Purpose of the Role
The Finance Director is a strategic leader responsible for driving financial excellence at EIA. This role ensures effective management of corporate finance, budgeting, compliance, and risk, while aligning financial strategies with EIA's dual mandate of maximizing financial returns and supporting the UAE's economic priorities. The Finance Director also plays a pivotal role in supporting EIA's Strategy Refresh (SR) initiatives and fostering long-term financial sustainability.
Department Overview
The Finance, Treasury & Investment Operations Department at EIA is a cornerstone of the organization's strategic and operational framework. This department oversees corporate finance, budgeting, treasury management, and investment operations, ensuring alignment with EIA's mission to maximize financial returns and contribute to the UAE's economic priorities. By leveraging advanced financial systems and frameworks, the department plays a vital role in implementing the Strategy Refresh (SR) initiatives, managing risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Strategic Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Develop and execute financial strategies that align with EIA's mandate and organizational objectives
- Guide capital allocation to balance financial returns with strategic priorities
- Partner with investment teams to align financial planning with strategic asset and portfolio management objectives
- Provide financial leadership to support EIA's Strategic Refresh initiatives
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, taxation requirements, and IFRS standards
- Implement and monitor robust financial controls and risk mitigation strategies
- Safeguard financial performance through effective risk identification and management frameworks
Technology Integration
- Oversee the adoption of ERP systems and financial tools to enhance data-driven decision-making
- Leverage data analytics and advanced systems to support long-term financial sustainability
Core Responsibilities
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Lead the annual budgeting process and long-term financial planning
- Provide accurate forecasts and performance reports for internal and external stakeholders
- Conduct scenario analysis and financial modeling to support decision-making
- Monitor and report variances to ensure precision and adaptability in planning
Investment Collaboration
- Collaborate with investment teams to integrate financial planning with asset management and portfolio performance reporting
- Evaluate and support strategic investments to optimize returns and align with long-term goals
Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Ensure all financial reporting adheres to IFRS, GAAP, and UAE regulatory requirements
- Present financial analyses and insights to the CFO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors
- Conduct variance analyses and performance reviews to ensure transparency and accountability
People Management Responsibilities
Team Development
- Mentor and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
- Establish clear KPIs, including productivity, innovation adoption rates, and employee engagement scores
- Delegate responsibilities effectively to ensure operational efficiency and performance
- Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability across the finance team
Stakeholder Engagement
- Present key financial insights to senior leadership, regulatory bodies, and external auditors
- Build strong relationships with banking partners, vendors, and strategic financial advisors
- Serve as the primary liaison for internal audit and compliance reporting
Requirements
Education
- Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (e.g., MBA, CFA, CPA)
- Certifications such as CFA or CPA are emphasized for their critical role in compliance and strategic execution
Prior Experience
- Minimum of 12 years of financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
- Expertise in corporate finance, budgeting, and risk management within a sovereign wealth fund or investment-driven environment
- Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks and global financial best practices
Technical Expertise, Skills Or Knowledge
- Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, data analytics, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
- Mastery of budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance analysis
- Comprehensive understanding of UAE-specific financial regulations and IFRS standards
- Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement capabilities
- Expertise in integrating financial planning with investment strategies and portfolio management initiatives
Key Role Interfaces
Internal
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Executive Officer
- Investment Teams
- Risk Management Team
- Technology Department
- Internal Audit
- Senior Management
External
- Banking Partners
- Regulatory Authorities
- External Auditors
- Vendors and Financial Software Providers
- Investment Counterparties
- External Advisors or Consultants
Benefits
The Emirates Investment Authority (EIA) stands as the UAE's only federal sovereign wealth fund, entrusted with the dual mandate of prudently managing and investing the nation's wealth to secure long-term sustainable financial returns and contribute to the UAE's economic growth and prosperity.
Established in 2007, EIA embodies a vision to drive national development by creating industry champions, diversifying economic assets, and supporting critical government initiatives. Governed by the highest standards of integrity and accountability, the EIA strategically allocates capital to maximize financial returns while ensuring alignment with the UAE's long-term priorities
Joining the EIA offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the UAE's economic future. Employees gain access to an enriching environment where innovation, strategic thinking, and excellence drive success. The EIA provides:
- Professional Growth: Comprehensive development frameworks that align individual competencies with organizational goals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and expertise
- Diverse Experience: Exposure to a diversified portfolio of global and regional investments, spanning multiple sectors, allowing employees to build expertise in high-stakes financial and strategic asset management
- Impactful Work: The chance to contribute to transformative national projects and initiatives, playing a pivotal role in creating economic champions that drive the UAE's growth
- Collaborative Culture: A performance-driven workplace that values teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence
