Finance Director - MENA

About the Company

Our client is a US-listed multinational firm specializing in manufacturing and engineering, offering sophisticated products, solutions, and services across diverse industrial sectors. Operating in complex global markets, the company is expanding its regional presence and seeks a seasoned Regional Finance Director based in Dubai to steer financial leadership and collaborate closely with regional and global management teams.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Regional CFO in Europe, the Regional Finance Director will oversee the financial management of the region, integrating commercial finance, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), manufacturing finance, financial control, and governance functions. This leader will work alongside commercial, operational, and manufacturing heads to provide insightful analysis, drive strategic decisions, and enhance business growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the regional budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes, ensuring transparency of financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior commercial and operational leaders to foster revenue growth, boost margins, enhance profitability, and optimize cash flow.
• Conduct comprehensive financial performance analyses to reveal commercial and operational factors affecting results.
• Manage financial oversight of manufacturing aspects, including standard and product costing, inventory management, variances, productivity, and efficiency.
• Drive initiatives to improve working capital management, cash conversion, and overall financial health.
• Support capital expenditures, investments, and strategic projects through sophisticated financial modeling and analysis.
• Ensure robust financial controls and adherence to group accounting policies and governance standards.
• Maintain compliance with SOX requirements and internal control frameworks pertinent to a US-listed entity.
• Oversee regional financial reporting, balance sheet accuracy, statutory obligations, and audit procedures.
• Lead and mentor finance teams across the region, fostering a commercially oriented, high-performing culture.
• Champion ongoing improvements in finance processes, reporting, systems, automation, and control mechanisms.
• Serve as the principal finance liaison within the region, coordinating with the Regional CFO and global finance teams.

Candidate Profile

• Holds a recognized professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in senior finance leadership roles covering regional or multinational operations.
• Strong background in manufacturing and operational finance.
• Prior exposure to US-listed companies or US multinational corporate environments.
• In-depth knowledge of SOX compliance, internal controls, and corporate governance practices.
• Advanced skills in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial finance management.
• Profound understanding of manufacturing costing methods, inventory control, margin analysis, working capital, and cash flow management.
• Proven ability to collaborate with senior commercial, manufacturing, and operational leaders.
• Experience in leading and developing proficient finance teams.
• Adept at functioning within complex matrixed international organizations.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with confidence to challenge senior stakeholders.
• Middle East regional experience is desirable but not mandatory.