Chief Accountant

applydubaijob.com; Dubai; On-site; AED 134,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential (Catering & Hospitality Client) in Abu Dhabi seeks a Chief Accountant to lead its finance team, oversee the general ledger, cash flow, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. The role focuses on accurate financial reporting, cost controls, and audit readiness within a premier hospitality environment.

You will ensure UAE VAT compliance, Wage Protection System payroll management, and robust internal controls, while coordinating with external auditors, banks, and tax authorities to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required.
• 5–8 years of progressive accounting experience in catering/hospitality sector.
• Strong UAE VAT, WPS payroll, and cash flow management expertise.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day general ledger operations and monthly closes.
• Manage cash flow tracking, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Ensure UAE VAT filing, WPS payroll, and labor regulation compliance.
• Lead internal controls, cost analysis, and audits of food production expenses.
• Coordinate with auditors, banks, and tax authorities.

Skills

Cash flow management

Regulatory compliance

VAT expertise

WPS payroll

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Hospitality ERP systems

Job description

Job Title: Chief Accountant

Company: Confidential (Catering & Hospitality Client)

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Employment Type: Full Time

Salary: AED 12,000 – AED 18,000 per month (Estimated)

Candidate Prerequisites: 5–8 Years Accounting Experience | Mandatory Industry Background in Catering, Hospitality, Restaurants, Hotels, or Food Production | Strong Expertise in UAE VAT, WPS Payroll, & Cash Flow Management | UAE-Based Candidates Available on Short Notice Preferred

Position Overview A premier high-end catering establishment in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Chief Accountant to manage its financial and accounting division. The position covers full-scope accounting oversight, daily cash flow tracking, budget formulation, operational cost controls, financial auditing, and regulatory compliance including UAE VAT and Wage Protection System (WPS) payroll management.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day general ledger operations, financial reporting, and monthly accounting closes.
• Direct corporate cash flow tracking, working capital management, budget preparation, and financial forecasting.
• Enforce strict compliance with UAE accounting standards, local VAT filing laws, WPS payroll, and labor regulations.
• Lead internal financial controls, inventory cost analysis, and food production expenditure auditing.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, banking partners, and tax authorities.

Requirements & Skills

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with 5 to 8 years of progressive finance experience within the catering, hotel, restaurant, or food manufacturing sector.
• Technical Proficiency: In-depth understanding of UAE VAT regulations, WPS processing, hospitality accounting ERPs, and advanced spreadsheet modeling.
• Core Competencies: Financial leadership, cash flow management, internal audits, cost control, variance analysis, and team supervision.