Dubai Management Accountant: Transfer Pricing & Grants

Heriot-Watt University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus is seeking a Management Accountant to provide high-quality financial support across the campus, delivering monthly variance analysis, balance sheet reconciliations and regulatory compliance.

You will oversee transfer pricing administration, project accounting for research grants, and coordinate internal and external audits, working with the UK finance team to align with group policy.

Qualifications

• Part-qualified or qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW, CPA or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in management accounting and financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, audit processes, and compliance.
• Proficiency in ERP finance systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience in intercompany accounting and reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts for the Dubai campus, including detailed monthly variance analysis and explanation of key movements.
• Maintain accurate balance sheet reconciliations and ensure compliance with University financial regulations.
• Support cashflow forecasting and working capital analysis.
• Oversee the financial administration of transfer pricing arrangements between Dubai campus and the global Heriot-Watt group.
• Ensure transfer pricing entries are accurately recorded, reconciled, and documented in line with global tax requirements.
• Maintain supporting schedules, agreements, and policy documentation for auditors and tax advisors.
• Monitor intercompany transactions and ensure timely settlement of balances.
• Collaborate with the UK finance team to ensure alignment with group policy and tax compliance.
• Provide financial administration and support for research grants and funded projects hosted in Dubai.
• Set up project codes, budgets, and financial tracking mechanisms.
• Ensure compliance with funder terms and conditions, including allowable costs and reporting formats.
• Prepare periodic financial reports for principal investigators (PIs) and research services.
• Support project audits and ensure timely closure of completed projects.
• Act as key point of contact for campus-level internal and external audit requests.
• Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, analysis, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure financial processes and controls adhere to University governance and audit recommendations.
• Implement corrective actions and improvements arising from audit findings.
• Support statutory reporting and year-end requirements in collaboration with the UK finance team.
• Ensure adherence to UAE VAT regulations, corporate compliance requirements, and Heriot-Watt financial policies.
• Strengthen internal controls, conduct regular process reviews, and support risk mitigation measures.
• Maintain documentation for policy, procedure, and compliance requirements (e.g., procurement, asset management, approvals).
• Provide proactive financial guidance to academic and professional services staff.
• Support senior leadership through analysis and insight to inform decision‑making.
• Deliver training and financial awareness sessions to non-finance colleagues.
• Respond to financial queries from auditors, regulators, tax consultants, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and efficiencies.
• Ensure data accuracy, system integrity, and adherence to best practice financial workflows.

Skills

Management accounting

Financial analysis

Financial controls

ERP finance systems

Excel skills

Intercompany accounting

Education

Part-qualified or qualified accountant

Tools

ERP Finance Systems

Job description

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus is seeking a Management Accountant to provide high-quality financial support across the campus, delivering monthly variance analysis, balance sheet reconciliations and regulatory compliance.

You will oversee transfer pricing administration, project accounting for research grants, and coordinate internal and external audits, working with the UK finance team to align with group policy.