Finance Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Finance Manager to oversee the financial operations of our freight forwarding and logistics business in the UAE. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial management, accounting, budgeting, taxation, and financial reporting, with a solid understanding of freight forwarding operations, shipment profitability, and logistics-related financial processes. The Finance Manager will be responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, effective cash flow management, and providing strategic financial insights to support business growth and operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities 1. Financial Management & Reporting Oversee daily accounting and financial operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and applicable accounting standards. Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statements. Ensure timely submission of financial reports to local and regional management. Monitor financial performance, identify variances, and provide recommendations for improvement. Ensure compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and internal financial policies. Manage month-end and year-end closing activities, including accruals, reconciliations, and financial adjustments. 2. Freight Forwarding & Logistics Financial Operations Oversee shipment-level financial transactions, including revenue recognition, cost allocation, and profitability analysis. Monitor shipment profitability and gross profit margins across Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road Freight, and Project Logistics. Review freight-related costs, including carrier charges, customs clearance, transportation, warehousing, and handling expenses. Ensure accurate and timely invoicing of customers and settlement of supplier invoices. Coordinate with Operations and Commercial teams to resolve billing discrepancies and financial issues. Monitor unbilled shipments, outstanding job costs, and shipment-level financial performance. Oversee financial reconciliations with overseas agents, shipping lines, airlines, and logistics service providers. 3. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning Lead the preparation of annual budgets, financial forecasts, and business plans. Monitor actual financial performance against approved budgets and forecasts. Provide financial analysis to support business decisions, pricing strategies, and cost optimization. Identify financial risks and opportunities to improve profitability. Support management in developing financial strategies aligned with business objectives. 4. Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable & Cash Flow Oversee Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions. Monitor customer outstanding balances, credit limits, and overdue receivables. Ensure timely collections and maintain effective credit control procedures. Manage supplier payments while maintaining healthy cash flow. Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor working capital requirements. Maintain strong relationships with banks, customers, suppliers, and financial stakeholders. 5. Taxation, Audit & Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with UAE VAT regulations, Corporate Tax requirements, and applicable financial regulations. Oversee timely preparation and filing of VAT and Corporate Tax returns. Coordinate with external auditors, tax consultants, and regulatory authorities. Ensure proper maintenance of financial records and supporting documentation. Implement and maintain effective internal financial controls to minimize financial risks. Ensure compliance with company policies, audit requirements, and financial governance standards. 6. Financial Systems & Process Improvement Oversee the effective use of accounting and financial management systems. Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency. Ensure proper integration and reconciliation of operational and financial data. Develop and maintain financial reporting tools, dashboards, and performance indicators. Support automation initiatives and continuous improvement of finance processes. 7. Team Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration Lead, supervise, and develop the Finance and Accounting team. Ensure timely completion of financial tasks and adherence to reporting deadlines. Collaborate closely with Operations, Sales, HR, and Management. Provide financial guidance and support to department heads. Promote accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the Finance department.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional accounting qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CA are highly preferred. Professional Experience Minimum 5 years of relevant finance and accounting experience within the Freight Forwarding or Logistics industry. Previous experience in a Finance Manager, Senior Accountant, or similar finance leadership role is preferred. Strong understanding of freight forwarding financial operations, shipment costing, revenue recognition, and profitability analysis. Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Practical knowledge of UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, and financial regulatory requirements. Experience working with multinational logistics or freight forwarding organizations is an advantage. Technical Skills Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications. Experience with ERP and financial accounting systems. Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) is highly advantageous. Familiarity with freight forwarding management systems such as TMFF is an advantage. Strong financial analytical, reporting, and reconciliation skills. Good understanding of IFRS and internal control procedures. Key Competencies Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. High attention to detail and accuracy. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict reporting deadlines. Commercial awareness and understanding of logistics business operations. High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multinational environment. Employment Type Full-time