Chief Financial Officer (Real Estate & Hospitality Developments)

About the Company

Our client is an expanding real estate development firm under a diversified investment group in the UAE, rapidly growing its portfolio across residential, hospitality, and mixed-use projects. The company aims to enhance financial governance, operational excellence, and institutional capabilities while executing a robust growth strategy backed by a sizeable investment pipeline.

Job Overview

This confidential executive search seeks a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) responsible for leading the finance function and establishing institutional-grade financial systems to support the organization’s broadening real estate development activities.

Reporting directly to the Board, the CFO will oversee financial strategy, corporate finance, treasury, project financing, governance, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and overall financial health, working closely with executive leadership to maintain strong financial discipline and facilitate strategic expansion in real estate and branded hospitality sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies aligning with corporate goals.
• Advise the Board and senior leadership on financial matters and strategic decisions.
• Maintain full accountability for profit and loss and balance sheet management.
• Establish scalable finance systems, reporting processes, and governance frameworks appropriate for growth.
• Drive efficiency in capital use, profitability, and overall financial outcomes.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning efforts.
• Manage cash flow, treasury functions, working capital, and banking relations.
• Handle financing for projects, ensuring compliance with banking and debt facility terms.
• Oversee accurate and timely financial reporting alongside strengthening internal controls and audit preparedness.
• Assess feasibility and investment potential of projects; support land purchases and financing arrangements.
• Monitor project cash flows, control margins, and enforce cost management.
• Ensure escrow account compliance and governance of payment plans.
• Collaborate with project and commercial teams on financial coordination.
• Provide financial leadership for branded hospitality developments, including reviewing Hotel Management Agreements and franchise contracts.
• Manage hospitality project budgets, including pre-opening expenses and FF&E planning.
• Support financial reporting and compliance for owner-operators in hospitality.
• Ensure adherence to UAE financial and regulatory standards.
• Maintain strong external relations with banks, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to foster a high-performing culture.
• Implement top-tier governance and reporting standards across finance functions.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 10 to 15 years of advancing finance leadership roles.
• Proven experience as CFO, Finance Director, or Head of Finance.
• Expertise in real estate development, property investment, or capital-intensive sectors.
• Demonstrated skills in project financing, treasury management, and banking partnerships.
• Familiarity with the UAE or GCC financial environments.
• Knowledge of RERA regulations and escrow arrangements.
• Experience with Hotel Management Agreements and international hospitality operators is a significant advantage.
• Strong capabilities in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and corporate governance.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and leadership attributes.
• High integrity, commercial insight, and strategic mindset.

Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary package.
• Annual bonus tied to performance outcomes.
• Influential role in shaping strategic business decisions.
• Leadership position within a thriving organization.
• Prospects for sustained career advancement in a dynamic environment.