Chief Accountant

The Chief Accountant role is a senior finance position responsible for taking full ownership of the accounting function and ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. Based in Sharjah, UAE, this role will lead the month-end close, strengthen financial controls, and partner closely with senior leadership to support informed business decisions.

Client Details

Our client is a privately held organisation operating within a fast-growing, commercially driven sector. The business has a multi-faceted operating model, a strong regional footprint, and a focus on building scalable, well-governed finance operations to support its continued growth in the UAE.

Description

· Take end-to-end ownership of the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy and adherence to reporting timelines

· Prepare and review financial statements including profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow in line with IFRS standards

· Deliver clear and insightful management reports with variance analysis, key performance indicators, and financial commentary

· Oversee complex accounting entries including accruals, prepayments, provisions, foreign exchange revaluations, and adjustments

· Act as the primary finance contact for external auditors and manage the year-end audit process through to completion

· Design, implement, and maintain robust internal controls across all accounting activities

· Identify process inefficiencies and drive continuous improvements, including system and ERP enhancements

· Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team across general ledger, payables, receivables, and treasury support

· Oversee accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring strong controls over invoicing, collections, supplier payments, and reconciliations

· Review daily cash positions, bank reconciliations, and support cash flow forecasting and working capital management

· Ensure accurate payroll validation, statutory deductions, and correct general ledger postings

· Manage intercompany accounting and reconciliations across entities

· Ensure full compliance with UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, ESR, and other regulatory and statutory requirements

· Maintain audit-ready documentation and stay up to date with regulatory and accounting standard changes impacting the business

Profile

· 6 to 8 years of progressive accounting experience within the UAE

· Professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA, CMA, ACCA, or equivalent

· Proven experience owning a full month-end close process in a mid-sized or complex organisation

· Strong working knowledge of IFRS, UAE VAT, and UAE Corporate Tax

· Experience with ERP systems and strong Excel capability

· Demonstrated ability to strengthen internal controls and improve finance processes

· Prior experience managing or mentoring junior accounting staff

· Candidates must be currently based in the UAE

Job Offer

· Senior, hands-on finance role with high visibility to leadership

· Opportunity to shape and strengthen the accounting function

· Exposure to a growing and evolving business environment

· Supportive leadership team with a focus on long-term development