Financial Controller - UAE Region

We are a global EdTech organization transforming learning outcomes for millions of students, educators, and enterprises. Our portfolio spans digital learning platforms, SaaS-enabled learning solutions, content marketplaces, assessments, credentialing, and enterprise learning products. With operations across multiple geographies, we combine technology, pedagogy, and data to deliver measurable impact at scale.

Position Overview

The Financial Controller will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board, leading the company’s global financial strategy, capital planning, operational finance, and governance. The Financial Controller will build scalable financial infrastructure, drive profitability, optimize capital efficiency, and ensure the organization is investor-ready. Financial Controller with strong global financial capability to accelerate our growth and build a world class financial foundation for the future. Managed and monitored multi-currency transactions, pricing, budgeting, and financial reporting across international markets. Financial Controller should be familiar with accounting software and have the ability to navigate financial management systems for reporting, reconciliation, invoicing, and bookkeeping activities.

This role requires a highly analytical, strategically-oriented, and execution-driven finance leader with deep experience in complex, multi-country operations. The ideal candidate brings a blend of strategic finance, controllership excellence, FP&A depth, global governance, and the ability to scale systems and processes for rapid growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop long‑range strategic plans, annual operating plans, and growth scenarios.
• Lead financial strategy across revenue models, including SaaS, subscriptions, cohort-based programs, enterprise contracts, and content licensing.
• Provide strategic insights on market expansion, M&A, partnerships, and product investment decisions.
• Act as principal steward of shareholder value, balancing growth, profitability, and long‑term sustainability.

2. Financial Planning, Analysis & Performance Management

• Own company-wide FP&A, including budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and business reviews.
• Build unit economics visibility: CAC, LTV, payback, retention, churn, NRR, ARPU, and cohort-level profitability.
• Drive data-driven decision-making with standardised dashboards and executive-level insights.
• Establish financial guardrails across functions to ensure fiscal discipline.

3. Accounting, Audit & Global Controllership

• Lead global accounting, consolidation, financial reporting, and statutory compliance across multiple entities.
• Ensure strong internal controls, audit rigour, and adherence to global accounting standards (GAAP / IFRS).
• Oversee timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual closes.
• Strengthen audit processes and ensure compliance with internal/external stakeholders.

4. Revenue Operations & Compliance

• Build scalable quote-to-cash processes across B2C, B2B, institutional, and channel partner models.
• Implement and manage revenue recognition policies aligned with ASC 606 / IFRS 15.
• Optimise pricing, packaging, discounting, and enterprise contract structures.
• Ensure compliance with education-sector regulations: GDPR, FERPA, COPPA, data residency, and privacy standards.

5. Capital Strategy, Treasury & Investor Relations

• Develop capital allocation strategies to optimize growth and cash efficiency.
• Lead fundraising efforts (equity/debt), investor communication, and board reporting.
• Manage treasury, global cash operations, working capital, and FX exposure.
• Build the investor narrative and maintain strong relationships with financial institutions and partners.

6. Global Tax, Legal Entity Structure & Compliance

• Oversee international tax planning, transfer pricing, and intercompany arrangements.
• Ensure global statutory compliance across regions including the US, EU, Asia, the Middle East, LATAM, and Africa.
• Design scalable legal entity structures to support expansion, risk management, and efficiency.

7. Systems, Data & Operational Excellence

• Lead transformation of finance systems: ERP, EPM, billing, BI, RevRec, procurement.
• Implement processes and automation to reduce cycle times, increase accuracy, and enable scale.
• Champion data integrity and create a unified financial data layer across the company.
• Build a high-performing finance organization across FP&A, accounting, tax, treasury, and revenue operations.
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Mentor and develop finance talent globally; establish clear pathways for growth.

What Success Looks Like (First 12-18 Months)

• Accurate forecasts with minimal variance to actuals.
• Fully operational cohort and segment-level profitability dashboards.
• 7–10 day global financial close cycle.
• Standardised global controls with audit-ready financials.
• Optimised cash burn, working capital, and margin structure.
• Strong investor confidence and clear fundraising readiness.
• Successful implementation of modern finance systems (ERP/EPM/BI).
• Measurable improvement in gross margins, revenue predictability, and efficiency metrics.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive finance experience; at least 5+ years in C-level/VP finance roles.
• Experience in global SaaS, digital learning, EdTech, or technology-driven business models.
• Qualified ACCA / CPA preferred.
• Proven ownership of financial strategy, FP&A, controllership, treasury, global tax, and audits.
• Experience working in a multi-entity, group finance, or international business environment.
• Proven experience with group reporting, consolidations, intercompany reconciliations, and financial controls across multiple entities.
• Exposure to regional or international operations, including multi-currency transactions and cross-border finance activities, is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of ASC 606/IFRS and multi-entity global consolidations.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, investor relations, and capital strategy.
• Strong systems background: ERP (NetSuite/SAP), planning (Anaplan/Adaptive), BI (Snowflake/Power BI/Tableau).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Core Competencies

• Strategic & analytical thinking
• High accountability & integrity
• Cross-cultural leadership
• Passion for education and learner impact

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are welcome from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.