Finance Controller (Head of Project Accounting)

About the role

Lead the finance function for an oil and gas construction project in southern Iraq, based at the North Rumaila site near Basra. Reporting to the Finance Manager in Dubai, you will own the project’s financial control framework, tax compliance, cash‑flow management and IFRS reporting while supervising the on‑site Project Accountant.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and enforce the project financial control framework, approval matrix and documentation discipline.
• Supervise the on‑site Project Accountant and ensure accurate budget, cost‑control and forecasting, reviewing Budget vs Actual, Cost‑to‑Complete and final cost forecasts.
• Control cash‑flow forecasts and payment approvals, verifying each payment against contracts, purchase orders, retention, taxes and budget limits.
• Oversee Iraqi tax compliance (WHT, GCT, payroll tax, customs duties) and coordinate with local tax advisors and the General Commission for Taxes.
• Manage IFRS reporting schedules, chart of accounts, contract financial control, variation orders and subcontractor reconciliations, liaising with external auditors, banks and the Dubai finance office.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic.
• 10+ years of progressive finance experience, including at least 5 years in construction, EPC, oil & gas or industrial projects.
• Direct experience on projects above USD 30 million and on Iraq‑based projects.
• Strong knowledge of Iraqi tax regulations and IFRS project accounting.
• Proven experience supervising project accountants or finance teams.

Required skills

• SAP
• Oracle
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Zoho
• QuickBooks
• Power BI