Engineering - Electrical & ElectronicsEngineering - Mechanical & Industrial
17 Aug
Senior Accountant
Position: Senior AccountantLocation: Dubai, United Arab EmiratesEmployment Type: Full-Time, PermanentIndustry: Electro-Mechanical / Engineering ServicesDepartment: Finance & AccountsReporting To: Finance Manager / General Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Senior Accountant to lead and manage the Finance & Accounts function of an established electro-mechanical company in Dubai.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the end-to-end accounting and financial operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong financial controls, regulatory compliance, cash-flow management, and timely month-end and year-end closing.
This is a hands-on departmental leadership position requiring an individual who can independently manage the accounting function while working closely with senior management, project teams, procurement, commercial, HR, and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Accounting & Financial Operations
Lead and oversee the complete accounting function and day-to-day financial operations.
Manage the full accounting cycle, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, bank reconciliations, accruals, provisions, prepayments, and fixed assets.
Ensure accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions.
Review accounting entries, supporting documentation, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities.
Prepare and maintain accurate financial schedules and supporting documentation.
2. Financial Reporting & Management Accounts
Prepare monthly management accounts, financial statements, and financial performance reports.
Provide management with meaningful analysis of revenue, costs, margins, profitability, working capital, and cash flow.
Monitor budget versus actual performance and highlight significant variances.
Prepare financial reports and analysis to support management decision-making.
Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial information to senior management.
3. Project & Contract Accounting
Monitor accounting and financial performance across electro-mechanical projects and contracts.
Track project revenue, direct costs, overheads, work-in-progress, retention, advances, and project profitability.
Coordinate with project and commercial teams regarding project billing, variations, claims, and outstanding receivables.
Monitor project-level cost control and identify potential financial risks.
Support project teams with financial analysis and commercial reporting.
4. Accounts Receivable & Payable
Oversee customer invoicing, collections, receivables ageing, and follow-up of outstanding balances.
Monitor customer credit exposure and ensure timely escalation of overdue accounts.
Manage supplier invoices, payment schedules, vendor reconciliations, and outstanding payables.
Ensure appropriate controls and approvals are followed for all payments.
5. Cash Flow & Treasury Management
Prepare and maintain accurate short- and medium-term cash-flow forecasts.
Monitor daily cash positions and planned payments.
Coordinate with management and banking partners on banking transactions and financial requirements.
Support effective working-capital management.
6. VAT, Tax & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with applicable UAE VAT and other relevant financial and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate VAT calculations, reconciliations, returns, and supporting documentation.
Maintain accurate financial records for tax and audit purposes.
Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and other financial stakeholders when required.
7. Internal Controls & Governance
Establish and maintain effective accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Identify financial risks, control gaps, and process inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
Ensure proper segregation of duties, authorization controls, and financial documentation.
Maintain organized and audit-ready accounting records.
8. Team & Department Leadership
Lead, supervise, and develop the Finance & Accounts team.
Allocate responsibilities and establish clear departmental priorities and deadlines.
Review the quality and accuracy of work completed by accounting team members.
Provide guidance and support on accounting, reporting, reconciliation, and compliance matters.
Drive improvements in accounting processes, systems, and reporting standards.
9. Audit & External Stakeholder Management
Coordinate internal and external audit requirements.
Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, supporting documentation, and financial information.
Respond to audit queries and ensure timely resolution of identified issues.
Maintain professional relationships with banks, auditors, suppliers, customers, and other financial stakeholders.
Key Deliverables
The successful candidate will be expected to:
Take full ownership of the Finance & Accounts function.
Ensure accurate and timely monthly financial closing.
Maintain strong control over receivables, payables, cash flow, and working capital.
Provide reliable management accounts and financial insights.
Maintain accurate project-level financial reporting.
Ensure UAE VAT and regulatory compliance.
Strengthen financial controls and accounting processes.
Lead and develop the accounting team effectively.
Candidate Profile
Education
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline.
Professional qualification such as CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA or equivalent is highly desirable.
Experience
7–12 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, preferably within an electro-mechanical, MEP, engineering, contracting, construction, or project-based environment.
Proven experience managing the end-to-end accounting function.
Previous experience leading or supervising an accounting/finance team.
Strong exposure to project accounting, management reporting, cash flow, receivables, payables, and financial controls.
UAE experience is strongly preferred.
Technical Competencies
Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
Good understanding of UAE VAT and applicable financial regulations.
Strong Excel and financial reporting skills.
Experience with ERP/accounting systems.
Strong understanding of project costing and profitability analysis.
Ability to analyse financial data and translate it into actionable business insights.
Leadership & Personal Attributes
Strong ownership and accountability.
Commercially aware and financially astute.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead a finance function and work effectively with senior management.
What the Role Offers
This position provides an opportunity for an experienced finance professional to lead and take ownership of the complete Finance & Accounts function within a growing electro-mechanical business, with direct exposure to senior management, projects, commercial operations, and strategic financial decision-making.
Note: Only candidates meeting the required experience and technical criteria will be considered.