Chief Financial Officer

FCSearch has an exclusive mandate to recruit a Chief Financial Officer for an established luxury Real Estate developer in UAE. The client is looking for a commercially strong and ambitious candidate who is ready for the next step to become a CFO. This is a very exciting business in growth with a healthy project pipeline.

CLIENT’S CANDIDATE PREFERENCE:

• Not more than around 15 years of experience
• Real Estate development sector experience is essential , hospitality another plus
• Strong understanding of Dubai’s real estate market, RERA regulations, and property investment structures.
• Someone who is / has worked as a Controller or Senior Finance role on Group level ready to take the next step as a CFO

THE ROLE:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, responsible for the overall financial health of the organization. The CFO leads financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, reporting and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The role also plays a key role in shaping business strategy, managing investor relations, and driving operational efficiency and profitability across the organization. This role requires a deep understanding of project-based accounting, cash flow planning, contract administration, and capital expenditure management. The CFO ensures financial health, supports sustainable growth, and provides leadership in driving financial performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Develop and lead the company’s financial strategy aligned with long-term business goals.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and board based on financial analysis, market trends, and performance insights.
• Lead capital allocation planning and investment evaluation to ensure return optimization.

Financial Management & Controls

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and reporting.
• Establish and maintain robust internal control systems to protect company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Monitor and manage the company’s cash flow, working capital, debt, and liquidity.

Reporting & Compliance

• Partner with other departments to align financial management with operations, marketing, sales, and HR initiatives.
• Provide financial modelling and scenario analysis for business cases, expansions, or M&A activities.
• Strong understanding of Dubai’s real estate market, RERA regulations, and property investment structures.
• Monitor financial KPIs and create dashboards for real-time business insights.

Treasury & Risk Management

• Manage banking relationships, financing strategies, some fundraising activities.
• Oversee investment portfolios, currency risk, credit exposure, and insurance coverage.
• Develop risk management policies and business continuity plans.

Leadership & Team Management

• Build, lead, and mentor high-performing finance, accounting, and procurement teams.
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive finance transformation initiatives including automation, ERP upgrades, and digital tools adoption Stakeholder & Investor Relations
• Act as the primary liaison for auditors, tax authorities, investors, banks, and financial institutions.
• Support investor relations strategies and contribute to fundraising, IPOs, or strategic partnerships.

Project & Cost Accounting:

• Oversee cost control and job costing for projects using tools like WBS (Work Breakdown Structures).
• Monitor project margins, billing cycles, and financial compliance with contract terms.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, and Business
• Chartered Accountant (CA), CPA, CMA, or equivalent financial certification - MBA a plus
• Minimum 15 plus years of finance experience, including 8+ years in a senior leadership role within the construction or real estate industry.
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting practices, project finance, and regulatory compliance.
• Expertise in ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Strategic thinking and high integrity.