Head of Finance

Role OverviewWe are seeking a Head of Finance to lead the finance function for a fast-growing, high-transaction business based in Dubai (full-time, on-site). This role carries full ownership of financial planning, reporting, compliance, and cash management, with a mandate to strengthen financial controls and build a high-performing finance team as the organization scales. We are particularly interested in candidates with finance experience in high-transaction, high-volume industries — including ride-hailing, mobility, delivery, marketplaces, fintech, or e-commerce — where rigorous reconciliation, unit economics, and financial controls are essential to the business.This is a hands-on role. The successful candidate will be expected to perform core accounting and closing work personally, not solely direct a team to do so.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Strategy & PlanningDevelop and implement financial strategies aligned with business objectives and long-term growth.Lead the financial planning process, including annual budgets, forecasts, and scenario analysis.Financial Control & ReportingIdentify and remediate deficiencies in existing financial processes, establishing controls that ensure accuracy and prevent recurrence.Personally own the month-end close process for a multi-entity structure, targeting a close cycle of five working days or fewer, with a clear plan to reach and sustain that timeline.Ensure accurate, timely preparation of financial statements and management reporting.Financial Analysis & Decision SupportTranslate financial data into unit economics and performance dashboards that inform leadership decision-making.Analyze financial results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and present clear recommendations to the executive team.Compliance & GovernanceEnsure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal control frameworks, including VAT, corporate tax, and audit requirements.Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory authorities, and oversee the implementation of audit recommendations.Treasury & Risk ManagementOversee liquidity, receivables, payables, and treasury operations to maintain financial stability.Identify and manage financial risk, including currency and interest rate exposure.Technology & AI EnablementMaintain direct, hands-on involvement in financial data and reconciliations, including the use of SQL, data warehouses, or equivalent tools.Apply AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT) to accelerate financial analysis, reporting, and reconciliation work, with a demonstrated ability to translate AI adoption into measurable efficiency gains.Identify where AI tools are appropriate to use and where human judgment and review remain necessary, applying appropriate safeguards.Leadership & Team DevelopmentBuild, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team, providing candid financial perspective to support key decisions.QualificationsProfessional accounting qualification (CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CIMA), fully qualified with an active practice history.6–10 years of progressive finance experience, with demonstrated ownership of the finance function within a high-transaction business (ride-hailing, mobility, delivery, marketplace, fintech, or e-commerce strongly preferred).Demonstrated, personal (not delegated) experience closing books end-to-end, including financial reporting and liaison with external auditors.Demonstrated experience identifying and remediating a broken financial process, with a measurable outcome.Strong working knowledge of IFRS and relevant financial regulations.Direct, hands-on experience with financial data, including SQL, data warehouses, or reconciliation at scale.Practical, hands-on experience using AI tools to improve finance workflows, with concrete before-and-after examples of efficiency or accuracy gained.Experience with VAT and tax compliance in at least one jurisdiction; UAE Federal Tax Authority experience is advantageous.Proficiency with ERP and accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).Strong leadership, analytical, and stakeholder management capabilities.Comfortable operating against firm deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.