Management Accountant

Heriot Watt University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot Watt University in Dubai Campus seeks a Management Accountant to deliver monthly management accounts, variances and strong governance across the campus.

You will oversee transfer pricing, research grants, audits, and compliance with UAE regulations, working closely with UK finance and local teams to ensure accurate reporting and proactive business partnering.

Qualifications

• Essential: Part qualified or qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW, CPA or equivalent).
• Essential: Demonstrated experience in management accounting and financial analysis.
• Essential: Strong understanding of financial controls, audit processes, and compliance.
• Essential: Proficiency in ERP finance systems and advanced Excel.
• Essential: Experience in intercompany accounting and reconciliations.
• Desirable: Experience in higher education or not-for-profit sector.
• Desirable: Prior involvement in transfer pricing processes.
• Desirable: Exposure to research/grant accounting.
• Desirable: Familiarity with UAE VAT and local compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts for the Dubai campus, including variance analysis.
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Support cashflow forecasting and working capital analysis.
• Oversee transfer pricing administration and intercompany accounting.
• Provide financial administration for research grants and funded projects.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and prepare schedules.
• Enhance controls, governance, and policy documentation.
• Drive process improvements and system enhancements.

Skills

Management accounting

Financial analysis

ERP systems

Excel advanced

Intercompany accounting

Financial controls

Audit processes

Compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Part qualified or qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW, CPA or equivalent)

Tools

ERP finance systems

Job description

Purpose of Role

The Management Accountant will provide high quality financial support across the Dubai campus, ensuring accurate financial reporting, monthly variance analysis, compliance with University policies, and adherence to local regulatory requirements. The role also provides specialist support in transfer pricing administration, research accounting, and audit coordination, contributing to strong financial governance and informed decision making.

Job Title: Management Accountant

Grade: 6

Department: Finance

Location: Dubai Campus

FTE and Working Pattern: 1, Fulltime 35 hours per week

Reports to: Financial Controller

Purpose of Role

The Management Accountant will provide high quality financial support across the Dubai campus, ensuring accurate financial reporting, monthly variance analysis, compliance with University policies, and adherence to local regulatory requirements. The role also provides specialist support in transfer pricing administration, research accounting, and audit coordination, contributing to strong financial governance and informed decision making.

Key Responsibilities

Management Accounting & Reporting

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.

Transfer Pricing Administration & Accounting

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.

Research Grants & Project Accounting

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.

Internal & External Audit Coordination

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.

Compliance, Controls & Governance

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).

Business Partnering & Stakeholder Support

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.

Systems & Process Improvement

Support effective use of the University s finance systems.

Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and efficiencies.

Ensure data accuracy, system integrity, and adherence to best practice financial workflows.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• Experience in higher education or not for profit sector.


• Prior involvement in transfer pricing processes.


• Exposure to research/grant accounting.


• Familiarity with UAE VAT and local compliance requirements.

Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem solving


• High attention to detail


• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement


• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines


• Proactive, solutions focused mindset


• Ethical judgement and integrity