Regional Accounting Manager

Job Title: Regional Accounting Manager – Middle East Job Title: Regional Accounting Manager – Middle East Reports To: Global Finance Director Location: Dubai, UAE — Remote until the Dubai office is established Regional Scope: Group entities in the UAE Team: In-country accounting team and outsourced finance service providers Employment Type: Full-time / Permanent 1.ROLE OVERVIEW Reporting to the Global Finance Director, the Regional Accounting Manager – Middle East owns the accounting and financial reporting function for the Group's UAE entities. The role is responsible for accurate books, timely month-end close, reliable management reporting, strong financial controls, and effective support to regional operations. The role also coordinates routine tax, audit and regulatory matters as required. 2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 Accounting & Financial Reporting
Own day-to-day accounting and month-end close for the UAE entities, ensuring accurate and complete books under IFRS and Group accounting policies. Prepare monthly consolidated financial reports for the UAE holding structure, including entity-level reporting, intercompany reconciliations and elimination entries, with supporting schedules for Group reporting. Provide clear financial analysis on key results, variances, cash movements and other matters requiring management attention. Review key accounting areas including cash, receivables, payables, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, payroll and intercompany balances.
2.2 Compliance & Audit
Oversee routine UAE tax and regulatory compliance, working with external advisers where appropriate. Coordinate statutory audits and ensure complete, accurate supporting documentation is available. Coordinate transfer pricing and intercompany charging matters with Group and external advisers, ensuring charges are properly supported, consistently applied and documented. Escalate material accounting, tax or compliance issues to the Global Finance Director on a timely basis.
2.3 Process, Systems & Internal Control
Improve month-end close, accounting procedures and reporting processes to
increase speed, accuracy and control.
Maintain practical accounting procedures and support consistent application of
Group finance policies.
Maintain strong internal controls, approval workflows, segregation of duties and appropriate financial documentation. Support ERP implementation, system integrations, chart of accounts standardisation and finance process automation.
2.4 Cash, Banking & Business Partnering
Manage payment planning and cash requirements for the UAE entities in
coordination with Group Treasury.
Manage day-to-day banking administration, payment execution, mandates,
signatories and bank requests.
Oversee payroll accounting and related finance processes. Support vendor, invoicing and commercial processes from a finance and control perspective. Act as the main finance contact for regional stakeholders, providing practical
guidance on accounting, documentation and cost control. 2.5 Team Leadership
Lead and review the work of the local accounting team; set priorities and develop consistent ways of working. Manage outsourced accounting and other finance service providers against agreed scope, timelines and quality standards. Perform other finance and operational responsibilities assigned by the Global Finance Director.
3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field. Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CPA, CA or equivalent) preferred. 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally including a regional, multinational or shared-services environment. Experience in technology, software, digital platforms or another fast-moving international business is preferred. Strong IFRS knowledge and hands‑on experience with month‑end close, financial reporting, reconciliations and intercompany accounting. Practical experience working with UAE entities; familiarity with UAE tax and free zone requirements is preferred. Hands‑on experience preparing consolidated financial reports, including intercompany reconciliations and eliminations. Demonstrated ability to improve accounting processes and internal controls Strong ERP/accounting systems experience and advanced Excel skills. Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently in an international environment. Fluent English. Arabic is an advantage.
4. PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES
Big 4 or mid-tier audit background followed by in‑house finance experience. Experience in a cross‑border group with intercompany transactions, transfer pricing and regional consolidation. Experience improving finance processes, implementing systems or building a regional accounting function.