Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Dubai, UAE

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on, commercially astute Finance Leader to join a well-established

organization operating in the logistics, supply chain, and cold chain sector. Reporting to

executive leadership, you will serve as a strategic business partner while maintaining full

ownership of financial governance, performance management, compliance, and operational

finance. You will balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational control, ensuring strong

governance, sustainable growth, and business optimization.

Only candidates with hands-on operational finance experience will be considered.

Corporate/head-office finance profiles will not be shortlisted.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Control

• Lead all finance functions: accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting,

treasury, tax, and audit.

• Ensure timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with IFRS and applicable

regulatory requirements.

• Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity to support operational and growth

objectives.

• Establish and enhance financial controls, policies, and procedures; drive ERP

optimization and financial reporting tools.

• Explain business decisions based on commercial validation; maintain independence and

stand firm on business rationale.

Strategic Financial Planning & Business Partnering

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes.

• Provide financial modelling and business case evaluations to support strategic decision making.

• Partner with operational teams to identify cost optimization, margin enhancement, and

efficiency opportunities.

• Evaluate capital investments and expansion initiatives through robust financial analysis;

develop and monitor key KPIs.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with UAE regulatory requirements: VAT, Corporate Tax, and

statutory obligations.

• Lead internal and external audit engagements; drive closure of audit findings.

• Establish and maintain risk management frameworks, controls, and mitigation plans.

Financial Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Deliver high-quality management reports, board presentations, and financial analysis.

• Build and maintain relationships with banks, auditors, and external stakeholders.

• Monitor financing arrangements and ensure compliance with lender reporting obligations

and covenants.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop finance, procurement, and administration teams.

• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and

continuous improvement.

Leadership Profile

• Trusted advisor with strong commercial acumen and sound business judgment.

• Balances governance and risk management with practical business support.

• Strong collaborator capable of influencing senior stakeholders.

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and discretion with confidential information.

• Leads by example through accountability, transparency, and ethical behaviour.

Qualifications & Experience

Must-have

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) mandatory.

• 8–12 years of progressive finance leadership experience in mid-to-senior management

roles.

• Hands-on operational finance experience in Logistics, 3PL, Cold Chain, Supply Chain,

Transportation, or Industrial Services.

• NOT a corporate/head-office finance profile must have real operational responsibility

and on-ground exposure.

• Comprehensive understanding of UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, financial regulations, and

compliance requirements.

Strongly Preferred

• Proven expertise in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management at a Business

Unit level.

• Track record in cost optimization, profitability improvement, and investment analysis.

• Experience with ERP implementations and business intelligence tools.

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary teams (Finance, Procurement,

Administration).

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Currently based in Dubai or open to relocating to the UAE.

• Experience in fast-paced, asset-intensive, operational businesses.

• Comfortable in hands-on leadership roles while contributing strategically at executive

level.