Financial Controller

About Al Etihad Payments

Al Etihad Payments offers a workplace designed to support both productivity and employee well-being, along with a strong professional experience. The company is the UAE’s designated retail payments entity, responsible for building and running world-class infrastructure, standards, and solutions for the UAE economy. It operates as a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE and is backed by the UAE Government.

The organization works with licensed financial institutions and other payment service providers to encourage innovation and deliver smooth, high-quality financial services across the UAE. Its mission supports the country’s shift toward a cashless society, national digitization, and the Central Bank of the UAE’s ambition to rank among the world’s top ten central banks.

Culture

The team is collaborative, diverse, and driven by purpose. Employees work together as one unit, contribute meaningfully to the organization, and build strong connections across the payments ecosystem.

Role Overview

The Financial Controller is responsible for monitoring cash flow and handling financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and budget oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle month-end closing activities.
• Prepare and record journal entries accurately.
• Compute and book accruals, depreciation, and amortization.
• Compile reporting packs comparing budget against actual performance.
• Create month-end management reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Carry out balance sheet reconciliations.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and general ledger structure.
• Coordinate with business stakeholders on finance matters and support them in a finance business partner capacity.
• Assist HR with the monthly payroll process.
• Safeguard the accuracy of accounting data by recording, checking, and entering transactions.
• Oversee daily finance operations, including payroll, invoicing, and related transactions.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors.
• Ensure adherence to accounting policies and internal control procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare VAT returns.
• Manage treasury activities such as bank payments, funding, and banking relationships.
• Support the Finance Head with ERP implementation.
• Assist the Finance Head with management reports, presentations, and other ad hoc requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

A master’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required, along with a professional qualification such as CA, ACCA, or a related credential. Preference is given to candidates holding CPA or CFA qualifications.

Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in financial accounting and reporting, with prior exposure to a similar role preferred. UAE or broader regional experience is also preferred. Strong knowledge of technical accounting, auditing standards, ERP systems, and financial planning and analysis is expected. Advanced Excel skills are needed to manage large spreadsheet datasets.

Skills and Personal Attributes

The role calls for strong communication and interpersonal skills, a structured and analytical mindset, and solid organizational ability. The ideal candidate should be self-driven, dependable, responsible, precise, and detail-oriented, with a professional and proactive approach to management. Fluency in written and spoken English is required, and Arabic is considered an advantage.

What You Can Expect

• A modern workplace with a degree of flexibility.
• A dynamic and motivated team contributing to UAE National Objectives.
• A competitive compensation package that may include an annual bonus, child education allowance, and annual flight tickets where eligible.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Preferred Qualifications

UAE regional experience is preferred, and proficiency in Arabic is a strong plus.