Regional Finance Director

Job description / Role

Our client is a worldwide Utilities player. Following a period of transformation they are looking for a proactive and dynamic Regional Finance Director which is a crucial area of strategic growth for the Group.



The Role

Reporting directly to the Global Chief Financial Officer, the Regional Finance Director (FD) for the Middle East and Africa Region will oversee all financial operations within the region, ensuring robust financial management and strategic business support. This pivotal role includes leading the finance function across accounting, financial reporting, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), budgeting, treasury, and risk management. The ideal candidate will provide valuable commercial and operational finance insights, drive cost efficiencies, and maintain high standards of integrity. With a dotted line reporting relationship to the Regional Business Director, the FD will be accountable for the region's financial health and profitability, offering strong business partnership and critical challenges to the organization. The role demands leadership skills capable of influencing local management, collaborating effectively with operations, and building a high-performing, geographically dispersed finance team. Amid the company's transformation, this position offers significant opportunities for growth and career advancement.

* Lead and manage all finance activities within the region, including accounting, reporting, FP&A, budgeting, treasury, and risk management.
* Develop and implement financial strategies to support the region's business objectives.
* Development and implementation of financial processes and controls to support the financial goals of the organisation, working closely with the corporate accounting team.
* Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with local and international accounting standards and in compliance with a global accounting policy
* Oversee the preparation of regional financial statements and management reports.
* Manage the annual audit process and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
* Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and strategies.
* Provide in-depth financial analysis and insights to support business decision-making.
* Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying key variances and recommending corrective actions.
* Oversee cash flow management, optimizing working capital and liquidity.
* Develop and manage risk management strategies, including currency exposure and financial risks.
* Ensure effective controls are in place to safeguard company assets.
* Partner with local management and operations to provide financial insights that drive commercial success and operational efficiency.
* Challenge assumptions and provide critical analysis to support business growth and profitability.
* Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
* Build and lead a high-performing, cost-efficient finance team across the region.
* Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement within the finance function.
* Provide mentorship and development opportunities for finance team members.
* Serve as a trusted advisor to the regional leadership team, providing financial guidance and insights.
* Work closely with the head office to ensure alignment and build trust in the region's financial operations.
* Represent the finance function in key regional and corporate meetings.
* Contribute to the development and execution of the company's strategic initiatives in the region.
* Participate in transformation projects, providing financial leadership and expertise.

* * Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CA/ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent required.
* Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior finance role, preferably in a multinational organization.
* Proven experience in managing finance across multiple countries, particularly in regions with complex regulatory environments.
* Strong knowledge of GAAP/IFRS and financial reporting standards.
* Experience in FP&A, budgeting, treasury, and risk management.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
* Strong leadership and team-building abilities, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
* High levels of integrity, transparency and ethical standards.
* Experience working in the Middle East & Africa region.
* Prior involvement in organizational transformation
* Experience with ERP systems and financial software.

Salary and Benefits
AED 70,000 - 80,000 per month, plus company benefits and education.

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About the Company

Founded in 1948, Robert Half has a long history of connecting opportunities at great companies with highly skilled jobseekers. Bolstered by the strength of our brand, our people, our technology and our professional business model, we find meaningful and exciting employment for the people we place and provide clients access to the specialised talent they need to help grow their businesses.