A well-established commodities trading company in JLT is hiring a Finance Controller to take full ownership of financial reporting, financial control, and performance insight across a fast-paced international trading operation. This is a senior, hands-on role suited to someone who understands the realities of commodity trading (timing, margins, working capital, FX exposure, documentation, and trade finance) and can bring structure, discipline, and commercial clarity to the numbers.
You'll work closely with leadership and commercial teams to ensure accurate month-end close, strong governance, and clear trading performance reporting (P&L by product / region / counterparty, margin analysis, variance analysis, and cash forecasting). You'll also strengthen internal controls across procurement, sales, and logistics—ensuring the finance function supports growth while staying audit-ready and compliant.
Key Responsibilities (Finance Controller)
Financial Management, Closing & Reporting
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing (month-end close), ensuring accurate P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting
- Prepare management accounts, board-ready reporting packs, and detailed variance analysis (budget vs actual, month-on-month, year-on-year)
- Build and maintain trading performance dashboards: gross margin, net margin, landed cost, freight/logistics impact, demurrage, claims, and profitability by deal/counterparty
- Ensure accurate accruals, provisions, revenue recognition, and cost allocation aligned to trading activity
- Maintain strong cash flow forecasting and working capital visibility (AR/AP, inventory, payables cycles)
Commodity Trading, Trade Finance & Treasury Exposure
- Support and oversee trade finance processes including Letters of Credit (LCs), SBLCs, bank guarantees, collections, and trade documentation flows
- Monitor FX exposure and coordinate hedging strategies with treasury/banking partners (where applicable)
- Track and report on banking facilities utilization, interest costs, and funding requirements linked to trading cycles
- Ensure robust controls around deal capture, pricing, contract terms, and settlement processes
Controls, Compliance & Audit
- Ensure compliance with IFRS / local GAAP and internal financial policies and procedures
- Strengthen internal controls across procurement, sales, logistics, and finance processes (end-to-end process control)
- Coordinate internal and external audits; manage audit deliverables and ensure timely closure of audit findings
- Ensure policies are documented, followed, and continuously improved (SOPs, approval matrices, delegation of authority)
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Supervise, coach, and mentor the finance team; drive capability building, accountability, and high performance
- Partner with commercial, operations, and logistics teams to improve reporting accuracy and decision-making
- Provide clear financial insight to support pricing decisions, margin protection, and risk management
Candidate Profile / Requirements
- Chartered Accountant (CA) / CPA / ACCA (or equivalent professional qualification)
- 8–10 years of progressive finance experience, including 3–5 years within a trading / commodities / international trading business
- Strong knowledge of trade finance, LCs, FX, and end-to-end international trading processes
- Proven experience leading month-end close, management reporting, and financial controls in a multi-transaction environment
- Strong analytical skills (variance analysis, margin analysis, cash flow), leadership ability, and confident communication with senior stakeholders
- High attention to detail, strong governance mindset, and the ability to work at pace in a commercial environment
Role Keywords (for search/job boards)
Finance Controller, Financial Controller, Commodities Trading, Trading Finance, Trade Finance, Letters of Credit, LC, FX Exposure, Hedging, Treasury, IFRS, GAAP, Month-End Close, Management Reporting, Management Accounts, Financial Reporting, Variance Analysis, Trading P&L, Margin Analysis, Working Capital, Cash Flow Forecasting, Internal Controls, Audit, External Audit, Procurement Controls, Logistics Finance, International Trade, Dubai, JLT.
Location & Package
- Location: JLT, Dubai (on-site)
- Salary: depending on experience
