Finance manager jobs in the UAE

About the role: Finance manager

Finance managers, financial controllers and chief financial officers lead the finance function. They are responsible for accurate reporting, cash management, budgeting, controls, tax compliance and relations with auditors, and they advise leadership on the financial side of every major decision.

In the UAE these roles exist in companies of every size, from free zone subsidiaries of international groups and local family businesses to developers, contractors, hotel groups, schools, hospitals and government-related entities. Since the introduction of corporate tax in 2023, finance leaders also carry responsibility for tax registration, filings and planning with the Federal Tax Authority.

Employers look for a combination of technical accounting expertise, leadership and commercial judgement. Regional experience, familiarity with UAE regulations and experience managing audits, ERP projects and teams are frequently required, and Arabic can be an advantage in government-related organisations.

Main responsibilities

• Lead month-end, year-end and statutory reporting
• Manage budgets, forecasts and cash flow
• Maintain internal controls and policies
• Oversee VAT and corporate tax compliance
• Manage the finance team and external auditors

Skills employers look for

• Strong IFRS and group reporting knowledge
• UAE VAT and corporate tax rules
• Treasury and working capital management
• ERP implementation experience
• Team leadership and board-level communication

Qualifications in the UAE

Senior finance roles almost always require a professional qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CMA or a chartered accountancy qualification, often combined with a background in audit. An MBA can help for CFO positions.