Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist

Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist Job Snapshot

Role: Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist

Location: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Real Estate

Function: Accounting-Finance

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in accounts payable, cost control, or a similar financial role

Job Type: Full Time

Position Overview

Al-Futtaim Real Estate is hiring a Cost Control and Accounts Payable Specialist in Dubai, UAE to support accurate cost booking, invoice processing, vendor reconciliation, ageing analysis, and financial reporting. The role focuses on maintaining reliable financial records while ensuring that payments and cost recognition follow internal approvals, VAT requirements, and established financial controls. The position also contributes to digital transformation across finance operations by identifying opportunities to automate accounts payable and cost control activities. Working with Finance, IT, Shared Services, vendors, and business teams, the specialist will help improve process efficiency, data quality, and financial accuracy through SAP, workflow automation, OCR, AI, and related technologies.

Job Details

Country: UAE

City: Dubai

Industry: Real Estate

Function: Accounting-Finance

Salary: Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality: Not specified

Job Type: Full Time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Cost Booking and Invoice Processing

• Validate invoices and supporting documentation before completing accurate and timely GRN and cost booking.
• Ensure transactions comply with internal approval requirements and applicable VAT guidelines.
• Coordinate with central Finance to obtain invoices and support timely recognition of liabilities.
• Review the Delivery Order file weekly and follow up on missing invoices requiring cost recognition.
• Investigate invoice and cost-booking discrepancies with vendors and relevant business teams.
• Manage the monthly batch payment run and help minimise out-of-cycle payments.
• Process exceptional payment requests after obtaining the required approvals.
• Follow the approved Delegation of Authority for cost booking and payment activities.

Reporting and Ageing Analysis

The specialist will maintain and regularly review vendor advance ageing and Goods Receipt - Invoice Receipt ageing reports. Accurate monitoring of outstanding balances is required to identify issues early, support appropriate follow-up, and maintain reliable financial reporting.

Vendor Reconciliation and Open Items

• Review open purchase orders and initiate required actions to support timely project closure.
• Monitor GR - IR balances and vendor advances.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to obtain and clear outstanding invoices.
• Follow up on long-outstanding financial items and support their timely resolution.
• Investigate discrepancies and ensure appropriate corrective action is taken.
• Maintain accurate records of open items and follow-up activities.

Digital Transformation, Automation and AI

• Identify Accounts Payable and cost control processes that can be automated to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of digital workflow tools including M-Files, SAP, and OCR solutions.
• Apply AI tools to invoice validation, exception management, duplicate detection, and data quality reviews.
• Analyse process bottlenecks and recommend practical automation opportunities.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, and Shared Service teams on robotics and workflow initiatives.
• Support development of self-service reporting solutions that improve access to financial information and reduce manual processing.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of accounts payable and cost control procedures.
• Knowledge of financial controls, approval processes, and reporting requirements.
• Experience with digital transformation, AI, or process automation initiatives.
• Ability to analyse financial information and identify discrepancies.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective coordination and communication skills.
• Ability to work across Finance, IT, Shared Services, vendors, and operational teams.
• Experience using financial and workflow systems.
• Ability to identify opportunities for process efficiency and operational improvement.

What Qualifies You for the Role

• Bachelor 's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in accounts payable, cost control, or a similar financial position.
• Proficiency with financial systems such as SAP.
• Experience with workflow