Area Manager jobs in United Arab Emirates

Established in 2004, Dubai Holding is a global investment company with investments in more than 34 countries and a combined workforce of nearly 45,000 individuals. In line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership and economic diversification strategy, Dubai Holding companies have nurtured sectors, irrevocably transforming Dubai’s socio-economic landscape and positioning Dubai as a diversified, globally integrated economy.

Dubai Holding is committed to the diversification of Dubai’s non-oil economy. Our portfolio, valued at over AED 284+ billion, spans 10 sectors, including real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, ICT, design, education, media, retail, manufacturing & logistics, and science.

Dubai Holding is looking to hire a Finance Manager / Head of Finance – Large District Cooling JV reporting to the JV General Manager. The role holder will be responsible for setting up and managing the finance operations of a new Joint Venture (JV) within the District Cooling sector. This includes establishing finance processes, setting up and controlling bank accounts, ensuring robust controls, preparing management accounts and reporting packs, engaging with auditors in preparation of the financial statements and maintaining compliance with regulatory and corporate governance requirements.

If you are ready to embark on a dynamic journey where your talents are valued, and your contributions make a real impact, we would like to hear from you.

Key Accountabilities

Finance Function Establishment & Operations

• Set up the finance department from the ground up, including banking arrangements, payment processes, and internal controls.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols to guide all financial transactions and reporting.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing of payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, tax requirements, and IFRS/IAS reporting standards.
• Maintain proper corporate governance practices, including managing relevant committees and processes for approvals.
• Oversee audits, liaising with Big 4 or other appointed auditors to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely completion of audit processes.

Budgeting & Cost Management

• Develop and manage business plan, aligned with the aspirations of the Board of Directors and budget holders.
• Coordinate and prepare annual budgets and periodic forecasts, ensuring alignment with JV objectives and milestones.
• Implement cost-control measures, particularly for construction and development expenditures.
• Monitor cash flow requirements.

Management Reporting

• Provide regular financial reports, dashboards, and KPIs to the JV Board, Executive Management, and relevant stakeholders.
• Deliver clear, actionable insights into variances, trends, and potential risks/opportunities to inform decision-making.
• Maintain a robust reporting framework that is responsive to the requirements of the JV partners and regulatory authorities.
• Conduct periodic analyses to extract key insights for the Board, GM and Executive Management.
• Develop detailed driver-based financial models supported by sound planning assumptions that take into account factors such as regulatory changes, business growth, profitability and internal capabilities.

Governance & Risk Management

• Set up finance committees and approval processes.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks associated with ongoing development, construction, and operational phases.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure all contractual obligations and JV partner agreements are met.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as the finance interface between the JV partners, banks, government entities, and service providers.
• Support the GM and executive team in financial negotiations, tenders, and contract reviews.
• Ensure effective communication with internal teams to align financial controls with project demands.

Who we are looking for:

• Minimum of 8 years of finance and accounting experience, with at least 1 year in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrable success in an operational finance role, preferably within a JV, infrastructure, construction, or similar project-based environment. District Cooling experience an advantage.
• Proven background from a Big 4 firm or equivalent and/or a district cooling operator with hands-on exposure to audits and corporate governance.
• Solid track record of implementing and managing financial controls and compliance frameworks.

Education / Professional Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field from a recognized university.
• Chartered Accountant (CA), CPA, or other recognized professional accounting qualification is preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of IFRS/IAS and local statutory reporting requirements.
• Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and cost management, especially in a project-based setting.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting systems, Excel, and ERP solutions.
• Familiarity with treasury operations and cash flow management in a development or construction context.

As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volumes of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.

This job description is not all inclusive. Dubai Holding reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Dubai Holding is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.