Finance Director (VC / FO exp)

Our client is a UAE-based investment group with a diversified portfolio spanning multiple high-growth industries. They are seeking an experienced Finance Director/CFO to lead their global finance function and operational infrastructure. As the organisation continues to expand across multiple jurisdictions, this role will be instrumental in establishing institutional-grade financial processes, governance frameworks, and reporting standards while supporting strategic growth initiatives.

Role Requirement

This is a highly strategic yet hands-on leadership position that extends beyond traditional finance responsibilities, encompassing operations, compliance, corporate structuring, and executive support. The successful candidate will work closely with the firm’s principals and play a key role in shaping the financial and operational framework of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Design, implement, and oversee robust financial policies, controls, and reporting frameworks across multiple international entities.
• Lead the firm’s overall financial strategy, ensuring scalability, transparency, and operational excellence.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated cash flow forecasts, budgeting processes, and financial planning models.
• Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support investment and business decisions.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger management, reconciliations, month-end and year-end close processes.
• Consolidate financial statements across multiple jurisdictions and corporate structures.
• Ensure timely and accurate statutory and management reporting in accordance with IFRS and relevant accounting standards.
• Monitor and manage intercompany transactions and reconciliations across the group’s entities

Investment & Portfolio Oversight

• Prepare detailed reporting for principals covering portfolio performance, consolidated assets, liquidity positions, and investment metrics.
• Review financial models, business plans, and due diligence materials relating to existing and prospective investments.
• Support investment decisions through financial analysis and commercial evaluation.
• Assist portfolio companies with fundraising initiatives, financial modelling, corporate finance structuring, and investor engagement where required.

Compliance, Corporate Structuring & Governance

• Oversee compliance across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring adherence to local and international regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate corporate structuring initiatives, including SPVs, trusts, offshore and onshore entities, and jurisdictional expansions.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, legal advisers, tax consultants, bankers, and other professional service providers.
• Supervise licensing, statutory filings, board reporting, and other corporate governance obligations.
• Review and manage the organisation’s insurance programmes and risk mitigation strategies.

Operations & Administration

• Build and oversee efficient internal operational processes across finance and administration.
• Manage corporate expenses and implement cost control initiatives.
• Support broader business operations including contract management, asset administration, HR-related processes, and internal controls.
• Develop scalable systems that enable institutional-quality governance across the organisation.

Risk Management

• Identify and proactively manage financial, operational, and regulatory risks.
• Ensure effective tax planning and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Stay informed of evolving accounting standards, tax legislation, and regulatory developments impacting the business.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline.
• MBA or Master’s degree is advantageous.
• Professional qualification such as CPA, ACCA, ACA, or CFA is required.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in finance, accounting, auditing, or corporate finance, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience within private equity, venture capital, family office, or institutional investment environments is essential.
• Strong expertise in multi-entity consolidations, intercompany accounting, and international financial reporting.
• Deep understanding of IFRS, corporate governance, compliance, and…