Chief Financial Officer

About the role:

This is a pivotal executive leadership role fundamental to the organisations financial resilience, regulatory integrity and long-term strategic direction. Our client is a leading Dubai-based life, investment and medical insurance provider operating within a highly regulated financial services environment. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) holds comprehensive accountability for finance, investments, legal, compliance and corporate governance functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CFO acts as a key strategic partner to the Board and its committees, including finance, audit, investment and governance, ensuring robust financial stewardship, capital optimisation and disciplined risk management. The role is responsible for shaping and executing financial strategy, overseeing investment portfolios, leading AML and regulatory compliance frameworks, and maintaining best-in-class governance and company secretarial standards. This is a strategically influential position requiring strong leadership capability, regulatory depth and the ability to provide forward-looking commercial insight that directly supports sustainable growth.

Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Management

• Develop and implement the companys financial strategy aligned with corporate objectives
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, capital allocation, and cost control frameworks
• Lead the preparation of statutory financial statements and management accounts
• Ensure adherence to international financial reporting standards and regulatory guidelines

Investment Oversight

• Manage and optimise the companys investment portfolio in line with risk-return objectives
• Monitor liquidity, funding requirements, and cash flow forecasts
• Evaluate investment opportunities and prepare financial models and projections
• Ensure compliance with board-approved investment policies and external regulations

Corporate Governance & Board Support

• Act as Company Secretary and governance lead, ensuring effective board and committee processes
• Prepare board packs, attend board and subcommittee meetings, and provide strategic insight
• Lead agenda preparation, documentation, and statutory reporting requirements
• Serve as primary liaison for all board-related governance matters

Legal, Compliance & AML

• Oversee compliance with all applicable laws, including Anti-Money Laundering and financial crime prevention
• Ensure timely identification and escalation of legal risks or non-compliance issues
• Lead internal audits and liaise with external legal and regulatory bodies as required
• Design and implement AML training and monitoring systems across the organisation

Enterprise Risk Management

• Establish and maintain an enterprise-wide risk framework
• Define risk appetite, governance structures, and control systems across business units
• Monitor risk indicators, conduct risk reviews, and report findings to executive leadership
• Integrate risk considerations into all financial, operational, and investment decisions

Administrative & Support Services

• Oversee administration, procurement, and corporate service functions to ensure operational efficiency
• Implement administrative policies that support business continuity and cost effectiveness
• Ensure adequate infrastructure and systems are in place to support core business activities
• Align support functions with overall business strategy and compliance standards

Candidate Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Finance or a related discipline
• Certified Accountant from an internationally recognised body (e.g., ACCA, CPA, CA)
• MBA in Finance (preferred but not mandatory)

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in finance
• At least 5 plus years in a senior leadership position within the financial services industry
• Experience in the Life/Investment and medical sectors
• Proven track record of working with executive committees and contributing at board level
• IFRS 17 reporting
• Working closely with regulators in home country
• Working with rating agencies to secure/improve the company raying.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Strong strategic planning and financial execution capability
• Deep expertise in risk management, budgeting, and investment governance
• Excellent leadership, team management, and mentoring skills
• High financial acumen with robust analytical and presentation skills
• Strong command of corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks

Languages:

• Fluent English