Finance Manager

Job Summary We are looking for an experienced, commercially focused Finance Manager with 6–7 years of relevant experience in manufacturing and/or trading businesses, ideally in the UAE or wider GCC. The ideal candidate is a qualified Chartered Accountant (or ACCA/CPA equivalent). They should have strong hands-on experience in financial accounting, IFRS reporting, taxation, working capital management and banking relationships. The candidate should have practical experience in bank funding and trade finance, and be proficient in UAE VAT and Corporate Tax. Key Responsibilities • Oversee the complete finance and accounting function, making sure financial transactions are recorded accurately and on time. • Manage monthly, quarterly and annual closing, and prepare management accounts and financial reports on time. • Review the general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, provisions, accruals (including end-of-service gratuity), payroll and bank reconciliations. • Make sure payroll processing complies with the UAE Wage Protection System (WPS). • Prepare and review IFRS financial statements, MIS reports, budgets, forecasts and management analysis. • Manage working capital, cash flow forecasting and liquidity requirements. • Lead banking relationships with UAE banks and support the company's funding requirements. This covers working capital facilities, term loans, trade finance lines, renewals, enhancements and related documentation. • Coordinate with banks and financial institutions for the sanction, documentation, use and monitoring of banking facilities. • Manage trade finance instruments such as letters of credit, trust receipts, import/export financing and bank guarantees. Monitor borrowing costs, covenants and facility limits. • Oversee UAE VAT and Corporate Tax compliance through the FTA (EmaraTax). This includes reviewing returns, tax computations, registrations, tax audits, FTA queries and related matters. • Make sure other applicable requirements are met, including Excise Tax (if applicable), customs duties and related-party/transfer pricing documentation. Coordinate with external tax advisors where needed. • Review tax reconciliations, including VAT input/output reconciliations and reverse-charge transactions on imports. • Support the company's readiness for the UAE e-invoicing mandate, working with IT and tax advisors. • Coordinate with external auditors, internal auditors, tax advisors and other professional advisors. • Make sure the company complies with IFRS, UAE Commercial Companies Law, applicable free zone or mainland regulations, internal controls and company policies. • Review and strengthen financial controls and accounting processes across the business. • Work closely with procurement, sales, operations, HR and other departments on finance and commercial matters. • Support inventory, costing and profitability analysis, particularly in a manufacturing environment. • Identify financial risks (including FX and credit risk) and opportunities, and give management timely analysis and recommendations. • Supervise, mentor and develop the finance and accounting team. • Visit company plants and other locations across the UAE and GCC as required. Required Skills & Competencies • Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), ACCA, CPA or equivalent, with 6–7 years of relevant post-qualification experience. • Strong hands-on experience in financial accounting, IFRS reporting, budgeting, cash flow and working capital management. • Experience in manufacturing and/or trading businesses is preferred. • Practical experience in bank funding, trade finance and working capital facilities, and in managing relationships with UAE banks and financial institutions. • Strong, current working knowledge of UAE VAT and Corporate Tax regulations. • Experience handling FTA tax audits and queries and coordinating with tax consultants is preferred. • Strong knowledge of IFRS, financial controls and UAE regulatory requirements. • Proficiency in ERP systems (preferably Oracle) and strong MS Excel skills. • Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. • Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills. • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines. • High level of integrity, ownership and attention to detail. The successful candidate is a commercially aware, hands-on finance professional who takes strong ownership of the finance function. They can work closely with senior management, banks, auditors, tax advisors and operational teams while keeping financial controls robust, staying compliant with regulations and reporting on time. Preferred Experience • Experience in a mid-sized or growing manufacturing or trading organization in the UAE or GCC. • Experience dealing directly with UAE banks for funding, trade finance and working capital facilities. • Strong practical exposure to UAE VAT and Corporate Tax compliance and advisory matters, including FTA audits. • Experience with customs, import/export documentation and free zone operations. • Experience in Oracle or another leading ERP environment. • A valid UAE driving license is an advantage.