Job Description

Job Title: Financial Controller - Real Estate Development Group

Reporting to:

Group CFO

Location:

UAE

Employment Type:

Full-time

Role Purpose

The Financial Controller is responsible for

end-to-end financial control, statutory reporting, and group consolidation

across multiple real estate development entities, SPVs, and joint ventures. The role ensures

IFRS-compliant financial statements

, robust internal controls, and full compliance with UAE real estate regulatory, tax, and escrow requirements, while supporting executive management and the Board.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Control & Reporting

Oversee the

full accounting cycle

across development entities and SPVs (GL, AP, AR, FA, payroll, accruals, WIP).

Ensure

timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing

at entity and group level.

Prepare and review

standalone and consolidated financial statements

in accordance with

IFRS

.

Ensure accurate accounting for:

o Off-plan sales and revenue recognition (

IFRS 15

)

o Construction costs, work-in-progress, and capitalization

o Investment properties (

IAS 40

)

o Joint ventures and associates (

IFRS 11 / IAS 28

)

o Leases (

IFRS 16

)

o Long-term land arrangements (e.g., Musataha)

2. Group Consolidation

Manage

group consolidation

including intercompany reconciliations, eliminations, and minority interest.

Ensure accurate

JV reporting and equity accounting

.

Maintain and control a

group-wide Chart of Accounts (COA)

aligned with management and statutory reporting.

Support consolidation through ERP or consolidation tools (Oracle / SAP / D365 or equivalent).

3. Regulatory Compliance & Escrow Control

Ensure compliance with

UAE real estate regulations

, including project-specific escrow requirements.

Oversee

escrow account accounting

, movements, and reconciliations.

Coordinate

mandatory escrow audits

and statutory audits with external auditors.

Ensure compliance with

UAE VAT and Corporate Tax

regulations.

Maintain strong accounting policies, SOPs, and internal control frameworks.

4. Audit, Governance & Risk

Act as primary finance contact for

external auditors

, regulators, and advisors.

Ensure smooth execution of

statutory, tax, and escrow audits

with minimal adjustments.

Support the CFO in strengthening

financial governance, DOA, and control environment

.

Identify financial risks and recommend control and process improvements.

5. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

Support preparation and monitoring of

annual budgets and rolling forecasts

.

Perform

variance analysis

(budget vs actual) at project, entity, and group level.

Support

project feasibility reviews

, cost control, and margin analysis.

Provide timely financial insights to senior management for decision-making.

6. Systems & Process Improvement

Lead or support

ERP implementation and finance digitization

initiatives.

Ensure proper system configuration for:

o Project accounting

o Escrow tracking

o Revenue recognition

o Consolidation and reporting

Drive

standardization and automation

of finance processes across the group.

7. Team Leadership & Management

Lead, mentor, and review the work of

chief accountants and senior accountants

across subsidiaries and JVs.

Ensure consistency, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting across entities.

Build a strong

financial control and compliance culture

.

Qualifications & Certifications (Mandatory)

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Professional certification required

:

o ACCA / CPA / CA / CMA

Strong technical knowledge of

IFRS

, particularly IFRS 15, IFRS 16, and consolidation standards.

Experience Requirements

8-12 years

of progressive accounting and finance experience.

Minimum 3-5 years

in a Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager, or equivalent role.

Proven experience in:

o

Real estate development

o

Group consolidation

o Multi-entity / SPV environments

UAE experience is

highly preferred

.

Systems & Technical Skills

ERP experience (Oracle, SAP, D365, or equivalent).

Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.

Experience with project-based accounting and consolidation tools.

Strong understanding of UAE tax and real estate regulatory environment.

Key Competencies

Strong governance and compliance mindset.

High attention to detail with ability to manage

group-level complexity

.

Clear communicator with auditors, banks, and senior management.

Hands-on, structured, and deadline-driven.

High integrity and professional judgment.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

1. How do you recognize revenue for off-plan real estate sales under IFRS? 2. How do you treat construction costs and work-in-progress (WIP) in a development project? 3. How do you account for joint ventures at group level? 4. What are the key controls around escrow accounts in real estate development? 5. Which accounting systems and ERP platforms have you used?
Work Location: Remote