Chief Accountant

Confidential Jobs; Abu Dhabi; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Chief Accountant specializing in Accounts Payable. The successful candidate will oversee invoice processing, ensure financial integrity, manage month-end closures, and lead a team while ensuring compliance with UAE regulations. Candidates should have substantial experience in financial reporting, a strong grasp of VAT laws, and advanced skills in ERP systems.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of accounting experience with 3–4 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of UAE VAT laws and IFRS.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Accounts Payable team for processing invoices.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual book closures with financial reporting.
• Coordinate support for internal and external audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA, ACCA, CMA, CA or similar certification

Tools

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics)

Advanced Excel

Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Chief Accountant with a strong specialization in Accounts Payable, coupled with expertise in book closure, financial reporting, and P&L preparation. This role, based in Abu Dhabi, will ensure the accuracy of all payable transactions, oversee the financial closing process, and contribute to the overall financial integrity of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable Oversight

• Lead and manage the Accounts Payable (AP) team to ensure timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices and payments.
• Review and approve AP transactions, ensuring correct GL coding, cost center allocation, and adherence to internal controls.
• Maintain the AP aging report, monitor due payments, and optimize vendor terms to manage working capital effectively.
• Liaise with vendors, procurement, and operations to resolve discrepancies and ensure proper documentation is maintained.
• Ensure VAT compliance for AP transactions, including accurate VAT input claims and documentation.

Book Closure & Financial Reporting

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual closing of books of accounts in coordination with the finance team.
• Ensure all expenses, accruals, and adjustments are accurately recorded before month-end closing.
• Prepare and review Profit & Loss (P&L) statements, balance sheets, and other financial reports.
• Analyze variances between actual and budgeted expenses and provide commentary to management.
• Ensure proper reconciliation of AP sub-ledger with the general ledger.

Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate and support internal and external audits, providing all required documentation related to AP and general accounting.
• Ensure compliance with local accounting standards (IFRS/IAS), UAE regulations, and tax laws.
• Maintain and improve internal control systems related to accounts payable and general accounting processes.

ERP & Systems

• Oversee AP module implementation and improvements in the ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics).
• Ensure AP workflows are efficient, automated, and aligned with company policies.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA, ACCA, CMA, CA or similar certification is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of accounting experience, with at least 3–4 years in a supervisory or lead role, preferably with a focus on Accounts Payable and financial closing.
• Proven experience in book closure, financial reporting, and P&L analysis.
• Strong understanding of UAE VAT laws, IFRS, and financial controls.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using ERP systems.
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus.