Finance Director

DNA Recruit is partnering with an International Integrated Agency to appoint a Financial Director to join its Dubai leadership team.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a commercially astute finance professional who thrives in fast-moving, creative environments. You will partner closely with the Managing Director and leadership team to shape financial strategy, drive commercial performance, and support the agency’s growth ambitions across the UAE and wider Middle East.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute long-term financial strategy aligned with agency ambitions and market opportunities.
• Advise the MD, CFO, and leadership team on financial performance, risks, and strategic decisions.
• Lead annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and multi-year financial planning.
• Oversee all finance operations including accounting, FP&A, treasury, payroll, and internal controls.
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting to the leadership team.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity to support fast-paced, project-based delivery cycles.
• Implement strong governance, audit readiness, and compliance frameworks.
• Work with client service and project teams to improve job costing, forecasting, margin management, and pricing strategies.
• Review proposals, budgets, and vendor contracts for commercial accuracy and profitability.
• Monitor and optimise profitability across projects, clients, and business units.
• Strengthen procurement, vendor management, and contract negotiation processes.
• Ensure compliance with UAE financial regulations, VAT, and reporting standards.
• Liaise with auditors, banks, legal advisors, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee insurance, risk frameworks, and corporate governance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Build financial literacy across non-finance teams to drive better commercial decision-making.
• Champion continuous improvement, automation, and digital transformation across finance processes.

 
Requirements:

• Extensive experience within Brand Experience, Experiential & Events, or Integrated Communications agencies.
• Strategic and commercially minded, with the ability to simplify complexity.
• Confident communicator and trusted advisor to senior leadership and clients.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; professional qualification preferred (ACCA, CPA, CMA, CA).
• Deep understanding of project-based environments, revenue recognition, cost control, and margin optimisation.
• Proven UAE experience, including VAT and regional compliance.
• Advanced financial modelling, analytical skills, and commercial insight.
• Familiarity with agency finance systems such as Paprika, WorkBook, Jira, Oracle NetSuite, SAP Business One.
• Multi-country/multi-currency finance experience.

 
Salary & Location

• Dubai, UAE – Hybrid
• €100,000 – €120,000 per annum bonus benefits

Ref: 11904

Due to the confidential nature of this role, an NDA is required to disclose further information and processes.



DNA is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Although we try to respond to all applications, unfortunately, due to the high number we receive, we are unable to respond to all of those who are unsuccessful. 

• We offer up to £250 in vouchers for any referrals who pass their probationary period, so if you know anyone who might be interested please forward the link to the job advert to them. 
• Be the first to know about our latest roles by following us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

DNA Recruit deliver dynamic recruitment, search and talent solutions and provide insight, knowledge, and credible introductions necessary for client-side and agency roles. Areas we specialise in New Business, Account and Project Management, Strategy and Planning, Events, Experiential, Creative and User Experience Design, Technology, Product, Marketing and Data roles in permanent, contract and freelance recruitment, search and selection, talent advisory and consulting across the UK and globally.