Accounting & Tax Specialist (Senior Associate / Senior Advisor)

About the Role

We are looking for a sharp, hands-on Accounting & Tax Specialist to join our growing team in Dubai. This role is ideal for someone who is already operating at Senior Associate / Senior Advisor level, is comfortable taking ownership of work, and can independently manage a portfolio of clients across diverse industries while leading and mentoring a small team.

You'll be working across accounting, VAT, corporate tax, transfer pricing and CFO/advisory mandates, so we're looking for someone who is both technically sound and confident in front of clients.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Engagement Management

• Independently manage a portfolio of clients across multiple industries (SMEs, startups, mid-sized groups, etc.).

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients on accounting, VAT, corporate tax, and related advisory matters.

• Understand client business models and provide proactive recommendations to improve controls, profitability, and compliance.

Accounting & Closing

• Oversee end-to-end bookkeeping and month-end / year-end closing, including accruals, prepayments, provisions, and intercompany reconciliations.

• Review and finalize trial balances, P&L, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

• Ensure accurate GL mapping, reconciliations (banks, vendors, customers, intercompany, payroll) and overall data integrity.

Tax – VAT, Corporate Tax & Transfer Pricing

• Handle UAE VAT compliance: VAT return review, VAT reconciliations, adjustments, and dealing with basic FTA queries.

• Support UAE Corporate Tax computations: adjusting accounting profit, identifying disallowed expenses, related party transactions, and preparing workings for tax filings.

• Assist in transfer pricing documentation and analysis for related party transactions (basic understanding of OECD/TP principles expected).

CFO & Advisory Support

• Support in management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and KPI dashboards for clients.

• Participate in advisory projects (e.g., structuring, process improvement, system implementation support, profitability analysis).

• Prepare clear, concise presentations and summaries for management and board-level reviews.

Team Leadership & Review

• Lead and mentor a team of 10+ junior/mid-level team members.

• Review team deliverables for accuracy and quality, provide constructive feedback and on-the-job training.

• Help set up and improve internal processes, checklists and SOPs.

Requirements

• Current Level: Senior Associate / Senior Advisor (or equivalent) in accounting/tax/advisory.

• Total Experience: Minimum 5+ years overall in accounting, audit, tax or advisory.

• UAE Experience: Minimum 2+ years of relevant work experience within the UAE (mandatory).

• Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of UAE VAT rules and practical application.

• Good understanding of UAE Corporate Tax framework and its impact on SMEs and groups.

• Exposure to transfer pricing and related party transactions is a strong plus.

• Solid grounding in accounting standards, month-end closing, and financial statement preparation.

• Team Management: Proven experience leading/managing a team of at least 5 people, including reviewing their work.

• Client-Facing Skills:

• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal).

• Confident in handling client calls, explaining complex topics simply, and managing expectations.

• Systems & Tools:

• Comfortable working on accounting software (e.g., Zoho Books, Xero, QuickBooks, or similar) and Excel.

• Qualifications (Preferred, not mandatory):

• ACCA / CA / CPA / CMA or equivalent professional qualification (completed or in final stages).

What We're Looking For (Personality & Mindset)

• Someone sharp, detail-oriented and organised.

• Comfortable handling multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously.

• Proactive, not just "task doer" – someone who thinks like a trusted advisor/CFO to clients.

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for quality and timelines.