Financial Analyst jobs in United Arab Emirates

Job Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Accountant with substantial experience in vessel chartering operations and financial oversight within the UAE maritime sector. The ideal candidate must hold a professional certification (CPA or ACCA) and possess deep expertise in managing banking facilities, cost control, and digitizing accounting processes. A strong command of invoicing, bookkeeping, and QuickBooks is essential to this role.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Maintain and manage all accounting entries related to vessel chartering, including revenue recognition, voyage expenses, and cost allocation.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS and UAE regulations.
• Oversee general ledger reconciliation and manage journal entries for complex financial transactions.

Invoicing, Bookkeeping, and Software

• Prepare, issue, and track invoices for vessel chartering and related marine services in a timely and accurate manner.
• Record all invoicing and receivable transactions with complete supporting documentation.
• Ensure robust and organized bookkeeping practices, maintaining accurate ledgers and supporting audit readiness.
• Handle vendor invoicing and expense matching, with regular reconciliation of payable accounts.
• Must have proven experience using QuickBooks for full-cycle accounting, including invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and financial reporting.

Banking & Financial Facilities

• Coordinate with banks and financial institutions for the management of credit lines, term loans, and working capital facilities.
• Prepare and review loan agreements, covenant reports, interest and repayment schedules, and related documentation.
• Maintain strong relationships with banking partners and ensure compliance with all facility terms and conditions.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the budgeting process for vessel operations and support cost-control initiatives across departments.
• Provide financial insights to management regarding vessel profitability, utilization rates, and operating margins.
• Conduct variance analysis and advise on corrective actions when financial performance deviates from forecasts.

Digitization & Process Improvement

• Champion the transition from traditional accounting to digital platforms for invoicing, approvals, and reporting.
• Work closely with IT and finance teams to implement workflow automation tools and system integrations.
• Drive adoption of cloud-based accounting tools and ensure consistency in digital record-keeping across all functions.

Regulatory & Audit Compliance

• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT regulations and other statutory requirements.
• Support external and internal audit processes by preparing required documentation and addressing audit queries.
• Maintain internal control procedures for financial accuracy and risk mitigation.

Skills

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master’s Degree is a plus).
• CPA or ACCA certification is mandatory.
• Minimum 8 years of accounting experience in the UAE, with at least 5 years in the vessel chartering or maritime sector.
• Proven hands-on experience with QuickBooks and other accounting systems (ERP preferred).
• Strong background in invoicing, bookkeeping, and full-cycle accounting practices.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE banking sector practices and facility structuring.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Fluent in English (Arabic is a plus).