MOHAMED FIRAZ FAROOK
London,UK
Summary
Strategic and results-driven finance leader with 15+ years of experience across real estate, infrastructure, free zones, retail, and audit. Currently serving as Director of Finance at Dubai South, leading financial strategy, investment planning, and governance across multi-billion-dollar development portfolios. Proven expertise in Budgeting, capital allocation, financial modelling, and IFRS reporting within complex, multi-entity environments. Strong track record of partnering with executive leadership to drive growth, optimise performance, and deliver large-scale transformation initiatives. Qualified CPA, ACMA, and MBA with strong stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work history
Director of Finance
Dubai South
2026.01 - 2026.04
- Lead financial strategy and capital allocation across large-scale development projects, supporting multi-billion-dollar investments.
- Oversee group-wide financial operations, governance, and reporting across multiple subsidiaries, ensuring full IFRS compliance.
- Drive long-term financial planning, budgeting, and performance management frameworks across business units.
- Partner with executive leadership and board stakeholders on strategic initiatives, joint ventures, and funding structures.
- Strengthen internal controls, risk management, and financial governance processes across the organisation.
Senior Finance Manager
Dubai South
2021.01 - 2026.01
- Led end-to-end FP&A function including budgeting, forecasting, and 5-year financial planning.
- Managed financial reporting, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of management and statutory reports.
- Acted as key finance business partner to senior leadership, providing strategic insights and performance analysis.
- Oversaw treasury, tax (VAT & Corporate Tax), payroll, and accounting functions across entities.
- Implemented process improvements enhancing reporting efficiency and decision-making capabilities.
Manager – Business Finance
Dubai South
2018.01 - 2021.01
- Developed complex financial models, feasibility studies, and investment appraisals for major projects.
- Delivered actionable insights through variance analysis, KPI tracking, and performance dashboards.
- Supported strategic planning, budgeting cycles, and business case evaluations.
- Collaborated with business units to drive financial performance and cost optimisation.
Budget Controller
Dubai South
2015.01 - 2018.01
- Managed annual budgeting processes, financial reporting, and audit coordination.
- Prepared management accounts, financial statements, and long-term business plans.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented corrective actions where required.
Budget Controller / Analyst
National Marine Dredging Company
2012.01 - 2015.01
- Prepared annual budgets and financial plans.
- Conducted investment appraisals and cost optimisation.
- Analysed variances and supported strategic decision-making.
Management Accountant
Al Ghurair Retail
2010.01 - 2011.01
- Managed reporting, treasury and cash flow planning.
- Led audit coordination and financial reporting.
- Supervised finance and admin teams.
Audit Executive
EY
2007.01 - 2009.01
- Conducted audits, internal control reviews, and reporting.
- Advised on risk and compliance matters.
Education
MBA -
S.P. Jain School of Global Management
ACMA -
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
UKCPA -
Certified Practicing Accountant
AustraliaCIM (Completed Level II) - undefined
Chartered Institute of Marketing
UKSkills
- Financial Strategy & Leadership
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Investment Appraisal & Financial Modelling
- IFRS & Regulatory Compliance
- Reporting, Treasury & Cash Flow Management
- Stakeholder & Board-Level Engagement
- Risk Management & Internal Controls
- Business Transformation & Process Improvement
Accomplishments
- Appointed as CFO for a joint venture formed by the organization
- Appointed as Executive Committee member of the joint venture with Emaar Development PJSC
- Created models for preparing year end consolidated financial statements resulting in more efficient audit process
- Played a major role in setting up the investment policy of the organization
- Recognised for the efforts and awarded as Best Employee of the Year for 2013
- Developed standard cost for all major equipment, used for budgeting/efficiency monitoring process
- Successfully developed financial models for project budget creation and reporting
- Developed the process of portfolio analysis and reporting for better reporting across different brands & stores
Dubai South, Dubai
National Marine Dredging Company, Abu Dhabi
AL-Ghurair Retail, UAE
Additional Experience – CIMA Lecturer
Phoenix Financial Training (DIFC) / Zabeel Institute (UAE) / Academy of Business Studies
- Delivered CIMA courses and mentored finance professionals.
Timeline
Director of Finance
Dubai South
2026.01 - 2026.04
Senior Finance Manager
Dubai South
2021.01 - 2026.01
Manager – Business Finance
Dubai South
2018.01 - 2021.01
Budget Controller
Dubai South
2015.01 - 2018.01
Budget Controller / Analyst
National Marine Dredging Company
2012.01 - 2015.01
Management Accountant
Al Ghurair Retail
2010.01 - 2011.01
Audit Executive
EY
2007.01 - 2009.01
CIM (Completed Level II) - undefined
Chartered Institute of Marketing
MBA -
S.P. Jain School of Global Management
ACMA -
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
CPA -
Certified Practicing Accountant