Accounts Payable Accountant

About the Role
The Accounts Payable Accountant is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all supplier invoices, employee expense claims, and payments. This role ensures that the company’s payables are properly recorded, approved, and settled in line with agreed payment terms, internal controls, and the Delegation of Authority, while fostering strong working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
A key focus of the role is maintaining the integrity of the accounts payable ledger within the ERP system, supporting month-end and year-end close, ensuring UAE VAT compliance on purchases and imports, and contributing to cash flow planning. The Accounts Payable Accountant works closely with Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Treasury, and Project Management functions to ensure that purchasing, receiving, and payment processes are aligned and well controlled.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years of accounts payable or general accounting experience, preferably within a trading, manufacturing, contracting, or multi-entity environment in the UAE or GCC.
• Experience processing high volumes of local and international supplier invoices and payments, including import-related costs, is required.

Professional Certifications

• Progress toward or completion of ACCA, CMA, CPA, or a similar professional accounting qualification would be considered an advantage.
• UAE VAT training or certification is desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of the procure-to-pay cycle, three-way matching, accruals, and supplier reconciliations.
• Sound understanding of UAE VAT, including input tax recovery and the reverse charge mechanism on imports, and awareness of UAE e-invoicing requirements.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Odoo, or similar.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including lookups, pivot tables, and reconciliation techniques.
• Familiarity with online banking platforms, foreign currency payments, and basic trade finance instruments.

Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Invoice Processing & Verification

• Receive, review, and process supplier invoices, credit notes, and debit notes accurately and on time.
• Verify invoices for accuracy of pricing, quantities, payment terms, currency, bank details, and VAT treatment.
• Perform three-way matching of invoices against purchase orders and goods received notes or service acceptance records.
• Investigate and resolve pricing, quantity, and receiving discrepancies with Procurement, Warehouse, and suppliers.
• Process employee expense claims, petty cash replenishments, and staff advances in line with company policy.

Supplier Payments & Cash Disbursement

• Prepare weekly payment runs based on due dates, approved invoices, and cash availability.
• Ensure all payments are supported by complete documentation and approved in accordance with the Delegation of Authority.
• Process local and international payments, including foreign currency transfers, and coordinate with banks on payment execution and queries.
• Support advance payments, letters of credit, and other trade finance requirements for overseas suppliers, as applicable.
• Track and record customs duties, freight, clearing, and other import-related charges against the correct shipments and cost centres.

Vendor Master Data & Supplier Relationship

• Maintain accurate vendor master data, including trade licences, TRN, bank details, and payment terms.
• Verify any changes to supplier bank details through independent confirmation to prevent payment fraud.
• Respond promptly to supplier queries regarding invoice status, remittances, and outstanding balances.
• Support periodic review and clean-up of inactive or duplicate vendor records.

Reconciliations & Month-End Close

• Perform monthly supplier statement reconciliations and resolve differences on a timely basis.
• Reconcile the accounts payable sub-ledger to the general ledger and clear reconciling items.
• Prepare accruals for goods and services received but not yet invoiced, and review GRNI balances.
• Record prepayments and supplier advances, and ensure their timely adjustment against final invoices.
• Meet month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing deadlines for all payables activities.

VAT & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure input VAT on purchases and imports is correctly captured, supported by valid tax invoices, and recoverable in line with UAE VAT regulations.
• Apply the reverse charge mechanism correctly for imported goods and services.
• Provide supporting schedules and documentation for VAT return preparation.
• Support the company’s readiness for, and compliance with, UAE electronic invoicing requirements as they are implemented.
• Support Corporate Tax compliance by ensuring expenses are correctly classified and documented.

ERP & Process Improvement

• Process all payables transactions within the ERP system, ensuring correct coding to general ledger accounts, cost centres, and projects.
• Support ERP enhancements, testing, and data migration activities related to the procure-to-pay process.
• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline accounts payable processes, including invoice capture and approval workflows.
• Maintain up-to-date desk procedures and process documentation for accounts payable activities.

Internal Controls, Audit & Documentation

• Apply internal controls to prevent duplicate payments, unauthorized payments, and errors.
• Ensure segregation of duties and approval requirements are respected across the payables cycle.
• Maintain complete and well-organized records of invoices, payment approvals, and supporting documents.
• Support internal and external audits by providing schedules, samples, and explanations as required.

Reporting & Stakeholder Support

• Prepare accounts payable ageing reports, payment forecasts, and outstanding liability schedules.
• Provide input to weekly and monthly cash flow forecasts for Treasury and Finance management.
• Monitor and report on overdue invoices, disputed items, and payment term compliance.
• Work closely with Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, and Project Management teams to resolve payables issues.

Capability Development

• Keep up to date with changes in UAE VAT, e-invoicing, and accounting requirements affecting accounts payable.
• Share knowledge of payables processes and controls with internal users and new team members.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.