Finance Manager - Real Estate Development

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee and strategically lead the financial functions of a growing real estate development company based in Dubai, UAE. Reporting to the CEO/Group CFO, this role demands robust experience in commercial finance within the UAE property development sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the comprehensive financial strategy including budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and management reporting.
• Supervise financial management of real estate development projects from land acquisition through to sales, completion, and handover.
• Assess project feasibility studies, financial models, profitability metrics such as IRR and ROI, and development margins.
• Control project costs, construction spending, commitments, change orders, and budget adherence.
• Guide cash flow forecasting, liquidity oversight, working capital management, and financing of projects.
• Maintain and develop relationships with UAE banks and financial institutions to support loans, financing, and project funding.
• Oversee sales monitoring, cash collections, receivables tracking, and payment plans management, particularly for off-plan sales.
• Manage accounting functions, project accounting, financial statements, consolidations, and audits.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, UAE VAT regulations, and all relevant financial and statutory requirements.
• Enhance financial controls, governance frameworks, risk management, and approval processes.
• Evaluate new development propositions, land purchases, investments, and financial viability.
• Deliver strategic financial advice and commercial insights to senior management and the CEO.
• Lead and mentor the Finance team, establishing performance metrics and KPI standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting certification (ACCA, CPA, CA, CMA or equivalent) preferred.
• Over 15 years of progressive experience in finance roles.
• Extensive senior leadership experience as Finance Director, CFO, Head of Finance, or similar roles.
• Essential: Deep, hands-on experience with finance functions in UAE-based real estate development companies, managing multiple projects.
• Strong proficiency in real estate development finance, project finance, financial modelling, and feasibility studies.
• Proven track record in cash flow management, treasury, project funding, and working capital.
• Extensive dealings with UAE banks and financial institutions.
• Experience managing off-plan projects, customer collections, and profitability analysis.
• Competency in applying IFRS standards, UAE VAT, audit processes, and internal control frameworks.
• Experience in leading and growing finance teams. 
• Familiarity with Oracle ERP or comparable ERP systems advantageous.

Core Competencies

• Strategic financial leadership and commercial acumen
• Real estate development finance and project financial management
• Financial modeling, feasibility analysis, and budgeting/forecasting
• Cash flow, treasury, risk management, and cost control
• Banking relations and financing arrangements
• Leadership capabilities and financial team development
• Strong analytical thinking and effective decision-making