Financial Analyst (UAE National)

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Financial Analyst to join our team in Dubai as part of the Emiratisation initiative, aimed at identifying and nurturing local talent within the financial sector. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals early in their finance careers who are eager to grow professionally while contributing to the integrity and robustness of the Bank's financial control environment. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the Head of Financial Controls, Risk, and the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FPA) through detailed cost and risk analytics, operational risk management, and preparing insightful management information systems (MIS) reports that inform business strategy and support robust decision-making processes. This permanent, office-based, full-time position offers the chance to operate within a dynamic banking environment committed to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

This position requires a proactive approach, a passion for finance, and a collaborative mindset to thrive within a team that works diligently to uphold high standards of financial governance and performance analytics.

Key Responsibilities

Controls & Risk Management
You will support the Head of Controls & Risk by ensuring the full implementation and adherence to our financial control policies, thereby upholding the integrity of the General Ledger for all business entities in the UAE. This involves actively contributing to the development of a strong financial control environment, conducting internal reviews in areas with elevated emerging risks, and assisting in managing operational risks within the Finance function.
Close collaboration with business finance teams, operations, and compliance specialists will be essential to performing all controls-related duties effectively. You will also contribute to finance system and project initiatives, offering support throughout project lifecycles and audit activities.

Reporting and Financial Planning & Analysis (FPA)
This role entails performing comprehensive and periodic cost analyses to support cost management objectives, including deep-dive reviews that identify risks and opportunities for optimization within support functions.
You will prepare standardised performance MIS and presentations on a range of financial and non-financial business KPIs, helping to provide clear insights into business performance. You will also assist in quarterly benchmarking exercises comparing Standard Chartered UAE’s performance against peer institutions, delivering meaningful market and competitor analyses.
Supporting the FPA Head during high-level country reviews, group personnel visits, and ad hoc business deep-dives with accurate performance data, insights, and professional presentation materials will be a critical part of your responsibilities.

The suitable candidate will display strong analytical and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and an ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Effective time management and organisational skills will be crucial to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. A collaborative disposition and genuine enthusiasm for working within a cross-functional team will enable the candidate to contribute positively towards shared goals.

Furthermore, an awareness and commitment to upholding compliance standards, financial regulations, and ethical practices in daily activities is essential.

Qualifications

Professional Experience
• Entry-level or 1–2 years of relevant experience within a finance or financial analysis role, ideally within banking or financial services.

Educational Qualifications
• A bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline is required.

Language Proficiency
• Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable to facilitate communication within the regional market.

Desirable Certifications
• While not mandatory, certifications such as CFA Level 1 or equivalent financial analysis certifications can be advantageous.

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is a leading international bank with a proud heritage spanning over 170 years. We operate across multiple global markets, driven by our commitment to making a positive impact on our clients, communities, and employees. Our culture encourages innovation, challenges the status quo, and fosters an environment where individuals can grow and excel.

Our core purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through diversity, underpinned by our values and behaviours, which emphasise integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where all talents are celebrated, diversity is embraced, and everyone can thrive.

Our key values:

• Do the right thing: Act with integrity, putting clients at the core of all decisions and maintaining transparency.
• Never settle: Pursue excellence by seeking continuous improvement and innovation.
• Better together: Work collaboratively in an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.

What we offer

At Standard Chartered, we are committed to supporting the well-being and growth of our employees by offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that reflects our Fair Pay Charter.

• Financial Security: Core bank-funded retirement savings along with comprehensive medical and life insurance programs designed to support your long-term wellbeing.
• Generous Leave Policies: Inclusive of 20 weeks of parental/maternity leave, sabbatical opportunities up to 12 months, volunteering leave, and a minimum combined total of 30 days of annual and public holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for balanced work patterns between home and office locations to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Wellbeing Initiatives: Access to digital wellbeing platforms like Unmind, employee assistance programs, mental health first-aiders, and resilience training.
• Learning and Development: Continual access to a broad range of learning opportunities including reskilling, upskilling, and leadership development programs available through multiple delivery channels.
• Inclusive Culture: A workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels respected and empowered to achieve their full potential.