Finance Controller

OverviewAlaan is the Middle East’s first AI-powered spend management platform, built to help businesses save time and money. Our all-in-one solution combines smart corporate cards, real-time expense tracking, AI-powered automation, seamless accounting integrations, and deep financial insights designed to simplify finance operations and maximize control over company spend. Founded in 2022, Alaan is trusted by over 2000 leading businesses across the UAE and KSA, including G42, Careem, McDonald’s, Tabby, Al Barari, Rove Hotels, Rivoli, and CarSwitch. Together, our customers have saved over AED 100 million with Alaan. In three years, Alaan has become the #1 expense management platform in the Middle East and remains profitable. We’re backed by Y Combinator and top global investors, including Peak XV (formerly Sequoia India & SEA), and built by a world-class team with experience from McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, Careem, Rippling, and other high-growth companies. This environment supports learning from top-tier talent while building at startup speed. We’re not just building software—we’re reimagining how finance works for modern businesses in the region.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting, Consolidation & Compliance: Own and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for all legal entities across UAE, KSA, India, and Singapore.Prepare standalone and consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS and applicable local accounting standards.Manage group consolidations, including intercompany accounting, eliminations, reconciliations, and transfer pricing support.Lead statutory audits across all jurisdictions and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, tax advisors, and consultants.Ensure full compliance with country-specific regulatory and tax requirements, including:UAE: VAT filings, Corporate Tax compliance, ESR where applicableKSA: ZATCA regulations, VAT filings, Zakat / Corporate Income TaxIndia: GST filings, TDS, statutory audits, Companies Act requirementsSingapore: GST filings, corporate income tax, ACRA statutory filingsOversee all statutory filings, regulatory submissions, and local financial statements in each jurisdiction.Develop and maintain board- and investor-ready consolidated reporting packs, including commentary and key financial insights.Financial Operations & Internal ControlsDesign, implement, and continuously enhance internal control frameworks, financial policies, and SOPs across all entities.Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Treasury, and Banking operations across multiple countries.Manage multi-currency cash flow forecasting, liquidity planning, and working capital optimization.Coordinate and supervise local finance teams, outsourced accountants, and payroll providers in each jurisdiction.Lead the implementation, optimization, and governance of ERP and financial systems supporting multi-entity operations (e.g., NetSuite, Xero, QuickBooks).Ensure appropriate revenue recognition policies aligned with fintech / SaaS business models under IFRS.Manage foreign exchange exposure, intercompany settlements, and cross-border fund flows.Strategic Finance, Planning & AnalysisPartner closely with senior leadership on annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and long-range financial planning.Provide actionable financial analysis to support strategic initiatives, market expansion, and operational decision-making.Develop, track, and report on key financial KPIs, unit economics, and profitability metrics.Support pricing strategy, margin analysis, and product-level profitability assessments.Drive month-end variance analysis, identify trends, and clearly communicate financial performance to stakeholders.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.CA, CPA, ACCA, or CMA qualification strongly preferred.5+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or senior finance leadership role.Strong command of IFRS, financial reporting, and consolidation.Proven experience with multi-jurisdiction regulatory and tax compliance (UAE, KSA, India, and/or Singapore experience highly desirable).Hands-on experience managing intercompany accounting, consolidations, and transfer pricing coordination.Experience with ERP and accounting systems such as NetSuite, Xero, QuickBooks, or similar.Demonstrated ability to build, scale, and professionalize finance operations in high-growth environments.Preferred ExperienceBackground in fintech, SaaS, payments, or technology-enabled financial services.Experience working in venture-backed startups or fast-scaling companies.Prior experience at a Big 4 accounting firm or top-tier finance organization.Strong exposure to multi-entity, multi-currency accounting environments.Experience supporting fundraising, due diligence, and investor reporting.Skills & CompetenciesExceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance.Strong an