Finance Director

Develop and execute the Group's financial strategy in alignment with organizational goals and long-term growth objectives. • Serve as a strategic financial advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team. • Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance management across all six branches. • Provide data-driven insights to support strategic investments, business expansion, and major financial decisions. Group Financial Management & Governance • Oversee and consolidate financial operations, reporting, and controls across all ICS branches. • Ensure financial transparency, accountability, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls. • Manage cash flow, working capital, financial risks, and capital expenditure. • Oversee annual audits, statutory financial reporting, and compliance with UAE financial and tax regulations. Operational Excellence & Cost Optimization • Identify opportunities for cost optimization, revenue enhancement, and improved profitability without compromising educational quality. • Establish financial KPIs and performance benchmarks for individual schools and the Group. • Monitor student fee collections, revenue forecasts, operational expenditures, and overall financial sustainability. • Strengthen financial processes, ERP utilization, automation, and management reporting. Leadership & Stakeholder Management • Lead, mentor, and develop finance and accounting teams across all branches. • Collaborate closely with school principals, operations, HR, procurement, and other departments. • Present financial performance, strategic recommendations, and risk assessments to executive management. • Drive a culture of financial discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement. Requirements Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline. • Professional certification such as CA, ACCA, CPA, or CMA is strongly preferred. MBA in Finance is an advantage. • Minimum 12 years of progressive financial management experience , including substantial experience in a senior finance leadership role. • Prior experience in the UAE education sector, preferably managing multiple schools or campuses, is highly desirable. • Proven track record of strategic financial planning, financial restructuring, cost optimization, and organizational growth. • Strong understanding of UAE taxation, regulatory compliance, financial reporting standards, and corporate governance. • Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets, multiple cost centers, and consolidated financial reporting. • Strong ERP, financial analytics, and business intelligence capabilities. The Ideal Candidate We are looking for a strategic leader, not simply a financial controller u2014 someone who demonstrates: • Strong business acumen and independent decision-making capabilities. • The ability to balance financial sustainability with educational excellence. • A proactive, results-oriented approach to organizational challenges. • Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills. • The confidence to challenge existing processes, introduce improvements, and drive meaningful organizational change. •