At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and reporting for a prominent financial institution in Dubai.
- Company: Join a leading financial institution with a diverse investment portfolio.
- Benefits: Attractive salary of $500,000 plus competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead transformation and develop high-performing finance teams.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and influence key decisions at the executive level.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in FP&A or strategic finance; advanced financial modelling skills required.
Location: Dubai, UAE, on-site
About the client
We are sourcing on behalf of a prominent financial institution in Dubai, UAE operating across a broad and varied investment portfolio, with exposure to multiple sectors.
About the role
Reporting directly to the CFO, this is a senior leadership appointment responsible for building and running a centralised FP&A and reporting capability across the organisation. The role sits at the intersection of finance, strategy, and operations, and will be instrumental in shaping how the organisation measures, plans, and communicates financial performance:
- Create a unified, scalable approach to financial reporting across all entities in the organisation.
- Raise the standard of forecasting, planning, and financial visibility at the organisational level.
- Give executive and board leadership the clarity they need to make well-informed decisions.
- Bring consistency to reporting processes that currently vary across legacy businesses.
Scope of the role
Building and leading the function:
- Define the structure, operating model, and talent roadmap for the FP&A and reporting team.
- Coach and develop team members while maintaining high standards of output and delivery.
- Act as a senior finance voice within the leadership team, advising the CFO, CEO, and broader executive committee on performance trends, risks, and emerging opportunities.
- Work in close partnership with investment, strategy, risk, and portfolio functions to keep financial planning connected to commercial priorities.
Reporting and performance oversight:
- Design and roll out a consistent reporting framework that works across all entities within the organisation.
- Own the production of executive and board reporting packs, including KPI dashboards and performance narratives.
- Make financial information more accessible and actionable for non-finance decision-makers across the business.
Planning, budgeting, and forecasting:
- Take ownership of the annual budget cycle, multi-year planning process, and ongoing rolling forecasts.
- Build out a structured approach to scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis to support major strategic decisions.
- Ensure financial plans reflect asset-level performance data and capital allocation commitments from the investment and portfolio teams.
Strategic finance partnership:
- Provide analysis and financial perspective to support capital allocation decisions, portfolio reviews, and new strategic initiatives.
- Evaluate investment proposals and business cases, offering a grounded financial point of view.
- Act as the primary bridge between central finance and individual business units, aligning both sides on targets and outcomes.
Systems, transformation, and governance:
- Lead the integration of financial planning and reporting processes as legacy entities are brought into the wider organisational structure.
- Oversee the selection, implementation, and continuous improvement of FP&A technology and data platforms.
- Maintain rigorous standards around data quality, reporting consistency, and financial governance across the organisation.
Requirements
Background and experience:
- At least 15 years working in FP&A, strategic finance, or reporting roles within large, complex organisations.
- Exposure to private equity, investment funds, or diversified businesses is a strong advantage.
- Candidates with a Big 4 or top-tier management consulting background will be at an advantage.
- A clear track record of leading finance transformation programmes, covering both systems and process change.
Education:
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or equivalent.
- Postgraduate qualification (MBA or similar) is preferred.
- CPA, ACCA, or CFA designation is a plus.
Leadership qualities:
- Skilled at building influence with senior stakeholders, including board-level audiences.
- Experienced in growing and developing finance teams from the ground up.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and organisational complexity.
- Brings commercial sharpness, intellectual rigour, and a long-term strategic perspective.
Technical skills:
- Advanced capability in financial modelling, multi-year planning, and performance reporting.
- Practical experience deploying FP&A platforms, data infrastructure, and automated reporting tools.
- Solid grasp of portfolio-based and investment-driven business models.
- Able to synthesise complex, high-volume financial data into concise outputs for senior audiences.
Compensation:
$500,000 base per annum, complemented by a competitive benefits package.
By applying to this position, you are granting us permission to process your CV and keep your profile on file for consideration for this and future opportunities.
Head of Financial Planning & Reporting (FP&R) in London employer: Professional.me
Join a leading financial institution in Dubai, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial planning and reporting. With a commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, this organisation offers exceptional growth opportunities and a competitive benefits package, all within a vibrant city known for its dynamic business environment. Experience the unique advantage of working at the intersection of finance and strategy, while contributing to a diverse investment portfolio that spans multiple sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Reporting (FP&R) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is gold when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company's financial performance and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their business and ready to contribute to their financial strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led finance transformations or improved reporting processes in the past. This will help you stand out as someone who can bring real value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Reporting (FP&R) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Financial Planning & Reporting role. Highlight your experience in FP&A, strategic finance, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led finance transformation programmes or improved reporting processes in previous positions. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior leadership position, be sure to highlight your experience in building and developing finance teams. We’re looking for someone who can influence senior stakeholders, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Professional.me
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Financial Planning & Reporting, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've improved forecasting and reporting processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so come ready to share specific examples of how you've built and developed finance teams. Highlight your experience in navigating complex organisational structures and how you've influenced senior stakeholders in past positions.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the financial institution's investment portfolio and the sectors they operate in. Being able to discuss how your strategic finance experience aligns with their business model will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis. Prepare to discuss how you've approached these tasks in the past and be ready to provide insights into how you would tackle similar challenges in this new role.
