Senior Accounts Payable Accountant

Antal International; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading GCC organization is seeking an Accounts Payable professional to manage all aspects of their AP function. This role includes ensuring compliance, optimizing processes, and collaborating across departments. The ideal candidate will have a degree in accounting and at least 7 years of experience, along with strong analytical skills and hands-on experience with ERP systems. Join us for a chance to shape the AP function in a prestigious environment with significant growth opportunities.

Benefits

Opportunity to lead and shape the AP function

Professional growth in a high-performance environment

Exposure to cross-functional projects

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in accounts payable or corporate finance.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and financial compliance.
• Strategic mindset focusing on operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full accounts payable cycle, ensuring accurate processing.
• Support development of AP strategies aligned with financial objectives.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure alignment on financial commitments.
• Provide training and support to junior team members.

Skills

Strong knowledge of accounting principles

Excellent analytical skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Hands-on experience with ERP systems

Advanced Excel skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or Finance

Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CMA)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Summary

Our client is one of the leading organizations in the GCC, known for excellence, innovation, and strong corporate governance. As part of their growth and focus on operational efficiency, they are looking for a highly skilled Accounts Payable professional to manage and optimize their AP function.

The role requires someone who can ensure efficiency, compliance, and strategic financial support, while contributing to the overall success of the finance team. Our focus should be on sourcing candidates with strong accounts payable expertise, process optimization skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Role Overview

This is a pivotal role within the finance department, responsible for overseeing all aspects of accounts payable operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution of financial obligations. The role requires a candidate with strong accounting knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to influence and implement strategic improvements across the AP function. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of accounting operations and be capable of driving process optimization while supporting organizational financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations

• Oversee the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice processing, expense reimbursements, vendor payments, and journal entries.
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of transactions while adhering to internal controls, company policies, and statutory compliance requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, resolving queries and discrepancies efficiently.
• Perform vendor statement reconciliations and ensure proper documentation for all transactions.
• Monitor aging reports and implement measures to optimize cash flow while maintaining supplier relationships.

Strategic Planning & Improvement

• Support the development and implementation of AP strategies aligned with the company’s financial objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process automation, efficiency gains, and risk mitigation within AP operations.
• Collaborate with the finance leadership to develop policies, procedures, and best practices for the accounting function.
• Analyze AP trends, payment cycles, and operational metrics to provide actionable insights to management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Advisory

• Work closely with procurement, operations, and project teams to ensure alignment on financial commitments and approval workflows.
• Provide support to budgeting, forecasting, and cost management initiatives by providing accurate AP data and analysis.
• Assist in financial reporting, month‑end and year‑end closing, and preparation of audit schedules.
• Act as a key point of contact during internal and external audits for accounts payable.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide guidance, training, and support to junior team members to build AP capability within the department.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and professional development initiatives within the finance team.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure strict adherence to company policies, statutory requirements, and accounting standards.
• Stay updated with regulatory changes in the GCC region that impact accounts payable and financial reporting.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related discipline; professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CMA) is highly desirable.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in accounts payable or corporate finance, preferably in large organizations in the GCC.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial compliance.
• Hands‑on experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and high‑volume transactions with accuracy.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and influence stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Join Us

• Be part of one of the largest and most prestigious companies in the GCC.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the AP function and influence accounting strategy.
• Exposure to cross-functional projects and high‑impact initiatives.
• Professional growth in a collaborative, high-performance work environment.