Financial Controller

About the Company We are a growing, multi-business organisation operating across food manufacturing, café retail, and catering. Our focus is on quality, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across our business operations. About the Role We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller to lead finance, inventory control, purchasing, and delivery scheduling across multiple business entities. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will oversee a team of eight and take ownership of financial reporting, cash flow, working capital, product costing, inventory accuracy, purchasing discipline, and compliance. This is a leadership role for a commercially minded finance professional who combines strong financial controls with operational understanding, leads teams effectively, and translates financial data into actionable business insights. The role is based in Dubai, with regular on-site time in the factory and stores. Key Responsibilities 1. Financial Reporting & Month-End Close Lead the monthly financial close and prepare consolidated management information system (MIS) reports across all business entities. Maintain accurate balance sheet schedules, reconciliations, and financial records. Establish and maintain daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reporting routines. Prepare monthly management accounts, profit and loss statements, and financial performance analysis. 2. Cash Flow & Working Capital Management Prepare and maintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast, updated weekly. Manage banking relationships, overdraft facilities, and term loans. Oversee payment runs, payment prioritisation, and short-term liquidity planning. Monitor working capital and proactively address cash flow risks. 3. Accounts Receivable & Payable Manage receivables ageing, customer statements, credit terms, and bad debt exposure. Ensure timely customer follow-ups and maintain agreed credit controls. Oversee supplier reconciliations, payment schedules, and accounts payable ageing. Build strong customer and supplier relationships while maintaining financial discipline. 4. Product Costing, Margins & Commercial Analysis Oversee product and Bill of Materials (BOM) costing. Analyse margins by product and sales channel. Provide financial input into pricing decisions and commercial planning. Identify cost-reduction opportunities and improve overall profitability. 5. Inventory Control & Cost Management Ensure regular stock counts, inventory reconciliations, and variance analysis. Monitor stock wastage, adjustments, and non-inventory expenses. Establish appropriate inventory controls and approval processes. Oversee third-party warehouse inventory and ensure accurate stock reporting. 6. Purchasing & Supply Chain Coordination Establish and enforce purchase order procedures and purchasing controls. Negotiate supplier terms and support strategic purchasing decisions. Coordinate commodity purchasing to balance cost, availability, and cash flow. Oversee delivery scheduling and improve coordination between purchasing, production, inventory, and sales. 7. Payroll & Employee Cost Management Oversee monthly payroll processing and compliance with Wage Protection System (WPS) requirements. Ensure accurate end-of-service benefit provisions. Monitor headcount costs and provide workforce cost analysis. 8. Tax, Audit & Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with applicable VAT and Corporate Tax requirements. Oversee transfer pricing arrangements and intercompany transactions across business entities. Coordinate external audits and preparation of annual financial statements. Maintain compliance with applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and statutory requirements. 9. Financial Systems & Data Integrity Act as the finance owner for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Central. Ensure accurate integration of retail point-of-sale transactions into the general ledger. Improve financial processes, reporting automation, and data accuracy. Develop dashboards and management reports to support informed business decisions. Leadership & Team Management The Financial Controller will be accountable for the performance and development of the team, not just individual output. Establish a structured weekly operating rhythm for reconciliations, receivables, stock counts, and financial close activities. Maintain a monthly schedule for MIS reporting, balance sheet reviews, inventory reporting, and adjustments. Plan and coordinate annual audits, financial statements, and year-end activities. Conduct weekly one-to-one meetings with direct reports, provide clear feedback, and follow up on agreed actions. Develop succession plans and cross-training for key roles within the team. Communicate financial performance and operational issues clearly to factory, retail, sales, and ownership teams. Make sound decisions under cash flow pressure, prioritise payments transparently, and negotiate proactively with suppliers. Required Qualifications & Experience ACCA, CMA, CA, CPA, or an equivalent recognised professional finance qualification. At least 8 years of finance experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role managing a team of five or more. Experience in manufacturing, food and beverage, FMCG, or retail environments. Hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, or a comparable mid-market ERP system. Strong knowledge of VAT, Corporate Tax, and IFRS. Proven experience in cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and financial controls. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills. Preferred Qualifications & Experience Experience with LS Central or retail point-of-sale systems. Strong knowledge of inventory costing, BOMs, and manufacturing cost accounting. Previous external audit experience. Experience working in an owner-managed or family-owned business. Experience building dashboards and reports using Power BI or similar tools. Show more Show less