Senior Associate- External Finance Services

Job Title: Senior Associate- External Finance services.

Location: DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), Dubai, UAE

Company: Acclime UAE

Reports to: Head of Finance

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Associate – External Finance Services to join our dynamic consulting firm. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of multiple clients across a wide range of industries. This role will support clients in DIFC, ADGM, and the broader UAE market, providing outsourced finance and accounting services tailored to their business needs.

The role also includes acting as Finance Officer for entities in DIFC and ADGM, ensuring compliance with DFSA and FSRA regulations and managing related reporting requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance, accounting, and business consulting, with prior experience serving as a Finance Officer in DIFC and/or ADGM, and a deep understanding of local regulations and practices within these two key financial hubs.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with IFRS, UAE regulatory requirements, and local GAAP.
• Review and manage client’s cash flow, accounts payable/receivable, and bank reconciliations.
• Provide accurate and timely financial reports to clients, highlighting key financial metrics and insights.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes for clients.

Regulatory Compliance & Taxation:

• Ensure compliance with the financial regulatory frameworks of DIFC, ADGM, and the UAE, including VAT and corporate tax filings.
• Act as Finance Officer for clients registered in DIFC and ADGM, fulfilling relevant statutory and regulatory obligations under DFSA and FSRA.
• Advise clients on financial regulations, tax matters, and business structures.
• Manage monthly VAT returns, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Support in audits and liaise with auditors as required for client companies.

Accounts Management & Systems:

• Manage client accounting systems (ERP, Business Central, QuickBooks, Xero, or similar) and ensure proper record-keeping.
• Oversee the preparation of accounts and supporting documentation for clients.
• Ensure proper invoicing and financial transactions are processed in a timely and accurate manner.

Client Relationship Management:

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients on all financial matters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing high-quality financial advice and proactive solutions.
• Attend client meetings to understand their needs and ensure financial processes are aligned with business goals.

Process Improvement & Strategy:

• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs for clients.
• Assist in the development of business strategies by providing financial insights and performance analysis.
• Offer advisory support to clients on financial strategy, capital management, and investment decisions.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments, including operations, tax, and legal, to deliver comprehensive solutions to clients.
• Mentor junior finance staff, assisting in their development and training.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (CPA, ACCA, CFA, or similar professional certification preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or a related field, preferably with outsourced or consulting services.
• In-depth knowledge of DIFC, ADGM regulations, and UAE financial reporting standards.
• Experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, Dynamics, SAP, or similar ERP systems.