Chief Accountant

About the role

The Chief Accountant manages and oversees key accounting functions, including payroll, employee benefits, petty cash, cash sales accounting, VAT compliance and general ledger activities. The role ensures accurate financial records, timely transaction processing, compliance with UAE regulations and adherence to the company's financial policies and internal controls.

Key responsibilities

• Payroll and employee benefits: process monthly payroll accurately and on time, coordinate with HR on attendance, leave and deductions, comply with the UAE Wage Protection System, calculate and reconcile benefits such as leave salary, end-of-service gratuity, air tickets and medical insurance, and support payroll budgeting and forecasting.
• Petty cash and cash management: oversee petty cash transactions and reimbursements, verify supporting documents, perform periodic reconciliations and cash verification, and monitor outstanding employee advances.
• Cash sales accounting: record cash collections and sales, reconcile sales records with accounting records, ensure timely deposits and resolve discrepancies.
• VAT and tax: prepare and file periodic UAE VAT returns, reconcile input and output VAT, maintain supporting documentation per Federal Tax Authority requirements, and assist with corporate tax compliance.
• General accounting and reporting: maintain general ledger records, prepare journal entries, accruals and provisions, support month-end, quarterly and annual closing, and assist in preparing financial statements and management reports.
• Internal controls: ensure compliance with financial policies and approval authorities, strengthen controls over payroll, cash and tax, recommend process improvements and coordinate with HR, operations and finance.

Required profile

• Hands-on experience in payroll processing, employee benefits accounting, petty cash and cash sales accounting, VAT return preparation, general ledger accounting, financial reporting and month-end closing.
• Experience handling cash collections, maintaining internal controls and coordinating with HR and operational departments.
• Strong knowledge of UAE payroll regulations, WPS, UAE Labour Law, VAT regulations and accounting principles.

Required skills

• SAP Business One
• Advanced MS Excel
• Payroll and staff benefit reconciliations
• Cash management and internal controls
• Accuracy, attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, confidentiality, effective communication and time management