Financial Controller

Financial ControllerFunction: Accounting, Finance and ControlLocation: Abu Dhabi, UAEWork setup: Full-time, on-siteReporting to: CEO and Senior LeadershipExperience: 4–5 years in accounting, finance, or financial control, including UAE experienceEnvironment: Multiple entities across the UAE, USA, and affiliated regional operationsLanguage: Fluent English requiredAbout the CompanyOur client is an Abu Dhabi-based technology company developing enterprise solutions across security, digital identity, and secure computing.Its products support government entities, defence organisations, and critical infrastructure clients across the GCC and international markets.The company operates through several legal entities across the UAE and the United States. As the business continues to expand, it requires a disciplined and well-controlled finance function that can provide accurate reporting, maintain compliance, and support informed decision-making.The RoleWe are looking for a hands-on Financial Controller to manage the company’s day-to-day accounting and financial control activities.This role would suit someone who is still relatively early in their finance career but already has strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and the confidence to take ownership of a broad finance function within a multi-entity business.You will be responsible for activities ranging from bookkeeping, reconciliations, and month-end close to payroll, compliance, tax coordination, and management reporting.Reporting directly to the CEO, you will work closely with senior leadership and act as the main finance contact for the Abu Dhabi operation.The successful candidate will be dependable, thorough, and proactive. You should take pride in maintaining accurate books, organised records, and strong financial controls without needing to be repeatedly followed up.Key ResponsibilitiesAccounting and Financial ReportingManage the complete month-end and year-end closing process across all entities, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments.Prepare accurate management accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash-flow reports.Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts across the business.Ensure financial reporting complies with IFRS and that records remain ready for audit.Produce financial schedules, variance analysis, and additional reports requested by the CEO or leadership team.Multi-Entity and Intercompany AccountingManage accounting activities across the company’s UAE and US entities.Maintain clear separation of financial records between each legal entity.Record and reconcile intercompany transactions and balances.Manage cross-entity cost allocations and elimination entries.Support consolidated financial reporting across the wider group when required.Tax, Compliance and Regulatory ReportingAct as the main internal contact for the company’s external tax advisers.Coordinate matters relating to UAE Corporate Tax, VAT, and international tax requirements.Ensure VAT returns, Ministry of Finance reporting, and other statutory submissions are completed accurately and on time.Maintain an up-to-date understanding of UAE mainland and free-zone requirements, together with relevant US reporting obligations.Monitor regulatory developments and raise potential tax or compliance risks with leadership before they become an issue.Audit and BankingCoordinate the annual external audit from preparation through to completion.Prepare supporting schedules and respond to auditor questions and documentation requests.Complete regular bank reconciliations across all company accounts and entities.Liaise with banks regarding payments, facilities, account documentation, and other requirements.Payroll, AP/AR and Finance OperationsProcess payroll accurately and on schedule across the company’s entities.Ensure UAE payroll activities comply with Wage Protection System requirements.Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable, including supplier payments, client invoices, collections, and reconciliations.Process expense claims and oversee petty cash while ensuring compliance with company policies.Review and improve accounting systems, financial controls, and finance workflows.Essential RequirementsBetween 4 and 5 years of accounting, finance, or financial control experience, with a meaningful portion gained in the UAE.A professional accounting qualification that is either recently completed or currently in progress, such as CA, ACCA, CMA, CPA, or an equivalent qualification, is strongly preferred.Strong working knowledge of IFRS and UAE financial regulations.Familiarity with VAT, Corporate Tax, WPS, and Ministry of Finance reporting requirements.Practical experience managing multi-entity accounting and intercompany reconciliations.Proficiency with an established accounting platform such as QuickBooks, Zoho Books, Xero, SAP, or a similar system.Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, reconciliation schedules, and financial models.Excellent accuracy and close attention to detail.The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines without close supervision.Preferred ExperiencePrevious experience within a technology business, startup, or multi-jurisdictional organisation.Familiarity with UAE mainland and free-zone regulatory environments, including ADGM, ADJD, or ADCD.Exposure to accounting for US entities or Delaware corporate reporting requirements.Experience coordinating directly with external auditors and tax advisers.Arabic language skills would be an advantage for banking and regulatory communication.Who You AreYou are meticulous and consistently check the accuracy of your work.You take accountability for deadlines and deliver information when promised.You identify and raise concerns early instead of waiting for them to develop into larger problems.You are motivated to progress into a more senior finance leadership position as the company grows.You take pride in maintaining clean, organised, and properly supported financial records.You can explain financial information clearly to colleagues without a finance background, including senior leadership and the CEO.You are comfortable working in a lean environment where your contribution is highly visible.What’s OfferedCompetitive tax-free compensation aligned with 4–5 years of UAE finance experience.A direct reporting line to the CEO, providing strong visibility and influence from the beginning.A broad finance position covering the complete function rather than one narrow area.A clear opportunity to develop toward a more senior Finance or Controller position as the company expands.A collaborative environment with a lean and experienced team.Medical insurance, annual leave, and full benefits in accordance with UAE Labour Law.All applications will be handled confidentially. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.