Chief Financial Officer (Real Estate & Hospitality Developments)
Role overview
About the Company
Our client is a rapidly growing real estate development organization operating under a diversified investment group in the United Arab Emirates. The business is expanding its development portfolio across residential, hospitality and mixed-use assets while strengthening its financial governance, operational excellence and institutional capabilities. With an ambitious growth strategy and significant investment pipeline, the company is seeking an experienced finance leader to partner with executive leadership and drive long-term value creation. This is a confidential executive search assignment.
Job Description
We are seeking an accomplished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the organization's finance function and build institutional-grade financial infrastructure to support a rapidly expanding real estate development portfolio. Reporting directly to the Board, the CFO will be responsible for financial strategy, corporate finance, treasury, project financing, governance, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and overall financial performance. The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership to ensure strong financial discipline while supporting strategic growth initiatives across real estate and branded hospitality developments.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership
- Develop and execute the overall financial strategy.
- Provide strategic financial advice to the Board and executive leadership.
- Own full P&L and Balance Sheet accountability.
- Build scalable finance systems, reporting structures and governance frameworks.
- Drive profitability, capital efficiency and financial performance.
Financial Planning & Treasury
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
- Manage cash flow, treasury operations and working capital.
- Oversee project financing, banking relationships and debt facilities.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
- Strengthen internal controls and audit readiness.
Real Estate Development Finance
- Evaluate project feasibility and investment opportunities.
- Support land acquisitions and development financing.
- Monitor project cash flows, margins and cost controls.
- Ensure escrow compliance and payment-plan governance.
- Partner with project and commercial teams on financial matters.
Hospitality Development
- Provide financial leadership for branded hospitality projects.
- Review Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and franchise agreements.
- Manage hotel pre-opening budgets and opening costs.
- Oversee FF&E budgeting and working capital planning.
- Support owner-operator financial reporting and compliance.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with UAE financial and regulatory requirements.
- Manage relationships with banks, auditors and external stakeholders.
- Lead and mentor the finance team.
- Establish best-in-class governance and reporting standards.
Requirements
Requirements
- 10–15 years of progressive finance leadership experience.
- Previous experience as CFO, Finance Director or Head of Finance.
- Strong experience within Real Estate Development, Property Investment or capital-intensive businesses.
- Proven expertise in project finance and treasury. Experience managing banking relationships is highly desirable.
- Experience operating within the UAE or GCC markets.
- Knowledge of RERA regulations and escrow structures.
- Experience with Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and international hospitality operators is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and governance.
- Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
- High level of integrity, commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
Benefits
What We Offer
- Competitive executive compensation package.
- Performance-based annual bonus.
- Opportunity to influence strategic business decisions.
- Executive leadership role within a growing organization.
- Long-term career growth within a high-performing environment.
