Position Overview

Our client is a well established international organisation with a history spanning more than 100 years. The company is currently relocating part of its European operations to Dubai and is building its local presence from the ground up.

The Dubai office currently has three employees, making this an important standalone finance position with significant responsibility and visibility. The Financial Accountant will establish and manage the local finance function while supporting the wider business with financial reporting, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, controls, and commercial insights.

This position is suitable for someone who is comfortable working independently, creating processes, and operating within a growing business environment.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the day to day financial accounting activities of the Dubai operation
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
Manage general ledger activities, journal entries, accruals, prepayments, and account reconciliations
Lead month end and year end closing processes for the local entity
Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and investigate outstanding items
Produce accurate management reports and financial performance summaries
Analyse revenue, costs, margins, operating expenses, and profitability
Prepare budget versus actual analysis and explain key financial variances
Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
Develop financial models and reports to support management decision making
Monitor cash flow, working capital, receivables, payables, and financial commitments
Establish local finance policies, processes, procedures, and internal controls
Support the transition of financial operations and reporting activities from Europe to Dubai
Coordinate with the European headquarters and other international finance stakeholders
Manage local statutory, tax, audit, and regulatory reporting requirements
Support internal and external audits and provide the required financial documentation
Work closely with banks, auditors, tax advisers, suppliers, and external service providers
Provide commercial and financial insights to support the growth of the Dubai operation
Identify opportunities to improve reporting accuracy, efficiency, and financial controls

Candidate Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Professional qualification such as ACCA, ACA, CPA, CMA, or CIMA is strongly preferred
Strong experience in financial accounting, management reporting, and financial analysis
Experience managing month end closing, reconciliations, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
Strong knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting standards
Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modelling skills
Experience using ERP and financial accounting systems
Strong understanding of cash flow, working capital, and financial controls
Experience working in a standalone or small finance team is highly preferred
Comfortable establishing processes and operating within a business that is still building its local structure
Strong communication skills and the ability to work with international stakeholders
High level of accuracy, ownership, independence, and attention to detail
Must be comfortable working from the Jebel Ali office five days per week

Mandatory Industry Experience

Candidates will only be considered if they have relevant experience within at least one of the following industries:

Agriculture
Commodities
Tobacco
Oil and gas

Experience outside these industries will not be considered for this position.

Preferred Profile

Experience supporting the establishment of a new entity, office, or regional operation
Previous experience working with a European headquartered organisation
Exposure to international reporting structures and cross border finance operations
Experience combining financial accounting responsibilities with commercial financial analysis
Ability to work independently without an established local finance team

Financial Accountant - Dubai