Head of Group Finance (Group Finance Manager / Group Financial Controller)

**Head of Group Finance** (Group Finance Manager / Group Financial Controller) **Position Summary** The Head of Group Finance will be responsible for leading and overseeing the finance function across all companies within the Group. The Group currently consists of multiple business entities, including automobile trading, car rental, logistics, auto repair & maintenance, and other expanding business operations. Each company already has its own accounting personnel responsible for daily bookkeeping, while an external accounting firm is engaged for VAT filings, Corporate Tax compliance, statutory financial statements, and audit coordination. **The primary responsibility of this position is not bookkeeping or tax filing.** Instead, the successful candidate will oversee the work performed by both the internal finance teams and the external accounting firm, ensuring that all financial information is accurate, reliable, compliant, and meaningful for management decision-making. The role requires a proactive finance leader who can strengthen internal controls, improve finance processes, analyze business performance, identify financial risks, and act as a trusted business partner to the CEO. **Key Responsibilities** **1. Group Finance Leadership** · Lead and oversee the finance function across all Group companies. · Ensure consistency in accounting policies and financial reporting standards across all entities. · Build and maintain a strong finance culture throughout the Group. · Continuously improve finance processes, controls, and reporting quality. **2. Supervision of Internal Finance Teams** · Supervise and review the work performed by the accountants in each company. · Ensure all accounting records are complete, accurate, and submitted on time. · Review journal entries, reconciliations, trial balances, and month-end closing prepared by the finance teams. · Provide guidance, coaching, and performance management to finance staff. · Standardize accounting practices across all companies. **3. Management of External Accounting Firm** · Act as the primary liaison with the Group's external accounting firm. · Review VAT returns, Corporate Tax filings, statutory financial statements, audit schedules, and adjustment entries prepared by the external accounting firm before submission. · Ensure compliance with IFRS, UAE VAT, and UAE Corporate Tax regulations. · Challenge accounting treatments where necessary and ensure high-quality professional advice is received. · Coordinate annual audits and statutory compliance matters. **4. Financial Review & Reporting** · Review monthly Trial Balances, General Ledgers, Balance Sheets, and Profit & Loss Statements for all Group companies. · Ensure financial reports accurately reflect business performance. · Prepare consolidated management reports for the CEO. · Monitor financial performance and highlight significant variances and risks. **5. Business & Financial Analysis** Provide meaningful financial insights to support business decisions. Including: · Profitability analysis by company and business unit. · Gross margin analysis. · Cash flow analysis. · Working capital analysis. · Cost analysis. · Inventory analysis. · Business performance review. · Financial trend analysis. · Identification of unusual transactions and operational risks. Prepare recommendations to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and financial performance. **6. Cash Flow Management** · Monitor Group cash flow and liquidity. · Prepare weekly and monthly cash flow forecasts. · Review payment priorities. · Support working capital management. · Monitor financing requirements. · Assist management in cash flow planning. **7. Internal Controls & Risk Management** Design, implement, and continuously improve internal financial controls. Including: · Payment approval matrix. · Delegation of authority. · Expense control procedures. · Inventory control procedures. · Finance SOPs. · Segregation of duties. · Financial risk management. · Periodic finance reviews across all companies. Identify control weaknesses and implement corrective actions. **8. Finance Process & ERP Improvement** · Improve finance workflows and operational efficiency. · Optimize ERP utilization. · Standardize finance procedures across all companies. · Lead finance automation initiatives. · Improve reporting accuracy and efficiency. · Work closely with business departments to improve financial visibility. **9. CEO Business Partner** Act as the primary finance advisor to the CEO. Responsibilities include: · Participating in management meetings. · Supporting strategic business decisions. · Evaluating investments and expansion opportunities. · Identifying operational and financial risks. · Providing practical financial recommendations. · Supporting business planning and budgeting. **10. Team Development** · Lead and develop the Group finance team. · Set finance KPIs. · Con