Job Purpose
To manage and oversee the financial operations of the fashion retail business, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, effective budgeting, cash flow management, and compliance with UAE laws while supporting business growth across stores and brands.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Reporting & Control
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).
- Ensure timely month-end and year-end closing.
- Maintain strong internal controls over financial transactions.
- Monitor store-level financial performance and variances.
- Coordinate with external auditors and manage audit requirements.
2. Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting for head office and stores.
- Analyze budget vs actual performance and highlight risks and opportunities.
- Support management with financial analysis for decision-making.
3. Retail & Fashion Operations Finance
- Monitor sales, margins, markdowns, and inventory turnover.
- Work closely with merchandising and operations teams on pricing, promotions, and cost control.
- Analyze store profitability, rent-to-sales ratio, and operating costs.
- Support new store openings and closures from a financial perspective.
4. Cash Flow & Treasury
- Manage cash flow planning and working capital.
- Monitor receivables, payables, and bank reconciliations.
- Coordinate with banks on facilities, guarantees, and payments.
- Ensure timely vendor and supplier payments.
5. Inventory & Cost Management
- Oversee inventory valuation, provisions, and stock adjustments.
- Ensure proper accounting for shrinkage, damages, and slow-moving stock.
- Support periodic stock counts and reconciliations.
6. Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, and local regulations.
- Review contracts from a financial and risk perspective.
- Maintain accurate documentation and statutory records.
7. Team Management
- Supervise and guide finance officers, accountants, and store finance staff.
- Allocate tasks clearly and ensure balanced workload within the team.
- Support staff development and performance management.
Key Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
- Professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, CMA) is preferred.
- Minimum 58 years of finance experience, with retail/fashion industry exposure.
- Experience managing multi-store operations is a strong advantage.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong financial analysis and reporting skills.
- Solid understanding of retail KPIs (GM%, sell-through, stock turn, markdowns).
- Knowledge of UAE VAT and Corporate Tax.
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, Dynamics, etc.).
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- High attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
