Chief Accountant

Confidential Careers; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Saudi Arabia is seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to manage all accounting operations, including general ledger and payroll. The role requires over 10 years of accounting experience, particularly in construction and real estate development. The ideal candidate should have strong leadership skills and proficiency in accounting standards like IFRS. This position offers a critical impact on financial integrity and compliance across all projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of accounting experience, with strong expertise in construction and real estate.
• 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial accounting role.
• Proficient in IFRS and financial regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger and payroll.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements compliant with accounting standards.
• Manage cash flow and forecast financial needs.

Skills

Construction accounting

Financial analysis

Leadership and team management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or CMA certification

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced and detail oriented Chief Accountant to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of accounting experience, with strong expertise in construction and real estate development projects, particularly residential buildings. This role is critical to ensuring the company’s financial integrity, compliance, and effective financial control across all development and construction activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, and payroll.
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements in compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Monitor financial performance and provide insights and recommendations for cost control and optimization within construction and real estate development projects.
• Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Develop, implement, and enforce accounting policies and procedures in line with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage cash flow and forecast financial needs to support construction and development project requirements.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop the accounting team to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Review and approve financial reports, project budgets, and financial forecasts.
• Ensure full compliance with tax and statutory requirements, including VAT, Zakat, and income tax filings.
• Coordinate with external auditors and ensure smooth and successful audit processes.
• Establish, implement, and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Support procurement and contracts departments by reviewing financial terms, variations, and payment schedules, ensuring alignment with approved budgets.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve financial discrepancies to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reporting.
• Enhance and optimize accounting systems, processes, and reporting tools to improve efficiency and support construction and real estate operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or CMA certification is a strong advantage).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven and solid experience in construction accounting and real estate development projects, especially residential buildings.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards (e.g., IFRS) and financial regulations.
• Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• High level of accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.