Finance Director

CLIENT AND ROLE: Our client is a large, diversified construction and manufacturing group based in Abu Dhabi, delivering high-quality products and solutions to the construction industry. They are now seeking a Finance Director to lead the finance function across the business.ROLE SUMMARY: This position is to lead the organization’s financial management, planning and governance functions, drive financial performance, ensure regulatory compliance, optimize cash flow, strengthen project financial controls and support executive decision-making to achieve sustainable business growth and profitability. The role requires deep expertise in construction finance, project accounting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury management, contract administration, financial reporting and risk management within large-scale construction, infrastructure or engineering organizations.MUST HAVE CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED:Bachelor's Degree and a Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, CMA or CA.More than 15 years of progressive finance experience, including at least seven years in a senior leadership role. Extensive experience in construction, infrastructure, engineering or contracting, with a proven record of managing multi-million-dollar projects and complex financial operations.KEY RESPONISBILIITES: Strategic Financial LeadershipDevelop and execute financial strategies aligned with corporate objectives.Provide financial insights and recommendations to Executive Management and the Board.Drive business growth through effective financial planning and performance management.Support mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and business expansion initiatives.Financial Planning & AnalysisLead annual budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning processes.Monitor profitability, cash flow and financial performance.Conduct feasibility studies, scenario analysis and investment evaluations.Establish and monitor KPIs across projects and business units.Construction Project Financial ManagementOversee project cost controls, budgeting and revenue recognition.Monitor project cash flows, variations, claims and contract profitability.Ensure effective tracking of WIP, project margins and cost-to-complete analyses.Support project teams in improving financial performance and minimizing cost overruns.Treasury & Cash Flow ManagementManage corporate treasury, banking relationships and working capital.Optimize cash flow forecasting and liquidity management.Ensure timely receivables collection and management of project-related cash requirements.Lead funding and financing activities when required.Financial Reporting & ComplianceEnsure accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.Maintain compliance with IFRS, local accounting standards, tax regulations and statutory requirements.Coordinate external audits and regulatory reporting.Strengthen internal controls, governance frameworks and financial policies.Risk ManagementIdentify financial risks associated with projects, contracts and operations.Recommend mitigation strategies to protect company assets and profitability.Support legal and commercial teams in contractual and financial risk assessments.Team LeadershipLead, mentor and develop the finance team.Establish a culture of accountability, performance and continuous improvement.Promote automation and digital transformation within finance processes.CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Commerce or a related field. Master’s degree in Business Administration or Finance preferred.Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, CMA or CA.More than 15 years of progressive finance experience, including at least seven years in a senior leadership role. Extensive experience in construction, infrastructure, engineering or contracting, with a proven record of managing multi-million-dollar projects and complex financial operations.Construction project accounting; cost control and project profitability analysis; IFRS and financial reporting; budgeting and forecasting; treasury and cash flow management; contract management and commercial finance; risk management and internal controls; taxation and regulatory compliance.ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, IFS, EPROMISS or similar; advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modelling; business intelligence and reporting tools such as Power BI and Tableau.