CFO jobs in Doha

An established pharmaceutical group in Qatar is appointing a Finance Director to lead the finance function across two businesses: a retail pharmacy network and a pharmaceutical distribution (drugstore) operation.

This is a build role. The first mandate is to design the accounting department from the ground up - its structure, systems, policies and authority matrix - and then to run finance as a full partner to the CEO and the Board.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates must already be based in Qatar and available to join locally. Applications from candidates outside Qatar will not be considered for this role.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Finance Director leads the financial strategy, planning, control and reporting of the company, safeguarding its financial health, regulatory compliance and sustainable growth across both businesses.

The role reports to the Chief Executive Officer and sits on the executive leadership team. Direct reports include the Finance Manager, Financial Controller, and the Accounting, Treasury and FP&A teams.

FIRST PRIORITY: BUILD THE ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT

- Design the organisational structure of the accounting department with clear roles, job descriptions and reporting lines.

- Develop and implement an authority matrix (Delegation of Authority) defining approval limits for payments, purchases, credit, discounts, write-offs and contracts.

- Establish accounting policies, procedures and workflows for both retail and distribution operations.

- Set up and maintain the chart of accounts, cost centres and reporting structure by business unit and branch.

- Select, implement or upgrade the accounting and ERP systems needed to support the new structure.

STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP

- Develop and execute the financial strategy for both the retail and distribution businesses.

- Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risks and growth opportunities.

- Evaluate new branch openings, new agency principals, acquisitions, partnerships and capital investments.

- Oversee the financial terms of agency and supply agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers, including rebates and incentives.

- Lead, develop and retain a high-performing finance team.

FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ANALYSIS

- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for retail and distribution.

- Monitor performance against budget and recommend corrective actions.

- Analyse profitability by business unit, branch, customer, principal and product category.

- Provide management with timely, accurate reports and insights.

ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING

- Oversee all accounting operations and the monthly, quarterly and annual close.

- Ensure financial statements comply with IFRS and local regulations.

- Ensure accurate inventory valuation across warehouses and branches, including provisions for near-expiry and expired stock.

- Coordinate external audits and act as the main contact for auditors.

TREASURY AND CASH MANAGEMENT

- Manage cash flow, working capital and banking relationships.

- Set and enforce credit policies for distribution customers, including hospitals, private pharmacies, clinics and government entities.

- Optimise inventory investment, supplier payment terms and collection of receivables.

- Manage foreign currency exposure on imported products.

- Secure financing, letters of credit and bank guarantees for tenders when required.

GOVERNANCE, RISK AND COMPLIANCE

- Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial policies.

- Ensure compliance with Qatar tax and regulatory requirements, including Ministry of Public Health rules on registered medicine pricing.

- Oversee the financial review of government and private tenders before submission.

- Identify and manage financial and operational risks.

SYSTEMS AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

- Lead the improvement of ERP, reporting and data systems.

- Drive automation and efficiency across finance processes.

- Work with Purchasing, Operations and IT to strengthen cost control and inventory accuracy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.

- Professional certification required: CPA, ACCA or CMA. MBA or CFA is an advantage.

- Minimum 15 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Finance Director, CFO or equivalent).

- Experience in pharmaceutical distribution and/or pharmacy retail; experience covering both wholesale and multi-branch retail is a strong advantage.

- Proven track record in budgeting, financial reporting, credit control and cost control.

- GCC experience required; Qatar experience is preferred.

- Experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics).

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

- Strategic thinking and sound business judgement

- Strong financial analysis and modelling skills

- Leadership and team development

- Clear communication with executives, the Board, banks and auditors

- High integrity and attention to detail

- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

- Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

- The accounting department structure, authority matrix and policies are approved and implemented within the first six months.

- Monthly and annual reporting is timely and accurate, with clean external audit results.

- Working capital improves through better inventory days, collections and credit control.

- Full compliance with Qatar tax and regulatory requirements.

JOB DETAILS

Job title: Finance Director

Department: Finance

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Doha, Qatar (on-site)

Employment type: Full-time, permanent

HOW TO APPLY

Apply through Indeed with an updated CV. Please state your current location in Qatar, your visa status and notice period, and your professional certification (CPA, ACCA or CMA). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Pay: From QAR16,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person