Finance Director (Retail )

Position Overview

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Finance Director to lead the full finance operations of a dynamic regional retail group. This pivotal role offers a structured career trajectory with a clear path to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position within 2–3 years, making it an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking finance leader. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in senior finance leadership, particularly within the multi-branch retail sector, and will play a critical role in shaping the financial strategy and growth of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership: Oversee the entire finance operations, including the full accounting cycle, IFRS reporting, and budgeting/forecasting at both branch and SKU levels.
• Tax and Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to tax regulations, including VAT, Withholding Tax (WHT), Corporate Tax, Zakat, and Transfer Pricing, while maintaining robust internal controls.
• Audit and Governance: Provide oversight for Big 4 and internal audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices. Prepare and present reports for the Board and Audit Committee.
• ERP and Technology: Lead the ownership and optimization of Oracle ERP systems (Fusion Cloud or EBS R12), including implementation, migration, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cash Flow and Banking: Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and financial liquidity to support the organization’s operational and strategic objectives.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a finance team of 15–30 professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
• Inventory and Risk Management: Implement and monitor inventory controls and shrinkage reduction strategies to safeguard assets and optimize profitability.
• Strategic Initiatives: Drive financial restructuring initiatives, M&A activities, and IPO readiness, positioning the organization for long-term success and shareholder value creation.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (Master’s degree is a plus). Active certification as a CPA, ACCA, or CMA is required.
• Experience: Minimum of 15 years in finance, with at least 5 years in senior finance leadership roles. A minimum of 7 years of experience in multi-branch retail environments, managing 50+ stores.
• ERP Proficiency: Extensive hands-on experience with Oracle ERP systems, including Fusion Cloud and EBS R12, with a proven track record in implementation, migration, and optimization projects.
• Accounting Standards: Deep expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), particularly IFRS 15/16 and IAS 2/36, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Language Skills: Full fluency in both Arabic and English is essential for effective communication and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry Background: Prior experience in the perfumes, beauty, luxury retail, or premium FMCG sectors is highly desirable.
• Certifications: Oracle Financials certification is a valuable asset.
• Governance Exposure: Experience interacting with Boards and Audit Committees, demonstrating the ability to present complex financial matters with clarity and confidence.
• Strategic Agility: A proven ability to navigate and drive financial restructuring initiatives in dynamic, non-mature, or unstable environments. The ideal candidate will exhibit decisiveness under pressure and a strong presence in shareholder-facing interactions.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing retail organization while advancing your career to the CFO level. You will work alongside a talented leadership team, contribute to strategic decision-making, and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the company. If you are a results-driven finance leader with a passion for retail and a vision for growth, we invite you to apply and take the next step in your career journey.