Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Location: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Retail & FMCG Distribution

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Company

The Little Birdy Group are a fast-growing UAE-based distribution business representing a portfolio of leading international brands across multiple retail channels. With a strong market presence and ambitious growth plans across the GCC, we are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Accountant to join and lead our finance team in Dubai.

Role Overview

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, and working capital management across the business. The ideal candidate will have strong experience within UAE retail and FMCG distribution environments, with a deep understanding of inventory accounting, trade receivables, rebate structures, supplier management, VAT, and financial controls.

This role requires a hands-on professional who can operate both strategically and operationally in a fast-paced distribution business, with strong communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Manage the full accounting cycle including GL, AP, AR, bank reconciliations, and month-end close
• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in line with IFRS
• Maintain accurate balance sheet schedules and reconciliations

Retail & FMCG Accounting

• Oversee inventory accounting, stock reconciliations, landed cost allocations, and margin analysis
• Manage foreign exchange buying to ensure FX leakage is mitigated
• Monitor working capital performance
• Manage receivables, collections, supplier payments to ensure they are settled on time
• Manage credit control to ensure customers in line with their commercial terms
• Manage accounting for any promotions, rebates, trade spend, and supplier agreements
• Analyse product and channel profitability

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT regulations and corporate policies
• Coordinate with auditors during annual audits
• Strengthen internal controls and financial processes
• Support implementation and optimisation of ERP/accounting systems

Business Support

• Advise senior management with regards to corporation tax requirements
• Assist management with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning
• Provide financial insights to support commercial and operational decisions
• Work closely with sales, supply chain, and operations teams

Requirements

Mandatory Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience
• Must hold a recognised professional accounting qualification:
• CA / ACCA / CPA / CMA or equivalent
• Experience within retail and FMCG
• Distribution environments
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and UAE VAT regulations
• Experience managing inventory-heavy businesses
• Advanced Excel and ERP system experience

Preferred

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal in English
• Experience in multi-brand distribution businesses
• Experience managing or mentoring junior finance staff
• Experience with Xero (our accounting software), SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar ERP systems
• Strong analytical and commercial finance skills