Financial Controller | Real Estate | Shared Services

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Overview of the role

The Financial Controller ensures operational and financial control across Al Futtaim Real Estate UAE businesses, reporting to the Director Finance - UAE. This role leads the controllership function, supports strategic initiatives, and collaborates with senior management on market trend analysis, financial performance, accounting, audits, strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting. Acting as a bridge between operational finance teams and corporate real estate finance, the Financial Controller ensures alignment on governance, business planning, funding, investment decisions, taxation, and shareholder reporting. The ideal candidate is a commercially and process-oriented leader with strong managerial, analytical, and compliance skills, ensuring precision and adherence to laws and policies.

What you will do

1. Ensure corporate governance across all AFGRE properties.
2. Review and refine new and existing processes and policies as needed.
3. Support the Director Finance in addressing corporate governance issues, including: Delegation of Authority (DOA) matrix, Key Operating Guidelines (KOGs), Internal controls and Compliance with Commercial Companies Law.
4. Review, standardize, and improve documentation for approvals, including: Business Continuity Plans (BCPs), Requests for Applications (RFAs) and Investment Committee Memorandums.
5. Enhance and standardize AFGRE’s financial and management reporting, including cash flow forecasting and bank modeling.
6. Review, improve, and coordinate the 3-Year Plan and budget process across UAE entities.
7. Ensure timely completion of external audits with no adjustment entries, meeting Audit Committee timelines.
8. Coordinate with Regional and Group Treasury, preparing bank funding models, business plans, and analyses to support funding proposals.
9. Manage compliance with existing funding covenants and coordinate requests for waivers in liaison with Group Treasury.
10. Review and document tax exposure across the UAE and new geographies; develop and coordinate efficient tax strategies.
11. Perform additional tasks as required to support the Director Finance.

Required Skills to be successful

1. Minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of Finance and Accounting, preferably Real Estate, out of which a minimum of 4 years in Big 4 audit companies.
2. Experience in Real Estate / Construction / Project Management industries will be preferred.
3. Knowledge and experience of IFRS, real estate operations, Dubai real estate laws and guidelines is mandatory.

What equips you for the role

1. Accounting / Finance qualification (CPA, CA, CMA, CFA, CIMA etc.).
2. Knowledge of ERP Financial Software is necessary; SAP expertise will be preferred.