Head of Finance / Product Control Manager - Global Brokerage - Dubai

Job Summary

The Head of Finance will be responsible for management and oversight of all financial functions within the company. This role is critical in ensuring that the firm meets its financial targets, operates efficiently, and complies with all relevant regulatory requirements. The candidate would need to be qualified to be successfully approved by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as a Responsible Officer of the firm.

• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to work in a well renowned financial services organisation in Dubai.

Job Description

Financial Reporting and Management Accounts:

• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting, including financial presentation for Board meetings.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the firm’s and Group’s management and provide insights and analysis to support strategic decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and corporate financial reporting requirements, including on the Client Assets.
• Monitor the capital adequacy and liquidity requirements of the firm and ensure the same are maintained as per regulations
• Oversee and manage the outsourced finance team at Group Holding, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Strategic and Operational Planning:

• Contribute to the development and execution of the company’s strategic plans, providing financial analysis and insights to support decision-making.
• Manage the company’s budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
• Work closely with the product, technology, risk and operational teams during a product roll-out process to ensure that the financial accounting & reporting requirements and risk implications are fully understood and applied.

Audit and Compliance:

• Manage the external financial year-end audit, ensuring all audit requirements are met, the audit process runs smoothly and that it is completed within the set deadlines.
• Liaise with the COO and the Head of Compliance to compile and submit DFSA regulatory returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Regularly review and streamline financial and administrative processes to improve efficiency, reduce cost and enhance service delivery.
• Work closely with the compliance team to monitor and manage regulatory risks.

Management of Banking and Third-party Operational Supplier Relationships:

• Manage and oversee relationships with banking partners, ensuring optimal banking arrangements for the firm.
• Third-party Supplier Relationships: Manage the contractual relationships with the third-party suppliers providing IT infrastructure, telecommunications, office equipment and general services. Ensure contracts are cost-effective and meet strategic goals, service level agreements (SLAs) are met, and that the firm’s operational infrastructure supports business operations effectively.
• Contract Negotiation: Work with the Executive Management team and legal counsel to coordinate negotiations for new and existing contracts with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and conditions that meet the company’s operational needs and compliance requirements.

Tax

• Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory requirements, including corporate taxes, VAT, IRS reporting, filings and payments.

Functional role:

• Co-ordinate with the relevant internal teams in continuous enhancement of the Management Information system to aid informed decision-making by the Executive Management.
• Oversee the management of the company’s invoicing process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in billing and collections.
• Work closely with the Chief executive Officer in setting up the annual incentive policies for the sales and dealing teams and be responsible for the computation and disbursement of the incentive payments on a quarterly basis.
• Manage the payroll process with the Group HR and the timely payments to the third-party suppliers

The Successful Applicant

Qualifications:

• Must be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 6-10 years of experience in a senior finance role, including experience within an DFSA-regulated brokerage firm or strong product control experience with knowledge to DFSA regulations.
• Proven experience in financial reporting, management accounting, and the oversight of banking and contractual relationships.
• Strong understanding of DFSA regulations, particularly in relation to financial reporting, regulatory returns, and compliance.

Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in financial software and MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to Executive Management and the Board.