings.At least 5 years of ERP programme experience in the UAE or GCC, including implementing UAE VAT and Corporate Tax requirements.Experience in diversified, multi-entity groups or conglomerates (e.g. automotive, trading, retail, real estate, hospitality, energy, logistics).Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems or a related field.PreferredProfessional accounting qualification: ACCA, CPA, CA or CMA.Oracle Cloud ERP Financials Implementation Professional and/or SAP Certified Application Associate / Professional (S/4HANA Finance).Programme or project management certification: PMP, PRINCE2, MSP or SAFe.MBA or Master's in Finance or Information Systems.Experience with Big Four or tier-1 system integrators on the consulting side, plus time on the client side.Exposure to UAE e-invoicing programme preparation and Peppol integration.Arabic language skills are an advantage.UAE-specific knowledgeUAE VAT (5%) configuration, tax reporting and FTA return preparation.UAE Corporate Tax (9%), transfer pricing documentation and Free Zone qualifying income treatment.UAE e-invoicing (Peppol-based 5-corner model) and Accredited Service Provider integration.UAE data-protection and data-residency requirements, local cloud regions (Oracle Abu Dhabi/Dubai; SAP UAE data centres).Local banking integrations (e.g. Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB, Mashreq host-to-host and WPS payroll files).Cross-platform skillsEnterprise structure and chart-of-accounts design for diversified groups.Business case, TCO modelling and benefits tracking.Contract structures for SaaS subscriptions, SI services and managed support.Data migration tools and reconciliation approaches.Process automation (RPA, AI-assisted reconciliation and invoice capture).Behavioural competenciesStrategic and commercial thinking: links technology choices to financial outcomes; negotiates firmly with global vendors.Executive presence: communicates clearly with the GCFO, Board, business-unit CEOs and vendor executives.Delivery discipline: keeps scope, time and budget under control; makes decisions and escalates early.Stakeholder management: aligns diverse businesses with different priorities behind one Group template.Change leadership: brings finance teams through new ways of working and builds lasting adoption.Integrity and independence: vendor-neutral judgement during selection; strong governance mindset.Team building: attracts, develops and retains ERP talent in a competitive UAE market.