Head of Accounts

Antal International Network; United Arab Emirates; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Head of Accounting to manage end-to-end accounting and financial operations. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in the Oil & Gas or Energy sectors, with strong leadership skills and expertise in IFRS. This role involves ensuring compliance, leading financial reporting, and optimizing accounting processes across multinational environments. Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant accounting experience, with strong exposure to leadership roles.
• Experience working within a multinational company environment is highly preferred.
• Proven experience managing financial operations across multiple countries or export markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee customer billing and collections for export markets.
• Manage the full accounts payable cycle, ensuring compliance with policies.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closing activities.

Skills

Financial analysis

Leadership

Cost accounting

Inventory management

IFRS expertise

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting or finance

Professional certification (CPA / CMA / CA / ACCA)

Tools

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)

Job description

Overview

Functional Team Size: 6 Direct Reports

Role Purpose

The Head of Accounting leads end-to-end accounting and financial operations, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and regulatory compliance. This role oversees core accounting functions including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and month-end closures, while supporting cost control, inventory valuation, and export-related financial documentation.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned finance professional with experience operating in complex, multinational environments. Background within the Oil & Gas sector (downstream experience preferred) or the broader Energy industry is highly desirable. Candidates with audit firm experience and a strong understanding of IFRS and manufacturing operations will be considered a strong value add.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations Management

• Lead and manage day-to-day accounting operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and accounting standards in line with IFRS and local GAAP.
• Ensure effective functioning of financial systems supporting sales, production, procurement, and logistics.
• Manage bank reconciliations and coordinate with treasury to monitor cash flow, maintain liquidity, and optimize working capital.

Accounts Receivable (AR) Management

• Oversee customer billing, collections, and receipt postings across export markets.
• Ensure accuracy of export sales invoices, certificates of origin, and customs-related financial documentation.
• Analyze AR aging reports, track overdue balances, and lead collection efforts to meet targeted DSO levels.
• Collaborate with Export Sales and Logistics teams to resolve billing or documentation discrepancies.

Accounts Payable (AP) Management

• Manage the full AP cycle, including invoice verification, approvals, and timely payments.
• Ensure compliance of vendor transactions (local and international) with procurement, tax, and customs policies.
• Review supplier contracts and payment terms to support cash flow efficiency.
• Maintain accurate accounting of imports, freight, and customs duties related to raw materials and packaging.

Monthly, Quarterly & Year-End Financial Closing

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities, ensuring timely reconciliation and accurate accruals.
• Prepare and review management reports including P&L, balance sheet, variance analysis, and cost reports.
• Ensure accurate recording of intercompany transactions, forex adjustments, and provisions.
• Support consolidation and group reporting in line with corporate timelines.

Cost Accounting & Inventory Control

• Oversee product costing, BOM validation, and variance analysis for manufacturing operations.
• Review inventory valuation and ensure accurate accounting of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations teams to monitor cost efficiency, yield, and wastage.

Audit, Compliance & Governance

• Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure audit readiness and clean audit outcomes.
• Ensure timely compliance with tax filings, VAT returns, customs regulations, and statutory reporting.
• Maintain and enhance internal financial policies aligned with corporate governance standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team to drive high performance and accuracy.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Drive process automation and digitization to improve efficiency and reporting quality.

Scope of Action

• Geographical: UAE – Responsible for accounting, financial reporting, and treasury functions across the business and its allied entities.
• Technical: Strategic accounting leadership, financial analysis, compliance, systems development, and audit management.
• Temporal: End-to-end financial management from planning and execution to reporting and team supervision.
• Accurate monthly financial closures completed within corporate deadlines.
• Improved AR performance with DSO targets achieved.
• Timely AP processing within agreed vendor credit terms.
• Accurate product costing and inventory valuation within acceptable variance thresholds.
• Zero major audit findings and full statutory and group compliance.
• Improved working capital through effective AR, AP, and inventory management.

Key Stakeholders

• CFO (Line Manager)
• Accounting Team
• Cross-functional Managers
• Other internal and external stakeholders as required

Competencies, Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certification required: CPA / CMA / CA / ACCA.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant accounting experience, with strong exposure to leadership roles.
• Industry preference: Oil & Gas, Energy sector, or related manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within a multinational company environment is highly preferred.
• Strong expertise in IFRS, cost accounting, and inventory management.
• Proven experience managing financial operations across multiple countries or export markets.
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Innovative and career-driven individuals who are ambitious, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and embrace change with a positive mindset.
• IFRS & Financial Reporting Excellence
• Cost Accounting & Inventory Management
• Accounts Receivable & Export Accounting
• Accounts Payable, Treasury & Working Capital Management
• Audit, Compliance & Governance

Note

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