Associate Director - Financial Planning And Analysis - Dubai Holding Real Estate

Job Purpose

JOB DESCRIPTION

The job holder will be responsible for the activities and initiatives related to Financial Planning and Analysis whilst offering financial advice in line with the strategic objectives of DHRE to ensure financial control and profitability for the business.

Key Accountabilities

Budgeting, MIS and forecasting

• Assist in the process of monthly MIS reporting to DH Finance, DHRE and DHLE management; ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness with the view to assist DH/DHRE/DHLE management for effective decision making.
• Implement appropriate financial models for budgetary and business analysis to ensure accuracy of budgetary assumptions and ensure enhancement of budgeting, planning, controlling and reporting tools to minimize the variance and bring accuracy in budgeting and reporting processes.
• Prepare budget plans and schedules in line with DH policies and procedures and ensure the soundness and integrity of all budget data and ensure the appropriateness and reliability of the key assumptions and definition of the control mechanisms and effectively present the same to the senior management for approval.
• Assist in review of overall budget consolidation and ensure budgets are executed effectively in coordination with concerned subsidiaries and departments.
• Oversee and review variance analyses for all income statement and balance sheet line items in relation to the budgeted figures to ensure that every aspect of company and department budget variances are analyzed in detail with supporting evidence and commentary.
• Assist in review and preparation of quarterly financial reviews recommending upward or downward adjustments considering market conditions and business requirements.
• Prepare Financial forecast to determine the course of entity/departments over a period that extends into future business periods as a proactive approach to budgeting to support the department budget for daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly allocations and needs.
• Establish and implement short-term, quantifiable guidelines for the immediate upcoming business period and compare them to the forecasted budget in specific periods. If any issues or deficiencies arise then highlight the areas concerned and inform concerned departments to ensure timely resolution of the issues to meet the budgeted expenses.
• Prepare budgetary presentations and assist with the presentation of budgetary findings to all management levels.
• Provide guidance to Units Heads and Line Managers through the process of staying on budget and provide directions to assist them in understanding budget reports and data, in controlling their costs and budgets, and in fulfilling budgetary requirements.
• Provide relevant and accurate KPI information to the Strategy team for scorecard reporting.
• Ensure that budget is prepared on EPBCS system.
• Liaise with senior leadership (CEO/CFO) and Business Development team to prepare escrow level cash flows (Sales, Capex, Collections, etc.) for ongoing projects to meet business growth.
• Monitor cash flows at project level, identify and suggest risk mitigation to optimize costs in line with DHRE budgets.
• Assist Director Finance in reviewing EMC relating to land and built to sell and Quarterly Project Review Reports for EMC submissions and prepare project Ad-hoc analysis for decision making purposes.
  
  

• Design and implement financial policies and procedures relating to management reporting and business plan in alignment to business objectives and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Maintain full control over the Hyperion Budgeting software to ensure budgets are prepared, maintained and monitored accurately within the software.
• Develop budgetary, MIS and Statutory reporting policies, process, procedures, forms and templates to ensure adequate Budgetary controls and MIS/Statutory reporting structure for overall Finance operations.
• Prepare monthly project dashboards showing cost and sales status, Financial forecast to determine the course of entity/departments over a period that extends into future business periods as a proactive approach to budgeting to support the department budget for daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly allocations.
• Ensure Policies, processes, procedures forms and templates in place, approved and implemented.
  
  

• Review management reports and financial analysis within stipulated deadlines.
• Troubleshoot escalated issues, make decisions, escalate issues as appropriate (if applicable) and communicate resolutions to ensure closure of variances effectively.
• Work on projects/initiatives assigned including any corporate level projects to contribute to overall company goals and demonstrate adaptability.
  
  

• Develop/enhance internal controls, policies, processes, and procedures to ensure that they are properly scoped and enforced and are effective and efficient meeting business requirements.
• Responsible for maintaining functional procedures, internal controls, and reporting in conformity with company procedures, group policies, IFRS and laws, regulations and statutes while directing specific areas within the overall department operation.
• Overlook and conclude on the implementation of all IT initiatives.
• Actively seek automation of controls across DHRE through efficient use of financial systems and innovative technology to enhance and continuously improve the design and effectiveness of controls, including efficiencies in documentation, assessment, and monitoring of controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve the processes, implementing automation and streamlining workflows for increased efficiency.
  
  

• Overall direction for the effective achievement of the department objectives through effective leadership and by setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating team to maximize performance.
• Provide overall direction and guidance to mentor, coach, motivate and challenge the direct reports and their teams’ providing opportunities for growth and development.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in finance/ Accounts; master’s degree preferred.
• Professional Accounting Qualification (Chartered Accountant, ACCA, CPA etc.)
• Knowledge of relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and industry best practices.
• Min 8-10 years of experience in finance, with a strong focus on financial planning and analysis.
• Proven track record in a senior finance role preferably in sectors like real estate, construction, or large-scale project management.
• Experience in managing large-scale projects and master plans, including financial planning, budgeting, and cost control.
• Proficiency in financial management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and ERP systems.
• Skilled in data analysis tools such as Excel, Power BI, or other business intelligence platforms.
• Demonstrate strong financial management skills to oversee and optimize financial operations.
• Develop accurate budgets and forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives to align financial goals with organizational objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders through clear communication and collaboration.
• Utilize advanced analytical skills to identify, assess, and resolve complex problems efficiently.
• Prioritize tasks effectively, maintaining a high level of detail and quality in all work.
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Demonstrate strong planning and organizational abilities, focusing on results and making informed decisions.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, while effectively negotiating with internal and external parties.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, providing strategic direction to achieve financial goals and ensure operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership skills in managing and mentoring teams, fostering collaboration, and creating a high-performance work environment.
• Strategic decision-maker with the ability to analyse complex financial data and provide actionable insights to senior management and stakeholders.
• Skilled in driving process improvements, streamlining financial operations, and implementing best practices to enhance financial performance.
• Ability to develop and manage comprehensive master plans for large-scale projects, integrating financial and operational aspects.
• Advanced skills in financial analysis and modelling to support strategic decisions and evaluate financial performance.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments (e.g., real estate, legal, operations) to align financial strategies with business objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting financial information to senior management and stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation skills for dealing with vendors, contractors, and other external parties.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to tackle challenges effectively.
• Analyse complex financial issues and develop effective solutions to address them.