Financial Controller

Job Description – Finance Controller (UAE – Dubai)Experience: 8+ years of post-qualification experienceQualification: Chartered Accountant (CA)Location: New Delhi, IndiaRole OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Finance Controller to lead and manage the overall finance and accounting function for our UAE business operations. The role will be responsible for end-to-end financial controllership, financial reporting, budgeting, taxation, statutory compliance, internal controls and business finance.The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of UAE financial regulations and taxation, along with experience in managing finance operations in a fast-paced, multi-location business environment. The role will also involve close coordination with the India/HQ finance team to ensure alignment of financial reporting, governance and business objectives.Key Responsibilities1. Financial Controllership & ReportingLead the end-to-end accounting and financial controllership function for UAE operations.Manage monthly, quarterly and annual financial closures.Ensure accurate preparation and review of P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statements and management reports.Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, including IFRS.Oversee revenue recognition, expense accounting, provisions, accruals and balance sheet reconciliations.Drive timely and accurate financial reporting to senior management and the India/HQ finance team.2. UAE Taxation & Statutory ComplianceManage UAE VAT compliance, including return preparation, filing and reconciliations.Oversee UAE Corporate Tax compliance, assessments and filings.Ensure adherence to applicable UAE financial regulations and statutory requirements.Coordinate with external tax consultants, auditors and regulatory authorities.Monitor changes in UAE taxation and regulatory frameworks and ensure timely implementation.3. Budgeting, Forecasting & Business FinanceDrive annual budgeting, financial planning and periodic forecasting for UAE operations.Monitor actual performance against budgets and analyse financial variances.Track revenue, profitability, gross margins, operating expenses and business performance.Partner with business teams to identify cost optimisation and profitability improvement opportunities.Support management in evaluating new business initiatives and financial investments.4. Internal Controls & AuditEstablish and strengthen internal financial controls across UAE operations.Ensure adherence to financial policies, approval matrices and delegation of authority.Lead statutory and internal audit coordination and ensure timely closure of audit observations.Identify financial risks and implement appropriate control mechanisms.Ensure audit readiness and maintain proper financial documentation.5. Cash Flow & Working Capital ManagementOversee cash flow planning, liquidity management and working capital requirements.Monitor accounts payable, accounts receivable and vendor reconciliations.Ensure timely vendor payments and customer collections.Drive effective cash utilisation and working capital optimisation.6. Group Reporting & Stakeholder ManagementCoordinate with India/HQ finance teams for group reporting and financial consolidation.Manage intercompany transactions, reconciliations and related-party accounting.Ensure consistency in financial reporting and accounting practices across entities.Work closely with business, operations, procurement and leadership teams to support financial decision-making.7. Team Management & Process ExcellenceManage and develop the UAE finance and accounting team.Drive automation, process improvements and standardisation of finance operations.Ensure operational efficiency, financial discipline and accountability across the function.Desired Candidate ProfileQualified Chartered Accountant (CA) with 8+ years of post-qualification experience.Prior experience in UAE/GCC finance operations is strongly preferred.Strong understanding of UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, IFRS and local statutory compliance.Experience in managing end-to-end financial controllership for a business entity.Experience in retail, e-commerce, D2C, FMCG or consumer-facing businesses will be an advantage.Strong exposure to financial reporting, budgeting, audits, internal controls and working capital management.Experience in group reporting and intercompany transactions.Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or similar platforms.Strong leadership, analytical and stakeholder management skills.