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Head of Financial Planning, Reporting & Analysis

Confidential · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Confidential Opportunity | Head of Financial Planning, Reporting & AnalysisIndustry: Construction and EngineeringDepartment: Group FinanceReporting to: Group Chief Financial OfficerExperience Required: Minimum 10 yearsA leading diversified construction and engineering group is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Financial Planning, Reporting & Analysis to join its Group Finance function.The organisation operates through several specialised businesses covering construction-related services, including MEP, façades, precast, ready-mix concrete and steel structures.The successful candidate will act as the central finance liaison between the corporate office and the Group’s business units. The role will lead financial planning, forecasting, management reporting, consolidation, financial analysis and strategic decision support across the Group.This position requires a finance leader who can combine strong technical accounting expertise with commercial awareness, forward-looking analysis and effective stakeholder management.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Planning and Forecasting• Lead and enhance the Group’s annual budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning processes.• Support the development of strategic financial plans aligned with the Group’s business objectives.• Establish standard budgeting and reforecasting templates, assumptions and guidelines.• Review, challenge and consolidate budget and forecast submissions from all business units.• Ensure financial plans are realistic, evidence-based and aligned with operational and strategic priorities.• Identify performance gaps and recommend actions required to achieve financial targets.• Provide guidance on economic, market and operational assumptions to be incorporated into future plans.• Review corporate cost allocations and recommend appropriate allocation methodologies in coordination with the Tax function.• Support transfer-pricing requirements where applicable.Financial Analysis and Decision Support• Develop advanced financial models to support strategic and operational decision-making.• Provide forward-looking insights highlighting financial risks, performance gaps and growth opportunities.• Analyse financial and operational data and advise management on actions to improve profitability and efficiency.• Prepare ad hoc financial, commercial and performance analysis for executive management.• Develop measurable financial and operational key performance indicators.• Monitor business-unit performance against approved budgets, forecasts and targets.• Conduct costing exercises, SWOT analysis, productivity assessments and internal and external benchmarking.• Recommend initiatives to improve resource utilisation, control costs and maximise profitability.• Conduct market and industry research covering trends, innovations, competitor activity and sector outlook.• Translate complex financial information into clear and actionable recommendations for senior management.Financial Reporting and Consolidation• Lead the preparation of accurate, consistent and timely Group financial and management reports.• Prepare consolidated monthly management reports, financial statements and executive presentations.• Review business-unit financial reporting packages, including risks and opportunities assessments.• Develop standard reporting templates and ensure consistent application across all business units.• Establish and manage the annual financial reporting calendar.• Prepare consolidated financial statements and related notes for management and statutory audit purposes.• Ensure compliance with IFRS and other applicable accounting and reporting requirements.• Develop and maintain Group accounting and financial reporting policies.• Prepare technical accounting position papers for complex financial reporting matters.• Maintain the Group Chart of Accounts and approve changes proposed by business units.• Ensure local charts of accounts are properly mapped to the Group Chart of Accounts.• Implement and strengthen financial reporting, accounting and internal-control procedures.• Manage policies relating to financial closing, related-party transactions and other key reporting areas.• Prepare audit files and ensure timely closure of all outstanding audit matters.• Liaise with external auditors and coordinate the timely completion of audit engagements.• Facilitate IFRS updates and technical accounting training for finance teams.Systems and Process Improvement• Develop the roadmap for improving financial planning, reporting and consolidation systems.• Drive digital management reporting and automation initiatives.• Support the implementation and enhancement of financial systems and reporting tools.• Continuously improve finance processes, controls, reporting accuracy and management information.• Promote innovation and best practices across the Group Finance function.Key StakeholdersThe role will work closely with:• Business-unit finance leaders• Treasury• Tax• Information Technology• Legal• Executive Management• External auditors• Consultants• Financial institutionsQualifications and Experience• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline from a reputable institution.• Professional qualifications such as CPA or CMA are preferred.• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in financial planning, reporting, analysis, consolidation or business finance.• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and management reporting.• Proven experience preparing consolidated financial statements.• Strong knowledge of IFRS and technical accounting requirements.• Experience managing statutory audits and complex reporting requirements.• Proven ability to improve financial systems, processes and internal controls.• Experience working across multiple business units within a diversified group.• Previous experience in construction, engineering or a project-based organisation is highly preferred.• Ability to operate effectively in a complex and fast-changing business environment.• Strong stakeholder-management skills with the ability to influence at senior-management level.• Excellent written and spoken English.Required Competencies• Strong analytical and strategic-thinking capabilities• Forward-looking and commercially focused mindset• Excellent planning and organisational skills• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities• Proven leadership and relationship-management skills• High level of integrity and professional judgement• Effective communication and presentation skills• Strong cross-functional collaboration• Pragmatic and risk-based approach• Commitment to continuous improvementTechnical Skills• Advanced Microsoft Excel• Advanced PowerPoint and executive-presentation skills• Strong knowledge of Oracle financial systems• Experience with financial consolidation and reporting platformsThis is a confidential senior-level opportunity within a leading and diversified construction and engineering group.Qualified candidates are invited to apply. Further company details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.