SUCCESS PROFILE

Job Title: Head of Finance

Reports to: Board of Directors

Role: Full time

Location: Abu Dhabi

Company Details

Our client is an established financial institution licensed to provide a comprehensive range of banking products and services. Built on a foundation of resilience and innovation, it has grown into a trusted provider of financial solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions. The organisation is deeply committed to financial inclusion, social responsibility, and aligning with global best practices in financial services and technology.

With a strong customer base and extensive network of branches, offices, and ATMs, the institution delivers tailored, high-quality services to meet the diverse financial needs of various economic and social sectors. Its highly qualified team also supports initiatives and projects that contribute to sustainable economic growth and development.

Job Purpose

The Head of Finance will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Finance function of the bank, ensuring robust financial management, regulatory compliance, and effective governance in line with the requirements of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and other applicable regulatory frameworks. This role is responsible for safeguarding the bank’s financial integrity, driving sustainable growth, and supporting the executive team in delivering the bank’s strategic objectives.

The candidate will oversee financial planning, reporting, treasury, and capital management, ensuring optimal allocation of resources, risk management, and alignment with shareholder expectations. Acting as a trusted advisor to the Board and senior management, the Head of Finance will play a pivotal role in shaping business strategy, maintaining stakeholder confidence, and upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in a regulated financial services environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Financial Management

• Develop and execute the bank’s financial strategy in alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial insight and advice to the CEO, Board, and Executive Committee to support strategic decision-making.
• Oversee capital planning, liquidity management, and funding strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes across the institution.

Regulatory and Compliance Oversight

• Ensure compliance with ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) requirements and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Oversee timely and accurate submission of regulatory returns and reports to ADGM, Central Bank of the UAE (if applicable), and other authorities.
• Act as the primary liaison with external regulators, auditors, and other oversight bodies.
• Implement and maintain systems of internal financial control, ensuring adherence to governance frameworks and audit standards.

Financial Reporting and Control

• Ensure the preparation of timely, accurate, and comprehensive financial statements and management reports.
• Maintain strong internal controls, accounting systems, and reporting processes.
• Oversee the management of the general ledger, reconciliations, and accounting policies.
• Review and present financial performance, risks, and opportunities to the Board and senior leadership.

Risk and Capital Management

• Monitor financial risks including credit, market, operational, and liquidity risks.
• Ensure capital adequacy in accordance with Basel III and ADGM prudential rules.
• Lead stress testing, scenario analysis, and ICAAP (Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process) exercises.
• Work closely with Risk and Compliance functions to ensure a sound risk-return balance in financial operations.

Treasury and Asset-Liability Management

• Oversee treasury operations including cash flow, investments, and liquidity management.
• Ensure effective management of the bank’s balance sheet and optimization of asset-liability positions.
• Develop strategies for effective use of capital and funding sources.

Stakeholder Management and Governance

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board on all financial matters.
• Support investor relations and communication with shareholders and stakeholders.
• Partner with business units to provide financial analysis and commercial support.
• Drive transparency, accountability, and sound financial governance across the organization.

Leadership and People Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance team, fostering a culture of high performance and integrity.
• Ensure continuous professional development and training of finance staff in line with industry standards.
• Build effective succession planning and knowledge transfer within the Finance function.

Skills and Experience (essential to any successful application)

• Minimum of 12–15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a bank or financial services institution.
• Direct experience operating in a Category 1 bank or equivalent large-scale financial services entity under ADGM, DIFC, or other major regulatory jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated track record in managing finance functions under regulatory scrutiny and ensuring full compliance.
• Experience leading treasury, financial planning, budgeting, and reporting functions.
• Proven success in strategic advisory roles, working closely with Boards and C-Suite executives.
• Strong leadership experience with responsibility for building and developing high-performing finance teams.
• Exposure to international and regional banking practices, with knowledge of UAE/GCC regulatory landscape.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of banking and financial services operations, particularly within a regulated ADGM or GCC environment.
• Strong understanding of ADGM FSRA prudential regulations, IFRS, and Basel III requirements.
• Proven expertise in financial reporting, capital planning, and liquidity management.
• Strong skills in risk management, ICAAP, stress testing, and regulatory reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modelling, forecasting, and performance analysis.
• Ability to implement and maintain robust internal control frameworks and governance structures.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with ability to engage with regulators, auditors, and senior executives.
• Strong IT and systems literacy, including ERP/finance systems and regulatory reporting platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline (essential).
• Professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CPA, or CFA (mandatory).
• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).