Financial Controller

Overview

Overview Of The Role

The Financial Controller ensures operational and financial control across Al Futtaim Real Estate UAE businesses, reporting to the Director Finance – UAE. This role leads the controllership function, supports strategic initiatives, and collaborates with senior management on market trend analysis, financial performance, accounting, audits, strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting. Acting as a bridge between operational finance teams and corporate real estate finance, the Financial Controller ensures alignment on governance, business planning, funding, investment decisions, taxation, and shareholder reporting. The ideal candidate is a commercially and process-oriented leader with strong managerial, analytical, and compliance skills, ensuring precision and adherence to laws and policies.

What You Will Do:

• Ensure corporate governance across all AFGRE properties.
• Review and refine new and existing processes and policies as needed.
• Support the Director Finance in addressing corporate governance issues, including: Delegation of Authority (DOA) matrix, Key Operating Guidelines (KOGs), Internal controls and Compliance with Commercial Companies Law.
• Review, standardize, and improve documentation for approvals, including: Business Continuity Plans (BCPs), Requests for Applications (RFAs) and Investment Committee Memorandums.
• Enhance and standardize AFGRE’s financial and management reporting, including cash flow forecasting and bank modeling.
• Review, improve, and coordinate the 3-Year Plan and budget process across UAE entities.
• Ensure timely completion of external audits with no adjustment entries, meeting Audit Committee timelines.
• Coordinate with Regional and Group Treasury, preparing bank funding models, business plans, and analyses to support funding proposals.
• Manage compliance with existing funding covenants and coordinate requests for waivers in liaison with Group Treasury.
• Review and document tax exposure across the UAE and new geographies; develop and coordinate efficient tax strategies.
• Perform additional tasks as required to support the Director Finance.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of Finance and Accounting, preferably Real Estate, out of which a minimum of 4 years in Big 4 audit companies
• Experience in Real Estate / Construction / Project Management industries will be preferred
• Knowledge and experience of IFRS, real estate operations, Dubai real estate laws and guidelines is mandatory

What Equips You For The Role:

• Accounting / Finance qualification (CPA, CA, CMA, CFA, CIMA etc.)
• Knowledge of ERP Financial Software is necessary; SAP expertise will be preferred