Management Accountant - Dubai Campus

Heriot-Watt University; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Management Accountant to provide high-quality financial support across the Dubai Campus, ensuring accurate financial reporting, monthly variance analysis, and adherence to local regulatory requirements. The role includes transfer pricing administration, research accounting, and coordination of audits.

The successful candidate will work with the Dubai Campus team to ensure robust financial governance and support informed decision-making across the university’s

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts for Dubai campus with detailed variance analysis.
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations and ensure compliance with university regulations.
• Support cashflow forecasting and working capital analysis.
• Oversee transfer pricing administration between Dubai campus and global Heriot-Watt group.
• Maintain documentation for auditors and tax advisors.
• Set up project codes, budgets, and financial tracking for research grants and projects.
• Assist with internal and external audit coordination.

Job description

Job Description:

Job Title: Management Accountant

Grade: 6

Department: Finance

Location: Dubai Campus

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

Reports to: Financial Accountant

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.

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