Director, Controlling

Hapag-Lloyd AG

. Lead the annual budget process for operational costs, overhead, FTE, and D&D revenue across the region .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeDubai • United Arab EmiratesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial planning and analysis, budget management, and operational finance within the shipping and logistics industry. Proficient in advanced financial modeling, data governance, and reporting automation to drive efficiency and support strategic decision-making.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Budget ManagementFinancial AnalysisControlling ProcessesAdvanced ExcelIFRS Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial ModellingBudgetingForecastingVariance AnalysisP&L IntegrityCost-Saving InitiativesData GovernanceReporting AutomationBusiness Case DevelopmentROI Frameworks

Soft Skills

People LeadershipTeam DevelopmentCommunication

Tools & Technologies

SAPSAP S/4HANAPower BI

Certifications & Qualifications

CPACIMAACCAMBA

Industry Keywords

ControllingFP&AShipping OperationsLogisticsTerminal OperationsTransport CostsD&D RevenueMiddle East/Africa Exposure

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the annual budget process for operational costs, overhead, FTE, and D&D revenue across the region
Drive rolling forecast cycles and align forecasts with operational realities and regional business dynamics
Consolidate and challenge business-unit inputs; present budgets and forecasts to the CFO and senior leadership
Monitor budget versus actuals, flag variances, and recommend corrective action
Own the end-to-end monthly financial closing process for all controlling perimeters
Ensure accurate accrual postings in SAP/SAP S/4HANA and coordinate cut-off and reconciliation with Accounting
Validate monthly P&L integrity across cost centers and resolve anomalies
Prepare and publish monthly Controlling Packs and deliver variance analysis
Build dashboards and reporting templates for management performance monitoring
Translate operational data into financial narratives and support Board-level and HQ reporting
Identify inefficiencies and savings opportunities across Terminal, Transport, and S&D costs
Propose, track, quantify, and report cost-saving initiatives
Challenge cost-center owners on spend justification
Partner with Operations in planning and performance reviews and support operational finance queries
Provide financial analysis for capex, contract renewals, headcount, and restructuring decisions
Develop business cases and ROI frameworks and respond to regional and global HQ analysis requests
Improve controlling processes, tools, and reporting automation
Ensure data quality and enforce data governance standards within the team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree minimum in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration
8–12 years of progressive experience in Controlling, FP&A, or Finance Business Partnering
Prior experience in the shipping, port, or logistics industry and deep understanding of shipping operations, including vessel cost structures, Terminal operations, Transport, S&D, and D&D revenue mechanisms
Proven track record managing full budget and forecast cycles in a multinational environment
Experience in a regional or multi-country controlling role; Middle East/Africa exposure strongly preferred
Demonstrated people leadership experience, with the ability to develop and motivate a controlling team
Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability
Solid understanding of IFRS and management accounting principles
English: full professional fluency (mandatory)
Power BI or equivalent reporting tools is a strong plus
Professional qualification such as CPA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent preferred
MBA or advanced degree is an asset