Stellenbeschreibung
ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE
Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.
Our German client, a well-established industrial company, is launching a new, dynamic business venture in the UAE with a start-up spirit. Under a new brand focused on digital and service-driven solutions, the goal is to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability for highly sophisticated clients with complex business models in market segments such as construction and infrastructure, operations and facility management, manufacturing as well as vertical multiples, which comprises projects in AI and vertical farming amongst others.
We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Finance Director (m/f/d) to take a key leadership role in shaping and steering the company’s financial strategy, operations, and long-term value creation. Drive financial excellence in a start-up venture backed by an established German industry leader.
Your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Define and execute the financial strategy in alignment with business objectives, driving growth, profitability, and sustainability
- Lead financial controlling and reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and transparency across all reporting lines – local and global
- Develop integrated business planning, including detailed budgeting, rolling forecasts, scenario analyses, and cash flow management
- Implement financial KPIs and performance dashboards to monitor business progress and support operational and strategic decision-making
- Ensure full compliance with local financial regulations, tax requirements, and group-level governance standards. Identify and manage financial risks proactively
- Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of SAP (or other systems) to ensure robust data integration, process automation, and decision-making support
- Act as a strategic partner to the Managing Director and leadership team, offering financial insights and commercial recommendations across all departments
- Support cross-functional teams in the evaluation of strategic initiatives, commercial contracts, investments, and risk assessments
- Optimize liquidity, capital allocation, and cost structures to support business agility and investment capability
- Build and develop a high-performing finance and admin function, fostering a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration
To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:
- Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA/ACCA qualification preferred)
- Possess an entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Combine strategic vision with operational execution and bring a hands-on mentality when needed
- Significant experience in financial leadership roles, ideally in international, growth-oriented, or start-up-like environments
- Proven track record in budgeting, financial planning, ERP implementation (preferably SAP), and working with KPIs and data analytics
- Deep understanding of local compliance, tax, and regulatory frameworks within the UAE or the broader GCC region is an advantage
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and across cultures
- High level of integrity, discretion, and emotional intelligence, combined with analytical rigor and strong business acumen
- Resilience under pressure, exceptional organizational skills, and a natural ability to prioritize in dynamic settings