Inventory Controller - Retail Finance - 1year Contract

Role Overview

Inventory Controller - Retail Finance, a one-year contract position with Al Tayer Group in Dubai, UAE. This role joins the Finance team as a detail-oriented and commercially minded professional responsible for inventory accuracy, stock control, and financial reporting across the retail business.

Company Overview

Al Tayer Group is a dynamic retail organization operating across multiple brands and markets.

Role Purpose

Ensure inventory accuracy across the business by monitoring stock movements, investigating discrepancies, supporting stock counts, and providing meaningful analysis and reporting to drive financial accuracy and operational excellence. The role focuses on inventory control, stock reconciliation, inventory accounting, physical stock verification, and financial reporting related to merchandise inventory.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Accounting & Controls

• Monitor and control inventory movements across warehouses, stores, and distribution channels.
• Ensure inventory balances are accurately reflected within financial and inventory systems.
• Review and reconcile inventory accounts, stock adjustments, and inventory-related financial postings.
• Support month-end and year-end inventory close activities.

Stock Reconciliation & Analysis

• Investigate inventory discrepancies and identify root causes.
• Reconcile physical stock counts against system records.
• Analyze inventory variances, shrinkage, damages, and stock losses.
• Ensure inventory transactions are accurately recorded and supported by documentation.

Physical Stock Counts

• Coordinate and support cycle counts and annual stock-taking activities.
• Review stock count results and partner with operational teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor compliance with inventory policies and procedures.
• Provide recommendations to improve inventory accuracy and control.

Reporting & Business Support

• Prepare inventory, stock aging, shrinkage, and variance reports for management.
• Develop dashboards and reports using Excel and Power BI.
• Translate inventory data into actionable insights for finance and commercial teams.
• Support decision-making through accurate inventory reporting and analysis.

Audit & Compliance

• Support internal and external audits related to inventory.
• Maintain strong inventory documentation and audit trails.
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, policies, and accounting standards.
• Monitor inventory-related risks and implement corrective actions when required.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce (B.Com), Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualifications such as CMA, CPA, CIMA, or equivalent are advantageous.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in Inventory Accounting, Retail Finance, Cost Accounting, Inventory Control, or Financial Analysis.
• Retail, fashion, lifestyle, FMCG, consumer goods, warehousing, or supply chain experience is highly preferred.
• Experience working within a fast-paced, multi-site retail environment.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of inventory accounting and inventory valuation methods.
• Strong understanding of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and inventory accounting flow.
• Strong understanding of stock reconciliations and inventory valuation.
• Strong understanding of landed cost calculations, including freight, customs duty, insurance, and import costs.
• Strong understanding of inventory controls and gross margin analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, INDEX/MATCH, and financial analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, JDE, or similar.
• Power BI experience is highly desirable.
• Practical understanding of physical stock counts and inventory verification processes.
• Practical understanding of inventory-related journal entries and financial controls.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain excellent attention to detail and financial accuracy.
• Work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Exhibit strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Adopt a continuous improvement mindset and passion for process excellence.

Additional Information

• Contract type: One-year contract.
• Gain exposure to inventory, retail operations, commercial finance, and business performance.
• Work closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Buying, Warehouse, and Store Operations teams.
• Collaborative environment with strong professional development opportunities.