Staff Accountant – Dubai Studio

OBMI; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

OBMI in Dubai is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to lead UAE operations accounting and financial reporting, partnering with project managers and studios across the region.

You will manage general ledger, month-end close, VAT, tax filings, audits, and internal controls within a design-focused global practice.

The role requires 7–10+ years in project accounting within AEC, with Deltek Vantagepoint proficiency and strong Excel skills; ACA/ACCA/CIMA a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required).
• 7–10+ years of project accounting experience in AEC or design firms preferred.
• Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent is a plus.
• Strong UAE VAT and Corporate Tax knowledge; familiarity with IFRS and UAE financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger across entities, departments, projects, and cost centers.
• Prepare and post journal entries including accruals, prepayments, provisions, payroll, depreciation, intercompany transactions and month-end adjustments.
• Execute monthly close and ensure AP/AR/payroll/fixed assets are reflected in the GL.
• Prepare balance-sheet reconciliations and investigate unusual items.
• Reconcile bank accounts, subledgers, project accounts, and VAT/tax accounts.
• Review project transactions to ensure costs are allocated to the correct projects and codes.
• Prepare VAT, corporate income tax, withholding tax schedules and other filings.
• Review monthly trial balances and analyze revenue, expenses, variances, and movements.
• Assist in preparing management accounts, P&L, balance sheet, cash flows, and reporting packages.
• Support external audits with reconciliations and documentation.

Skills

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Communication

Analytical skills

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Professional

We are designers of storied places.

OBMI is a global master planning, architecture, and interior design practice shaping luxury resorts, boutique hotels, private residences, and mixed-use destinations around the world.

For more than 90 years, we have created places deeply rooted in land, culture, and emotion, balancing imagination, craft, and care.

With studios in Miami, London, Dubai, and KSA, we collaborate globally to deliver holistic, experiential environments across the Middle East, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond. Clients see us as trusted advisors, drawn to our belief in thoughtful design, long-term value, and spaces that are both innovative and sustainable.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to join our finance team in Dubai. In this role, you’ll take responsibility for the accounting and financial reporting activities of our UAE operations while providing finance support across the wider MENA region.

This is a hands-on opportunity for an accounting professional with strong technical expertise who can independently manage the accounting cycle, partner effectively with teams across the business, and help strengthen financial controls and processes throughout the region.

About the Role

As Senior Accountant, you’ll play an important role in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of our financial reporting. From general ledger management and month-end close to reconciliations, tax support, project accounting, and audit preparation, you’ll help ensure our financial information is complete, accurate, and delivered on time.

You’ll work across our UAE operations and wider MENA region, collaborating with teams and stakeholders across the business to support accurate financial reporting, strong financial controls, and effective accounting processes.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain the general ledger, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded across the appropriate accounts, entities, departments, projects, and cost centers.
• Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals, prepayments, provisions, payroll, depreciation, intercompany transactions, reclassifications, and month-end adjustments.
• Execute monthly closing activities and ensure AP, AR, payroll, fixed assets, and other subledgers are accurately reflected in the general ledger.
• Prepare and review monthly balance-sheet reconciliations and investigate and resolve outstanding or unusual items.
• Reconcile bank accounts, payroll, AP and AR subledgers, project accounts, and VAT and tax accounts.
• Review project-related transactions to ensure revenue and expenses are allocated to the appropriate projects, phases, and cost codes.
• Prepare supporting schedules for VAT, corporate income tax, withholding tax, and other applicable filings.
• Review monthly trial balances and analyze revenue, expenses, variances, and unusual account movements.
• Assist in preparing monthly management accounts, P&L, balance sheet, cash-flow schedules, and financial reporting packages.
• Support external audits by preparing reconciliations, schedules, transaction samples, and supporting documentation and responding to auditor queries.
• Maintain strong documentation, approval trails, and adherence to accounting procedures, authorization requirements, and internal controls.

Who We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7-10+ years of project accounting experience, with experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry strongly preferred.
• Strong expertise in project-based accounting within architecture, engineering, or design firms.
• Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent experience, is a plus.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, with Deltek Vantagepoint required, and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including hands-on experience with UAE VAT and Corporate Tax and an understanding of IFRS and UAE financial reporting requirements.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to partner effectively with creative leaders and finance colleagues.
• An analytical, solutions-focused approach with the ability to interpret complex financial information and turn it into actionable insights.

Why OBMI

At OBMI, you’ll join a globally connected design practice where Finance plays an important role in supporting our studios, projects, and continued growth. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Support the financial operations of our UAE business and wider MENA region.
• Partner with Project Managers, Studio Leaders, and colleagues across a global organization.
• Strengthen financial controls, reporting, and accounting processes.
• Apply your project accounting expertise within an international architecture and design environment.
• Share your knowledge with others and help build greater confidence and accountability around financial systems and decision-making.