Finance Director

• Finance Function Setup: Establish and lead the end-to-end finance and accounting function, including accounting infrastructure, financial controls, policies, procedures, and management information systems (MIS). • Business Planning & Financial Modelling: Develop business plans, budgets, forecasts, and financial models, clearly documenting underlying assumptions and business scenarios. • Trade Finance & Banking: Work closely with the Treasurer on banking relationships, credit facilities, letters of credit (LCs), bank guarantees, and other trade finance structures. • Financial Reporting & IFRS: Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with applicable IFRS requirements and accounting standards. • Commodity Markets & Hedging: Develop an understanding of commodity market dynamics, hedging instruments, risk mitigation strategies, and hedge accounting. • Audit & Taxation: Oversee statutory audits, tax compliance, financial reporting obligations, and coordination with external auditors and tax advisers. • Financial Control & Risk Management: Establish effective internal controls and promote a culture of integrity, transparency, accountability, and prudent risk management. • Digital Transformation & AI: Lead finance digitalisation initiatives, evaluate accounting technologies, and support responsible AI adoption within a robust risk management framework. • Governance & Committees: Actively participate in Risk and Technology Steering Committees, contributing to governance frameworks, technology strategy, and business process improvements. • Strategic Leadership: Partner with the Chairman and senior management to support strategic decisions, business performance, financial sustainability, and the firm's growth ambitions. • Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) is mandatory. • Previous experience working in Dubai, UAE , with a strong understanding of the local business and regulatory environment. • Minimum 3 years of experience in a startup or early-stage business environment , preferably with direct responsibility for establishing or developing finance functions. • Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within petrochemical, commodity, oil and gas, or international trading businesses. • Strong knowledge of IFRS, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and internal controls. • Practical understanding of trade finance instruments, including LCs, bank guarantees, and banking facilities. • Familiarity with commodity markets, hedging strategies, and hedge accounting is highly desirable. • Extensive working knowledge of leading accounting and ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, and other relevant Microsoft applications. • Demonstrated ability to lead digital transformation initiatives and adopt AI-enabled solutions in a controlled, risk-aware manner. • Strong leadership, commercial acumen, analytical skills, integrity, and the ability to work effectively in multicultural, lean-team environments. • Ability to operate independently, take ownership, and balance strategic priorities with hands-on execution.