Financial Controller – GCC & KSA Experience

About Us:

NOWAYOUT Escape Games is a rapidly growing leader in the immersive entertainment sector, specializing in high-tech Escape Room experiences. As we expand our footprint across the UAE, KSA, and the rest of the GCC, we are looking for a hands-on, strategic Financial Controller to lead our financial operations and build a robust accounting function from the ground up.

The Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Financial Controller to oversee all financial aspects of our growing business. Your primary mission will be twofold:

1. Ensure strict financial compliance and reporting accuracy across our GCC (currently UAE & KSA) operations.

2. Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing accounts team to support our expansion.

Key Responsibilities

1. GCC Financial Operations & Compliance (UAE & KSA Focus)

Oversee all accounting operations including billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and revenue recognition.

Ensure full compliance with local statutory requirements, VAT regulations, and corporate tax laws in both the UAE and KSA.

KSA Compliance: Manage all ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) requirements, including e-invoicing (Fatoora) implementation, VAT returns, and ZATCA audits.

Manage cash flow, treasury functions, and banking relationships across both jurisdictions.

Coordinate with external auditors, VAT consultants, and government bodies for audits and finalizations.

2. Payroll, Staffing & Government Contributions (GCC Expertise)

Oversee the entire payroll cycle for employees across UAE and KSA, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Manage all end-of-service benefit (EOSB) calculations, accruals, and settlements in compliance with UAE Labor Law and KSA Labor Law.

Handle GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) contributions and submissions for KSA-based staff.

Manage pension schemes and other government-mandated contributions where applicable (e.g., for UAE nationals if applicable).

Ensure full compliance with WPS (Wage Protection System) requirements in both UAE and KSA.

Liaise with PROs or government entities regarding labor and immigration-related financial clearances.

3. Strategic Tax Advisory & Corporate Structuring

Maintain a deep understanding of the taxation systems for different company structures in the GCC (e.g., Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore) and their respective tax implications.

Provide strategic advice to management on optimal corporate structures to benefit from tax exemptions, 0% corporate tax periods, and ease of business operations.

Stay updated on evolving tax regulations (VAT, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing) and advise on restructuring opportunities to ensure tax efficiency and compliance.

Identify opportunities for tax exemptions, reliefs, or incentives available to entertainment/leisure businesses in the region.

Manage Transfer Pricing documentation and compliance requirements.

4. Team Leadership & Development (Building the Department)

Build the Team: Lead the recruitment, training, and onboarding of a new team of accountants who will handle the day-to-day accounts department.

Mentorship: Provide ongoing coaching and performance management to ensure the team evolves with the business needs.

Process Implementation: Establish clear financial policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the team to follow, specifically regarding payroll and compliance workflows.

5. Strategic Planning & Analysis

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts and financial reports for senior management.

Develop budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support new venue openings in KSA and the UAE.

Analyze costs related to venue operations, maintenance, and marketing to identify areas for profitability improvement.

Provide financial insights for expansion projects and capital expenditure decisions.

6. Systems & ERP Management

Implement and optimize accounting software/ERP systems to handle multi-entity consolidation (UAE & KSA), ZATCA e-invoicing integration, and automated payroll processing.

Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data through system controls.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field. Professional certification (CPA, ACA, ACCA, CMA) is strongly preferred.

GCC Experience (Mandatory): Minimum of [5-6] years of progressive experience in a finance role, with at least [3] years specifically in the UAE and KSA markets. Preferably experience in handling multiple branches / locations.

KSA Expertise: Proven experience dealing with ZATCA regulations, including VAT implementation, audits, and Fatoora (e-invoicing) compliance.

Industry Preference: Candidates with prior experience in the Entertainment, Leisure, or Amusement industries will be given priority.

Technical Skills: Deep understanding of VAT and Corporate Tax implementation in the region. Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel.

Soft Skills:

Proven ability to build and lead a team from scratch.

Strong business acumen and ability to communicate financial data to non-finance stakeholders. High level of integrity, accuracy, and accountability.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to build a finance department from the ground up in a fun and exciting industry. Work with a passionate team in a high-growth sector (Escape Rooms/Immersive Entertainment).

Competitive tax-free salary package and benefits.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED10,000.00 - AED12,000.00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Dubai: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Language:

• arabic (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)