Associate Director - FP&A

Job description / Role

We are seeking an accomplished Associate Director - Financial Planning & Analysis to join a leading group in Dubai. The role will be responsible for driving budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial control activities, while offering strategic financial advice to senior leadership to ensure profitability and long-term business growth.

Client Details

Our client is a diversified, UAE-headquartered group with a strong regional presence. The business operates across multiple industries and is recognized for delivering large-scale, high-impact projects.

Description

Budgeting, MIS and Forecasting

· Lead the preparation of monthly MIS reports to management, ensuring accuracy and timeliness for effective decision-making.
· Implement and enhance financial models to ensure reliability of budgetary assumptions and reporting processes.
· Prepare and consolidate annual budgets and forecasts, coordinating with subsidiaries and departments.
· Review and analyse variances across income statement and balance sheet items with detailed commentary.
· Support quarterly financial reviews and adjustments based on market conditions.
· Prepare financial forecasts to support business planning and allocations.
· Guide unit heads and line managers in interpreting and managing their budgets.
· Liaise with senior leadership on escrow-level cash flows (sales, capex, collections) for projects.
· Assist with reviews of project reports, EMC submissions, and ad-hoc financial analysis.

Reports, Systems and Tools

· Design and implement financial policies, processes, and reporting structures aligned with business objectives.
· Oversee Hyperion and EPBCS systems to ensure accurate budget preparation and monitoring.
· Develop dashboards and financial reports to provide proactive insights to management.
· Ensure reporting processes comply with internal standards and continuous improvement objectives.

Financial Reporting and Control

· Review management reports and financial analysis within deadlines.
· Address escalated issues, propose resolutions, and ensure closure of variances.
· Support corporate-level projects and initiatives, contributing to overall company goals.

Processes and Policies Review

· Develop and enhance internal controls, policies, and procedures aligned with IFRS and regulatory requirements.
· Promote automation and digitalization of financial systems to improve efficiency.
· Identify process improvements and implement streamlined workflows for accuracy and timeliness.

Leadership and Other Tasks

· Provide direction and mentorship to finance teams, setting objectives and managing performance.
· Support career development of direct reports while creating a collaborative, high-performance culture.
· Drive departmental objectives in alignment with overall organizational strategy.

Job Offer

* Opportunity to join a prestigious UAE-based group with a strong market reputation.
* Senior leadership role offering broad exposure across financial planning, strategy, and reporting.
* Work alongside high-performing teams on large-scale projects with long-term growth potential.
* A platform to drive process automation and transformation within a dynamic environment.
* Competitive compensation package and benefits in line with seniority of the role.

· Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting; Master's degree preferred.
· Professional Accounting Qualification (CA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent).
· 10+ years' experience in finance with strong focus on FP&A.
· Proven track record in large-scale projects, real estate, construction, or similar industries.
· Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and financial tools (Excel, Power BI).
· Strong analytical, financial modelling, and forecasting skills.
· Skilled in developing budgets, leading strategic planning, and presenting financial insights to senior leadership.
· Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to mentor and manage cross-functional teams.

About the Company

Michael Page is one of the world's leading professional recruitment consultancies, specializing in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions with clients around the world.

The Group has operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In the Middle East we focus on the areas of:

Finance & Accounting Banking & Financial Services Procurement Property & Construction Engineering & Supply Chain Oil & Gas Technical and Engineering Human Resources Sales Marketing Technology Secretarial Executive Search Legal

The Group operates through 161 offices in 33 countries and employs over 5,000 employees worldwide.