Location: Dubai, UAE
Reports to: Financial Controller / Group CFO / Group CEO
Department: Central Services - Finance
Industry: Hospitality / Retail / Wellness / Lifestyle
Employment Type: Full-time

Role Overview

DEAL Holdings is building a best-in-class finance function to support a fast-scaling, multi-brand portfolio across hospitality, wellness, retail, and lifestyle sectors.

We are hiring across two levels within the finance function:

Head of Finance (strategic leadership role)

Finance Manager (operational and build-focused role)

This role sits at the centre of the business during its setup and expansion phase, with responsibility extending beyond traditional finance into systems, structure, governance, and cross-functional integration.

You will work closely with PMO, Operations, and Central Services, supporting new openings, project delivery, and long-term scale.

We are open to candidates at different levels of seniority, provided they bring strong SME experience, system implementation capability, and hands-on execution.

This is a build-and-lead finance role, combining:

1. Financial operations and reporting

2. Department setup and structure design

3. Systems implementation and integration

4. Project finance and PMO coordination

5. Commercial and operational support

6. Depending on experience, you will either:

Lead and shape the finance function at group level, or dive execution, setup, and day-to-day operations within a growing structure.

Key Responsibilities

1. Finance Operations & Control

• Oversee full accounting cycle: GL, AP/AR, payroll, treasury, reconciliations

• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close across multiple entities

• Prepare consolidated financials and management reporting

• Implement and enforce financial controls, approval matrices, and reporting standards

2. Budgeting, Planning & Commercial Support

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and reforecast cycles

• Develop financial models, feasibility studies, and scenario planning for new concepts

• Conduct variance analysis and provide actionable insights

• Support pricing, menu engineering, and cost optimisation across F&B operations

3. Tax, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT, corporate tax, ESR, and IFRS

• Manage audits, filings, and regulatory requirements

• Establish internal controls, SOPs, and governance frameworks across all entities

4. Cash Flow, Treasury & Banking

• Oversee group-wide cash flow planning and working capital management

• Lead setup and management of bank accounts across multiple entities

• Establish payment processes, signatory structures, and banking mandates

• Manage relationships with banks, lenders, and financial institutions

• Implement robust cash control and liquidity frameworks

5. ERP, POS & Financial Systems

• Lead implementation and optimisation of ERP and financial systems

• Ensure full integration across POS, inventory, procurement, and accounting systems

• Develop scalable reporting tools and dashboards

• Train teams on systems and financial processes

6. Procurement, Purchasing & Cost Control Oversight

• Oversee governance across procurement and purchasing functions

• Implement supplier onboarding, approval hierarchies, and purchasing controls

• Ensure integration between procurement, inventory, and finance systems

• Monitor supplier terms, pricing, and cost efficiency across all units

• Support margin optimisation and operational cost control

7. Accounting Structure & Financial Framework Setup

• Design and implement the full accountancy structure across all entities

• Develop and standardise the Chart of Accounts

• Establish reporting templates, consolidation frameworks, and intercompany structures

• Ensure scalability for multi-brand and multi-entity expansion

8. Administration, PRO & Corporate Structuring Oversight

• Provide financial oversight across administration and PRO functions

• Support company formation, trade licences, regulatory registrations, and renewals

• Ensure alignment between corporate structuring, licensing, and financial setup

• Track and manage costs related to government fees, licences, and compliance

9. PMO Liaison & Project Finance / Controls

• Work closely with the PMO and Project Delivery teams on all active developments

• Oversee financial management of projects, including budget tracking and cost control

• Support tender processes, bid evaluations, and commercial reviews

• Establish and manage project payment processes, including certifications and approvals

• Control financial documentation related to projects, contracts, and variations

• Monitor project cash flow, capex spend, and financial risk

• Ensure alignment between project delivery timelines and financial reporting
  

10. Business Partnering

• Partner with Operations, PMO, HR, Procurement, and Brand teams

• Provide P&L oversight and performance analysis across outlets and concepts

• Support new openings, commercial decisions, and strategic initiatives

• Evaluate investments, JV structures, and expansion opportunities

11. Finance Function Setup & Scale

A. Foundation Phase

• Build finance department structure, roles, and reporting lines

• Establish SOPs, workflows, and approval frameworks

• Set up financial systems, banking structures, and reporting templates

• Recruit, onboard, and train finance and admin teams

B. Pre-Opening & Launch Support

• Lead financial setup for new outlets (costing, POS setup, reporting structures)

• Implement outlet-level reporting from day one

• Support stocktakes, inventory controls, and operational stabilisation

C. Scale-Up & Expansion

• Prepare finance function for multi-brand, multi-entity growth

• Standardise reporting, controls, and cost structures across all units

• Support long-term strategic planning and regional expansion

Candidate Profile

We are intentionally open to both senior and mid-level candidates, but the following is essential:

• Strong experience in SME or high-growth environments

• Background in hospitality, F&B, retail, or multi-unit operations

• Proven ability to build systems, structures, and teams from scratch

• Hands-on experience with ERP implementation and process design

• Experience working with PMO and project-driven environments

• Strong understanding of UAE financial regulations and compliance frameworks

• Commercially minded with strong attention to detail and ownership

Experience Guidelines

Finance Manager: 7-10 years experience

Head of Finance: 10+ years with leadership and build experience

Qualifications:

Degree in Finance / Accounting

ACCA / CPA / CA preferred

Why This Role

• Opportunity to build a finance function from the ground up

• Direct involvement in projects, openings, and expansion strategy

• Exposure to a diversified, multi-brand platform

• High level of ownership, autonomy, and impact

Candidate Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; ACCA / CPA / CA preferred.

· 7–10 years of multi-entity finance experience, ideally within hospitality, F&B, retail, or lifestyle sectors.

· Strong experience in department setup, ERP implementation, and pre-opening finance.

· Deep understanding of UAE VAT, corporate tax, IFRS, WPS, and governance frameworks.

· Proven leadership experience managing finance teams and cross-functional stakeholders.

· High proficiency in Excel and financial modelling.

· Ability to work in fast-paced environments with strong ownership and accuracy.

· Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.