Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist

AlFuttaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 216,000 - 324,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim Real Estate is seeking a Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist in Dubai, UAE to manage cost booking, invoice processing, and vendor reconciliations with strong controls and VAT compliance. The role supports digital transformation through SAP, OCR, and workflow automation.

The position requires 3–5 years of experience in accounts payable or cost control, and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in accounts payable, cost control, or similar role.
• Proficiency with financial systems such as SAP and workflow automation tools.
• Ability to analyse financial information, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Validate invoices and support documentation for cost booking and GRN accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with internal approvals and VAT guidelines.
• Coordinate with Finance to obtain invoices and recognise liabilities timely.
• Review ageing and open items to support timely project closure.
• Investigate discrepancies with vendors and business teams; correct as needed.
• Lead monthly batch payment runs and manage exceptions with proper approvals.
• Support automation initiatives to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Skills

Accounts payable

Cost control

Vendor reconciliation

VAT compliance

Process improvement

Data analysis

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

SAP

OCR

Workflow automation

Job description

Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist Job Snapshot

Role: Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist

Location: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Real Estate

Function: Accounting-Finance

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in accounts payable, cost control, or a similar financial role

Job Type: Full Time

Position Overview

Al-Futtaim Real Estate is hiring a Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist in Dubai, UAE to support accurate cost booking, invoice processing, vendor reconciliation, ageing analysis, and financial reporting. The role focuses on maintaining reliable financial records while ensuring that payments and cost recognition follow internal approvals, VAT requirements, and established financial controls. The position also contributes to digital transformation across finance operations by identifying opportunities to automate accounts payable and cost control activities. Working with Finance, IT, Shared Services, vendors, and business teams, the specialist will help improve process efficiency, data quality, and financial accuracy through SAP, workflow automation, OCR, AI, and related technologies.

Job Details

Country: UAE

City: Dubai

Industry: Real Estate

Function: Accounting-Finance

Salary: Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality: Not specified

Job Type: Full Time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Cost Booking and Invoice Processing

• Validate invoices and supporting documentation before completing accurate and timely GRN and cost booking.
• Ensure transactions comply with internal approval requirements and applicable VAT guidelines.
• Coordinate with central Finance to obtain invoices and support timely recognition of liabilities.
• Review the Delivery Order file weekly and follow up on missing invoices requiring cost recognition.
• Investigate invoice and cost-booking discrepancies with vendors and relevant business teams.
• Manage the monthly batch payment run and help minimise out-of-cycle payments.
• Process exceptional payment requests after obtaining the required approvals.
• Follow the approved Delegation of Authority for cost booking and payment activities.

Reporting and Ageing Analysis

The specialist will maintain and regularly review vendor advance ageing and Goods Receipt - Invoice Receipt ageing reports. Accurate monitoring of outstanding balances is required to identify issues early, support appropriate follow-up, and maintain reliable financial reporting.

Vendor Reconciliation and Open Items

• Review open purchase orders and initiate required actions to support timely project closure.
• Monitor GR - IR balances and vendor advances.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to obtain and clear outstanding invoices.
• Follow up on long-outstanding financial items and support their timely resolution.
• Investigate discrepancies and ensure appropriate corrective action is taken.
• Maintain accurate records of open items and follow-up activities.

Digital Transformation, Automation and AI

• Identify Accounts Payable and cost control processes that can be automated to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of digital workflow tools including M-Files, SAP, and OCR solutions.
• Apply AI tools to invoice validation, exception management, duplicate detection, and data quality reviews.
• Analyse process bottlenecks and recommend practical automation opportunities.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, and Shared Service teams on robotics and workflow initiatives.
• Support development of self-service reporting solutions that improve access to financial information and reduce manual processing.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of accounts payable and cost control procedures.
• Knowledge of financial controls, approval processes, and reporting requirements.
• Experience with digital transformation, AI, or process automation initiatives.
• Ability to analyse financial information and identify discrepancies.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective coordination and communication skills.
• Ability to work across Finance, IT, Shared Services, vendors, and operational teams.
• Experience using financial and workflow systems.
• Ability to identify opportunities for process efficiency and operational improvement.

What Qualifies You for the Role

• Bachelor 's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in accounts payable, cost control, or a similar financial position.
• Proficiency with financial systems such as SAP.
• Experience with workflow automation tools.
• Strong analytical skills for financial reconciliation, discrepancy management, and reporting.
• High attention to detail when processing and reviewing financial transactions.

About Al-Futtaim Real Estate

Al-Futtaim Real Estate is part of Al-Futtaim and has more than six decades of experience in real estate development and asset management. Its diversified portfolio spans residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure, and other property sectors across the MENA region. The business plans, develops, and manages major destinations including Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City. It is also responsible for Al-Futtaim Contracting, an integrated division delivering construction, engineering, technology, and facilities management solutions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.