Job Description

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Finance & Accounting Expert
Location: Abu Dhabi
Nationality: UAE Nationals only
About Iris Executives
Iris Executives is a leading Emiratisation and Executive Search specialist, supporting government and semi-government entities across the UAE since 2010. We partner confidentially with organisations on critical national roles, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and long-term impact.
Role Overview
Iris Executives is supporting a leading federal government entity in the appointment of a Finance & Accounting Expert within its Finance Department.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring strong financial governance, compliance, and control across local government operations and international offices. The successful candidate will bring hands-on Ministry of Finance or federal government finance experience, with a deep understanding of public sector financial frameworks and cross-border financial oversight.
This is a senior, hands-on finance role, ideal for an experienced UAE National professional who understands how government finance works in practice -- not just in theory.
Key Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and expenditure tracking for international offices, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

• Lead the preparation of local government financial statements and budgets in line with public sector accounting standards (such as IPSAS).

• Ensure financial operations across international locations comply with federal policies, Ministry of Finance requirements, and host-country regulations.

• Design, implement, and maintain robust internal control frameworks across local and international operations.

• Prepare finance functions for audits and reviews by internal and external oversight bodies.

• Manage cash flow, treasury operations, and disbursements, ensuring funds are utilised correctly and efficiently.

• Provide guidance, oversight, and technical support to finance staff locally and in international offices.

• Identify opportunities to optimise processes and improve operational efficiency within finance operations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• UAE National.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline (required).

• Master's degree in Public Finance, International Finance, or Business (preferred).

• Professional certification: CPA, ACCA, or CGMA (minimum one required).

• Minimum 10 years' experience in finance or accounting roles.

• At least 3 years in a senior or supervisory finance position, preferably within a federal government or Ministry of Finance environment.

• Proven experience preparing financial statements, budgets, and regulatory reports.

• Strong, practical understanding of government finance and public financial management.

Key Skills & Expertise

• Deep knowledge of public sector financial management, including IFRS, GAAP, and regulatory compliance.

• Strong understanding of federal financial policies and Ministry of Finance frameworks.

• Experience with government ERP / FMIS systems.

• Budget analysis, policy interpretation, and financial modelling capabilities.

• Ability to work confidently with international stakeholders and cross-cultural teams.

Skills Required