Group Head – Finance – Textile/Trading/Distribution – CA

Role Overview:

There is an immediate opening for Group Head of Finance based in Dubai.

Reporting to: Group Management / Owner

Key Responsibilities:

– Manage the overall Finance and Accounting function of the company.

– Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, cash flow, financial reports, and management accounts.

– Monitor the company’s cash flow, working capital, receivables, payables, and inventory.

– Take responsibility for customer collections and closely follow up on overdue payments.

– Work with the Sales Team to set collection targets and ensure the team actively follows up with customers for payment.

– Monitor customer credit limits, outstanding balances, and overdue accounts.

– Manage supplier payments and ensure payments are planned according to cash flow and agreed terms.

– Monitor all costs related to international shipments, including freight, customs, clearance, port, storage, detention, and demurrage charges.

– Identify unnecessary shipment costs and implement measures to reduce demurrage and other avoidable expenses.

– Review shipment costs and ensure they are properly recorded and allocated.

– Manage relationships with banks and financial institutions.

– Manage and monitor bank loans, overdrafts, credit facilities, Letters of Credit (LCs), guarantees, and trade finance facilities.

– Support management in negotiating better banking facilities, payment terms, and financing costs.

– Monitor bank facility limits, repayments, interest, and renewal requirements.

– Prepare and manage sales commissions and incentive calculations in line with company policies.

– Ensure compliance with applicable UAE laws, VAT, Corporate Tax, banking, and financial regulations.

– Coordinate with external auditors, tax consultants, banks, and other professional advisers.

– Review company expenses and identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved efficiency.

– Provide management with clear financial analysis and recommendations for business decisions.

– Work closely with Sales, Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse, and Management to improve financial performance.

– Lead and manage the Finance Team and ensure accurate and timely completion of financial activities.

– Manage and monitor the business owner’s personal banking and financial transactions, including reconciliations, payments, transfers, and other financial requirements, with the highest level of confidentiality and discretion.

– Support management with financial planning, business expansion, and other strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience:

– Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

– CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent qualification is preferred.

– Minimum 10 years of relevant finance experience, preferably in a senior finance position.

– Experience in textile, trading, wholesale, distribution, import/export, or similar businesses is highly preferred.

– Strong practical experience in customer collections, cash flow, working capital, and cost control.

– Good understanding of international shipments, import costs, freight, customs, port charges, demurrage, and detention.

– Strong experience dealing with UAE banks, loans, credit facilities, LCs, guarantees, and trade finance.

– Good knowledge of UAE financial regulations, VAT, and Corporate Tax.

– Strong Excel and ERP/accounting system skills.

– Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills.

– Strong ability to work with and hold Sales and other departments accountable for financial targets.

– High level of confidentiality, integrity, and discretion, particularly when handling sensitive company and owner’s financial information.

– Ability to work in a fast-paced trading environment and manage multiple priorities.

Key Performance Areas:

The Finance Director will be expected to focus on:

– Improving customer collections and reducing overdue balances.

– Improving cash flow and working capital.

– Reducing demurrage and unnecessary shipment expenses.

– Controlling company expenses.

– Managing banking facilities and financing costs effectively.

– Improving financial reporting and management information.

– Supporting the Sales Team in achieving collection targets.

– Ensuring strong financial controls and regulatory compliance.

Contact: +919811967450