Head of Finance
Loft Orbital
Accounting & Finance
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Posted on Apr 25, 2025
Wanna join the adventure?
As we embark on designing, producing and operating cutting-edge satellites, we are seeking a
dynamic and experienced Head of Finance to build and lead our entire financial function from
the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial future of a rapidly growing
organization in a high-tech industry.
As the Head of Finance, you will be instrumental in establishing and overseeing all aspects of
our financial operations, encompassing accounting, controlling, and finance. You will be
responsible for structuring the finance function, developing robust processes and controls, and
building a high-performing team to support our ambitious growth plans. Your expertise will also
be crucial in contributing to the definition and implementation of our core processes and ERP
system. This role demands a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and the ability to thrive
in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
About This Role:
- Financial Accounting and Reporting:
- Oversee and ensure the accurate and timely completion of the monthly, quarterly, and yearly closing processes.
- Prepare and present financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, with clear and concise analysis.
- Manage relationships with external auditors and ensure a smooth and efficient audit process.
- Ensure compliance with all local and international financial reporting requirements.
- Controlling and Budgeting:
- Design, implement, and maintain the company's controlling structure, including cost centers, profit centers, and allocation methodologies.
- Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads to develop realistic and achievable budgets.
- Develop and implement robust budget monitoring and control mechanisms, analyzing variances and providing insightful explanations to management.
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor financial performance and operational efficiency.
- Operating Plan and Business Case Monitoring:
- Lead the development of the company's operating plan, translating strategic objectives into actionable financial targets.
- Collaborate with various departments to gather input and ensure alignment across the organization.
- Develop and maintain the company's business case, including financial projections and sensitivity analysis.
- Monitor the performance against the business case, identify deviations, and recommend corrective actions.
- Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making related to investments, pricing, and operational improvements.
- Internal Controls and Compliance:
- Develop and document accounting and controlling policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, tax laws, and internal policies.
- Team Leadership and Development (as the company grows):
- Potentially build and lead a high-performing accounting and controlling team.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities to team members.
- Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
Must Haves:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant professional accounting certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CMA) is highly preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and controlling roles, with at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership position.
- Proven experience in establishing and managing the financial control function within a new or rapidly growing organization.
- Experience in developing and managing budgets, forecasts, and financial models.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
- Strong understanding of internal control principles and best practices.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (experience with Netsuite is a plus).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.
- Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within a technology or engineering-driven industry, is highly desirable.
- Experience working in the UAE or the Middle East region is an advantage.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy.
- Proactive and results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Strong ethical standards and integrity.
- Adaptable and willing to embrace new challenges.
Orbitworks' mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbital's heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass-manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.