ERP Finance Lead

• ERP strategy and roadmap • Define the Group finance ERP vision, target operating model and multi-year roadmap, aligned with the GCFO's priorities and Group growth plans. • Assess the current application landscape (legacy ERPs, standalone tools, spreadsheets) and build the business case, including TCO, ROI and benefits-realisation plan. • Recommend the deployment model for a diversified group: single global instance vs. hub-and-spoke, cloud vs. hybrid, phased vs. big-bang rollout by business unit. • Keep the roadmap current with vendor releases (Oracle quarterly updates, SAP release cycles), AI and automation features. • Vendor selection and commercial negotiation • Lead the full selection process: requirements gathering, RFI/RFP, scripted demos, scoring models, reference checks and proof-of-concept. • Run an objective evaluation of Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, SAP S/4HANA (RISE / GROW with SAP) and credible alternatives. • Negotiate licence and subscription agreements directly with Oracle and SAP: user metrics, module bundling, multi-year pricing, ramp-up schedules, renewal caps and exit terms. • Select and contract the system integrator: fixed-price vs. time-and-materials, milestone payments, retention, SLAs, key-personnel clauses and penalties. • Secure data-residency and hosting terms consistent with UAE regulations (e.g. UAE-based data centres where required). • Work with Group Procurement and Legal on all contract terms and approvals. • Implementation leadership • Act as Programme Lead / Business Design Authority for the finance stream. • Own the solution design: global template, enterprise structure, legal entities, ledgers, chart of accounts and segment design. • Lead fit-to-standard workshops, minimise customisation and enforce a “clean core”. • Manage the integrated plan, budget, RAID log and change control with the system integrator. • Oversee testing (SIT, UAT, regression, performance), cut-over planning, go-live readiness and hypercare. • Coordinate phased rollouts across the Group's business units and geographies. • Finance process transformation • Redesign and standardise end-to-end processes: Record-to-Report, Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash, Acquire-to-Retire, Treasury and Cash Management, Project Accounting. • Deliver multi-entity, multi-currency consolidation with automated intercompany reconciliation and eliminations. • Target a faster month-end close through automation, reconciliation tools and close-management workflows. • Embed IFRS reporting, UAE VAT, Corporate Tax (9%) and e-invoicing requirements (Peppol-based UAE e-invoicing framework) in the design. • Set up planning, budgeting and forecasting integration (Oracle EPM / SAP Analytics Cloud or equivalent). • Data, integration and reporting • Own the data migration strategy: cleansing, mapping, reconciliation and sign-off of opening balances and master data. • Establish master data governance for chart of accounts, suppliers, customers, assets and cost centres. • Define integrations with bank platforms, HR/payroll, CRM, dealer, retail or industry-specific systems and the FTA portal. • Deliver management reporting, dashboards and analytics for the GCFO, Board and business-unit CFOs. • Governance, controls and compliance • Design segregation of duties, role-based access and automated internal controls within the ERP. • Ensure the system supports internal audit, external audit and regulatory requirements. • Chair or co-chair the ERP steering committee and report progress, risks and spend to the GCFO and executive committee. • Own post-go-live support model, release management and continuous improvement (Centre of Excellence). • People and change • Build and lead a finance ERP team: functional leads, solution architects, data and reporting specialists. • Lead change management, training and adoption across finance teams in all entities. • Build in-house capability to reduce long-term dependence on external consultants. UAE-specific knowledge • UAE VAT (5%) configuration, tax reporting and FTA return preparation. • UAE Corporate Tax (9%), transfer pricing documentation and Free Zone qualifying income treatment. • UAE e-invoicing (Peppol-based 5-corner model) and Accredited Service Provider integration. • UAE data-protection and data-residency requirements, local cloud regions (Oracle Abu Dhabi/Dubai; SAP UAE data centres). • Local banking integrations (e.g. Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB, Mashreq host-to-host and WPS payroll files). Essential • 15+ years of overall experience in finance, finance systems or ERP consulting, with at least 10 years leading ERP selection and implementation. • Hands-on, end-to-end leadership of at least 3 full-lifecycle finance ERP implementations, including at least 2 as programme or finance-stream lead. • Proven delivery on Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP and SAP (S/4HANA, ideally also ECC-to-S/4 migration); deep expertise in at least one and strong working knowledge of the other. • Direct experience negotiating licence and subscription contracts with Oracle and/or SAP, and system integrator contracts, with documented savings. • At least 5 years of ERP programme experience in the UAE or GCC, including implementing UAE VAT and Corporate Tax requirements. • Experience in diversified, multi-entity groups or conglomerates (e.g. automotive, trading, retail, real estate, hospitality, energy, logistics). • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems or a related field. Preferred • Professional accounting qualification: ACCA, CPA, CA or CMA. • Oracle Cloud ERP Financials Implementation Professional and/or SAP Certified Application Associate / Professional (S/4HANA Finance). • Programme or project management certification: PMP, PRINCE2, MSP or SAFe. • MBA or Master's in Finance or Information Systems. • Experience with Big Four or tier-1 system integrators on the consulting side, plus time on the client side. • Exposure to UAE e-invoicing programme preparation and Peppol integration. • Arabic language skills are an advantage. UAE-specific knowledge • UAE VAT (5%) configuration, tax reporting and FTA return preparation. • UAE Corporate Tax (9%), transfer pricing documentation and Free Zone qualifying income treatment. • UAE e-invoicing (Peppol-based 5-corner model) and Accredited Service Provider integration. • UAE data-protection and data-residency requirements, local cloud regions (Oracle Abu Dhabi/Dubai; SAP UAE data centres). • Local banking integrations (e.g. Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB, Mashreq host-to-host and WPS payroll files). Cross-platform skills • Enterprise structure and chart-of-accounts design for diversified groups. • Business case, TCO modelling and benefits tracking. • Contract structures for SaaS subscriptions, SI services and managed support. • Data migration tools and reconciliation approaches. • Process automation (RPA, AI-assisted reconciliation and invoice capture). Behavioural competencies • Strategic and commercial thinking: links technology choices to financial outcomes; negotiates firmly with global vendors. • Executive presence: communicates clearly with the GCFO, Board, business-unit CEOs and vendor executives. • Delivery discipline: keeps scope, time and budget under control; makes decisions and escalates early. • Stakeholder management: aligns diverse businesses with different priorities behind one Group template. • Change leadership: brings finance teams through new ways of working and builds lasting adoption. • Integrity and independence: vendor-neutral judgement during selection; strong governance mindset. Key Relationship • Internal • GCFO and Group Finance leadership • Business-unit CEOs, CFOs and finance managers • Group CIO, IT architecture and cybersecurity • Procurement, Legal, HR, Internal Audit, Treasury • External • Oracle and SAP account, licensing and executive teams • System integrators and implementation partners • External auditors and tax advisors • Banks, FTA-accredited e-invoicing providers