Group Accountant / Chief Accountant – Shipping Fleet

About the role

A group of companies that owns its own fleet and leases vessels without a crew (bareboat charter) is looking for an accountant to manage its financial and accounting functions. The role covers reliable accounting, timely reporting, budget and cash-flow control, settlements with charterers, and financial control over the fleet as the main asset. The office is based in Dubai.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and organize the accounting and financial services departments, set tasks, monitor deadlines and quality, and develop accounting policies and payment approval procedures.
• Organize accounting for all group legal entities under IFRS and UAE law, and prepare consolidated management reporting for the owners.
• Monitor VAT and corporate tax reporting, prepare for the annual audit and support inspections.
• Handle ship accounting: cost capitalization, depreciation, impairment testing, vessel insurance (H&M, P&I) and profitability analysis of each vessel and the fleet.
• Monitor rental payments from charterers, overdue debt, accounts payable, security deposits and guarantees, and maintain a register of contracts and obligations.
• Manage cash flows and liquidity, prepare and approve payments, work with UAE and foreign banks, and place funds on deposit.
• Monitor budgets, prepare the profit and loss and cash flow statements, and provide financial forecasts and scenario calculations.

Required profile

• Higher education in economics, finance or accounting.
• At least 7 years of experience as chief accountant and/or financial director.
• Experience in shipping, shipowning, leasing or another company with large fixed assets.
• Experience managing several legal entities and consolidating financial statements.
• Experience in budgeting, cash flow forecasting, treasury management and audits.
• Experience managing employees.
• UAE experience and knowledge of VAT and corporate tax.
• English at least B2; ACCA, CPA or DipIFRS is an advantage.

Required skills

• Proficient knowledge of IFRS, including IAS 16 and IFRS 16.
• Advanced Excel and experience with accounting systems.

What we offer

• Highly competitive compensation package.
• Dubai-based office role in a dynamic, professional environment.
• Full employment registration and compliance with UAE labour laws.
• Direct collaboration with business owners and a high degree of autonomy.