Financial Controller – UAE
Permanent - Full TimeJob Overview
ABOUT 54GROUP:
54 is a sports and entertainment agency operating across five regions and ten offices: United Kingdom (London & Manchester), Europe (Sotogrande, Spain), MENA (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), APAC (Vietnam, Singapore & Adelaide, Australia) and USA (West Palm Beach, Florida & New York). It works with rights holders, governing bodies, household brands and major investors who share its belief in the power of sport. 54 comprises three service areas each consisting of two divisions: 1. Strategic Advisory (Consultancy and Data & Insights), 2. Asset Optimisation (Operations and Commercial), 3. Activation & Engagement (Events and Marketing). At its core, the company has an unwavering belief in embracing the opportunities offered by pushing at the edges of conventional wisdom to turn the improbable into the unignorable.
ROLE OVERVIEW:
The company is seeking a qualified Financial Controller (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), ideally with at least 5 years post‑qualification experience, to join the P54 finance team in a newly created role. Reporting directly to the Group Financial Controller in UK, the Financial Controller will oversee the delivery of high‑quality financial and management information for UAE and KSA entities, strengthen financial controls, and support strategic decision‑making across an international portfolio of entities.
The company is seeking a qualified Financial Controller (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), ideally with at least 5 years post‑qualification experience, to join the P54 finance team in a newly created role. Reporting directly to the Group Financial Controller in UK, the Financial Controller will oversee the delivery of high‑quality financial and management information for UAE and KSA entities, strengthen financial controls, and support strategic decision‑making across an international portfolio of entities.
This role requires a proactive finance leader who can manage the month‑end process, enhance internal controls, guide the finance team, and act as a key business partner across the organisation. The successful candidate will be based in the UAE, with occasional international travel to events under management.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Management & Reporting
- Lead the preparation and review of monthly management accounts, ensuring timely and accurate month‑end close.
- Oversee balance sheet integrity, including reconciliations and intercompany processes.
- Manage statutory reporting requirements and coordinate with external accountants and auditors for UAE and KSA entities.
- Preparing annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for 5 entities.
- Support the integration of new acquisitions into the group’s financial processes and systems.
Financial Control & Process Improvement
- Strengthen and evolve internal controls, ensuring compliance across all entities.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, and reporting efficiency.
- Approve and oversee weekly and monthly payment runs, ensuring robust cash management.
Team Leadership
- Manage and mentor the accounts team, ensuring effective delegation, workload management, and professional development.
- Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Business Partnering & Analysis
- Preparing SMT monthly packs and attending the meetings.
- Provide financial insight and analysis to support operational and commercial decision‑making.
- Deliver ad hoc financial modelling, project analysis, and scenario planning.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across multiple regions.
- Manage quarterly VAT returns and compliance.
Operational Finance
- Oversee payroll administration, workplace pension schemes, and company credit card processes.
- Manage sales and purchase ledger activities, including multi‑currency invoice processing.
- Ensure accurate journal preparation and posting, including payroll, prepayments, and accruals.
- Oversee credit control and cash flow monitoring.
- Manage quarterly VAT returns, WHT, CT and compliance.
- Oversee credit control and cashflow monitoring.
General Management
- Management oversight of PRO services in UAE, including visas, establishment cards, labour cards and related government documentation.
- Support CEO and GM with conforming to UAE laws and regulations.
SPECIAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/APTITUDES NEEDED:
- ACA /ACCA/CIMA qualified with 5+ years post qualified experience
- Project accounting experience
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion and diplomacy
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, both written and verbally, including the ability to communicate confidently and professionally across all levels of the business
- Great attention to detail
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Quick decision-making skills
- The ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the business
- Strong work ethic with the ability to work unsupervised