Accountant

Client of Mark Williams; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Client of Mark Williams in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Accountant to lead the finance function from the ground up, implementing best-in-class controls, governance, reporting processes and systems. Reporting to the Finance Director, the successful candidate will be solely responsible for the finance function.

The role requires strong knowledge of UAE VAT and Corporate Tax regulations, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis, plus excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• CMA/ACCA certification preferred but not essential.
• Experience in standalone accounting role.
• Strong knowledge of UAE tax regulations.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and FP&A.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Arabic language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records per company policy.
• Prepare and post journal entries across balance sheet and P&L.
• Manage general ledger integrity and accuracy.
• Prepare monthly financial reports (BS, P&L, cash flow, petty cash).
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable; process invoices and payments.
• Monitor debtor aging and cash collections to optimise liquidity.
• Reconcile bank accounts, cards and key balance sheet accounts.
• Support monthly, quarterly and year-end close processes.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts and financial analysis.
• Monitor cash flow and identify liquidity risks.
• Ensure UAE VAT and Corporate Tax compliance.
• Prepare audit schedules; liaise with auditors.
• Produce reports for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Investigate discrepancies; drive process improvements.
• Develop and document accounting policies and controls.

Skills

Accounting principles

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Arabic language

Independent work

Education

CMA/ACCA preferred

Job description

Mark Williams is partnering with a leading organisation based in Abu Dhabi to appoint an experienced and commercially minded Accountant. This is a unique opportunity to build the finance function from the ground up as it is a newly created role implementing best-in-class financial controls, governance frameworks, reporting processes and systems. Reporting to the Finance Director, the successful candidate will solely be responsible for the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, ensuring all transactions are recorded in accordance with company policies.
• Prepare and post journal entries across all areas of the balance sheet and profit and loss account, including assets, liabilities and revenue.
• Manage the general ledger, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data.
• Prepare monthly financial reports, including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, cash flow statements and petty cash reconciliations.
• Oversee the accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ensuring timely invoice processing, payments and collections.
• Monitor debtor ageing reports and proactively manage cash collections to optimise cash flow.
• Perform reconciliations of bank accounts, credit card transactions and key balance sheet accounts.
• Support the monthly, quarterly and year‑end financial close processes, ensuring all reporting deadlines are met.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts and financial analysis to support strategic planning and business decision‑making.
• Monitor cash flow, identify financial risks and recommend opportunities to improve liquidity and operational efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE VAT and Corporate Tax regulations, including the preparation and submission of all required filings.
• Prepare audit schedules and liaise with internal and external auditors to facilitate efficient audit processes.
• Produce accurate and timely financial and management reports for senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Investigate financial discrepancies, implement corrective actions and drive continuous process improvements.
• Review and enhance accounting systems, financial controls and internal policies to improve efficiency and strengthen governance.
• Develop, maintain and document accounting policies and procedures in line with best practice and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of financial information while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and company policies.
• Provide ad‑hoc financial analysis, reporting and accounting support as required by the business.

Qualifications

• Professional certification such as CMA or ACCA preferred but not essential.
• Working in a similar position previously, in a standalone role.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting and UAE tax regulations.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial planning & analysis.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and perform under pressure.
• Highly detail‑oriented with the ability to work independently.
• Arabic speaker.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitions Accountant to join a highly regarded organisation and play a key role in shaping its future growth and success.