Chief Accountant

About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Accountant to oversee and manage the company's accounting operations, financial reporting, statutory compliance, and financial controls. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations, managing month-end and year-end close activities, and providing financial insights to support strategic business decisions.

The successful candidate should possess strong accounting knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and hands-on experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day accounting operations including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, and Bank Reconciliation.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities.
• Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with IFRS and company policies.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and financial performance to support business objectives.
• Oversee accounts receivable collections and accounts payable processes.
• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT regulations and coordinate VAT filings and reconciliations.
• Manage corporate tax compliance, reporting requirements, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax consultants, and regulatory authorities during audits and assessments.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial accuracy.
• Prepare and process monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy, timely disbursement, and compliance with applicable labour laws and statutory requirements.
• Monitor project profitability, revenue recognition, and cost allocations across business units.
• Prepare management reports, financial dashboards, and variance analysis for senior leadership.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, accounting standards, and company policies.
• Analyze financial data and recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead and mentor the accounting team, ensuring effective workload management and professional development.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across HR, PMO, Sales, Procurement, and Operations.
• Support ERP-related finance initiatives, system enhancements, and process automation projects.
• Establish and document accounting policies and standard operating procedures.
• Assist management with strategic financial decisions, risk assessments, and business growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualification such as CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent is highly preferred.
• Minimum 8-12 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior accounting or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, financial reporting standards, and accounting best practices.
• Experience handling UAE VAT, Corporate Tax compliance, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Proven experience in financial statement preparation, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems; SAP S/4HANA or SAP Business One experience will be an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, fixed assets, and payroll accounting.
• Experience working with external auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and financial planning skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within the IT services, consulting, ERP implementation, or professional services industry will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and attention to detail.