Accounts Receivable Lead – UAE (Cash Flow & Credit)

Arla Foods; Dubai; On-site; AED 223,000 - 446,000; Full time

Job summary

Arla Foods is seeking an AR Lead for the UAE markets to manage the end-to-end receivables lifecycle across modern trade, traditional retail, HORECA and distributors. You will mentor AR accountants and cashiers, oversee credit evaluation, monitor terms, and drive collection strategies to optimize cash flow.

You will work out of the Dubai office, report to the Head of Accounting, and collaborate with Supply Chain, Sales and Logistics to ensure accurate invoicing, reconciliations, and timely

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration; professional certifications are highly desirable (ACCA/CMA/CPA).
• 5–8 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in senior/lead AR role within FMCG, Food & Beverage or Dairy distribution in the UAE.
• Advanced ERP expertise (SAP SD/FI or Oracle Financials).
• Deep understanding of UAE VAT regulations relating to credit notes, returns and tax invoices.
• Proficient Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Power Query, Pivot Tables).

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of AR accountants and cashiers; set KPIs and drive daily performance.
• Oversee credit evaluation and setup for key accounts and regional distributors.
• Monitor credit limits and payment terms; block/unblock orders per policy.
• Implement collection strategies to reduce DSO and mitigate bad debt risk.
• Oversee invoicing, debit/credit notes across multiple channels and depots.
• Reconcile trade spend and promo-related accounts; manage price variances.
• Lead monthly balance confirmations and customer reconciliations; resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure timely recording of payments and bank deposits; manage PDC logs.
• Drive ERP process automation and cross‑functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Sales, Logistics.
• Prepare AR aging, DSO analyses, cash forecast dashboards for management.
• Support internal and external audits with documentation and schedules.

Skills

Team leadership

Credit evaluation

Cash collection

DSO reduction

Customer reconciliations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance

ACCA/CMA/CPA desirable

Tools

SAP (SD/FI modules)

Oracle Financials

Job description

Arla Foods is seeking an AR Lead for the UAE markets to manage the end-to-end receivables lifecycle across modern trade, traditional retail, HORECA and distributors. You will mentor AR accountants and cashiers, oversee credit evaluation, monitor terms, and drive collection strategies to optimize cash flow.

You will work out of the Dubai office, report to the Head of Accounting, and collaborate with Supply Chain, Sales and Logistics to ensure accurate invoicing, reconciliations, and timely