(VP) Head of Finance - FI & Strategic Projects

Our client is a well-known large financial services organisation based in the UAE. They are looking to hire a Head of Finance - Financial Institutions & Strategic Projects at a VP level.

Job Purpose

• This is a pivotal leadership role which sits within the Corporate Affairs function, part of the GCFO Office.
• This role is responsible for overseeing the Finance function supporting the companys Financial Institutions (FI) business - a fast-growing, globally focused, and highly specialized segment operating across multiple geographies.
• The role supports the strategic and operational finance agenda across FI, in close partnership with the Head of Financial Institutions, the Group Head of CIBG, and other key business and product stakeholders.
• In addition to core finance responsibilities, the role is accountable for a number of shared strategic priorities across Wholesale Banking, including digital programs, new product implementations, and finance transformation projects such as WDS, Titan, Pulse, and other group-wide initiatives.
• The FI unit, managed by this VP, also services the company's expanding institutional client base and plays a critical role in enhancing cross-border capabilities, supporting new product development, and enabling strategic expansion into new markets.
• A strong digital and GenAI-first mindset is essential to help embed intelligent automation, increase scalability, and continuously evolve the finance functions value to the business.

Key result Areas

• Provide end-to-end financial planning, forecasting, and performance reporting for the Financial Institutions business, enabling proactive commercial and strategic decision-making.
• Act as a finance business partner to the Head of Financial Institutions, supporting strategic initiatives, pricing models, growth plans, and geographic expansion.
• Serve as a single point of contact for the FI business, supporting the EVP - Head of Finance for Wholesale Banking in delivering financial oversight and group alignment
• Provide consolidated FI data to the Head of Finance CIBG.
• Support the execution of digital programs, new product implementations, and finance transformation projects across the FI segment and broader Wholesale Banking agenda, ensuring effective financial integration and governance.
• Drive implementation of new financial products, core system enhancements, and digital solutions that improve automation, data accuracy, and speed-to-insight.
• Lead the digitization of finance reporting and business analytics across the FI domain, including deployment of dashboards, self-serve tools, and advanced modeling.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls, IFRS standards, and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with Tax, Treasury, Risk, and Compliance teams to maintain governance on intercompany transactions, transfer pricing, and balance sheet optimization.
• Coordinate with Tech and Transformation teams to ensure financial representation in digital programs and change initiatives impacting FI.
• Prepare financial materials and provide commercial insights for management reviews, EXCO updates, and cross-functional steering committees.
• Foster a performance-driven culture and continuously improve planning cycles, accuracy, and business alignment.

Operating Environment, Framework and Boundaries, Working Relationships

• Operate in a dynamic, multi-country environment with complex financial regulations and evolving product landscapes.
• Maintains regular interaction with business, risk, tax, treasury, technology, and compliance stakeholders.
• Work within the Groups policy and governance framework while tailoring solutions to meet the needs of the global FI business.
• Support end-to-end transformation programs while safeguarding financial integrity and ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

Problem Solving

• Apply strong commercial and analytical acumen to navigate complex challenges in FI profitability, pricing, and capital allocation.
• Solve for financial impact and reporting complexity in group-wide initiatives by proactively coordinating across stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment between business ambition, regulatory compliance, and finance discipline in a rapidly evolving FI landscape.
• Manage ambiguity in data and assumptions across jurisdictions by introducing automation, structure, and validation processes.

Decision Making Authority & Responsibility

• Own the end-to-end finance agenda for the FI business segment.
• Drive financial decisions through business cases, fact-based analysis, and real-time performance monitoring.
• Lead integration of strategic finance initiatives (e.g., digital journeys, new product launches) across functions and geographies.
• Ensure financial deliverables and KPIs are met, while maintaining strong governance and internal controls.
• Make financial recommendations to the FI and CIBG leadership teams and escalates key matters to the EVP as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• CA / MBA (Finance) or equivalent professional qualification.
• 10+ years experience in banking and financial services, with exposure to FI business models and product structures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead finance support for transformation initiatives across platforms and geographies.
• Strong commercial acumen, financial modeling skills, and ability to provide strategic insights.
• Sound understanding of regulatory frameworks, accounting standards, and global financial controls.
• Proven leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across functions.
• Experience in digitization of reporting and implementation of advanced analytical tools.
• High ethical standards and ability to operate with discretion in a complex, matrixed organization.